He doesn't come off as avaricious. If he were, he wouldn't have gone to such lengths to avoid the wealthy Lady's affections."

Noemi scrutinized her.

“Deanna, you've only met him twice, yet you're defending him. Have you fallen for him?"

Caught off guard, Deanna hastened to explain, “Mom, you're jumping to conclusions. I'm merely stating the facts!"

Noemi scoffed, "All those who orbit around Rosalynn are not to be trifled with. Keep your distance from now on."

Deanna blinked, thinking her mother was being rather unfair. But with Noemi still simmering, it was wiser to avoid any disagreements, so she agreed without protest.

Meanwhile, Selina managed to catch up with Brian.

“Brian, hold up."

Brian halted in his tracks and asked, “What do you need?"

His expression remained unreadable. Selina bit her lip as she regarded his striking features.

“Brian, have you been distant with me Lately?"

With a blank expression, Brian retorted, "I'm a married man. Isn't it appropriate to maintain some distance with a female friend?"

“But are we just friends? Are you planning to shun all women at work or in your daily Life?" Selina asked.

Brian cast a quick glance at her before stating, “That's my business, Selina. You don‘t have to pay heed to my mother's words. The affairs of the Hughes and Cruz families aren't your concern. You should focus on your own matters.”

With that, he started walking toward the elevator.

Selina's chest heaved as she trailed after him.

“You're acting this way because you're worried Rosalynn will get jealous, aren't you? Why do you care so much about her? Meanwhile, she spent the night with another man behind your back. Do you genuinely believe nothing happened between them? Brian, is your affection for her so deep that you've forsaken your principles?”

Brian halted in his tracks, his face abruptly hardened.

“Enough! She's my wife, and I trust her integrity."

A clenched fist betrayed Selina‘s frustration as she said, “Brian, you've become a stranger to me. You used to be aloof, yet your sense of justice was evident. You showed affection and friendship towards those around you. What about now? Just how indifferent have you become, all because of Rosalynn?

Your fear of her jealousy has led you to sever all ties with the women in your life. It's made you neglect Eleanor, who was pregnant with your child. Brian, be honest. Eleanor is currently in custody. Are you going to get her out?"

With a face as stern as a winter's evening, Brian took his time before finally responding with an icy detachment.