Chapter 251 Heartache
Speaking of this, Knox also felt a surge of emotion. "The charge of attempted murder is ultimately too serious. If she really was wrongly accused, Ms. Elikin deserves to have her name cleared."
Brandon didn't say anything, but as Knox had said, this charge was far too heavy.
Candice had carried this accusation for six long years.
He asked Knox, "Back then, I had you investigate this matter. What was the scene like that night?"
Knox answered honestly, "According to descriptions from some people at the scene, there were hundreds of people at the Elikin family's reunion banquet. After Vesper fell into the water, almost everyone was pointing at Ms. Candice Elikin and cursing."
"Some people said Ms. Candice Elikin kept trying to explain herself, but from beginning to end, no one believed her. Only Mr. Mason Elikin stood up for her."
Knox continued, "Before, many people cursed her online. The harsh words on the internet—if you stay offline, you can at least avoid seeing or hearing them."
"But at that time, those words, one by one, were hurled at her face, and all those people wore cruel and bitter expressions."
"Although there was no physical harm, that single night could become a lifelong shadow for anyone."
The more Brandon listened, the darker his expression became.
Knox knew that Brandon was probably starting to regret not showing up in time to stand up and protect Candice back then.
He must be feeling terribly distressed right now.
Knox didn't feel it was appropriate to say more, so he soon took his leave.
Not long after he left, Finnian called again.
"Brandon, news about Candice being attacked today has been posted online. Is it real or fake?"
Finnian's tone was filled with shock.
Brandon didn't answer, only asking, "Who filmed it?"
Finnian said, "Probably a passerby. Some netizens recognized the side profile, and Uly's fans, out of concern, pushed the news into the trending topics. I'm already working to suppress the buzz."
Brandon let out a heavy breath and said, "Suppress it. I don't want that video still circulating online anymore. She's fine."
Hearing this, Finnian didn't even have time to respond before shouting in shock, "What! So this is real? Is Candice injured? What about the attacker?"
Brandon said, "She's only slightly injured, and the attacker has already been caught!"
"That's a relief then."
At that moment, upstairs, Candice also received a call from her family.
After Ulysses asked about her injuries with concern, he angrily demanded, "How did Holden protect you? How could he let you get hurt? Didn't I tell him to arrange more bodyguards to protect you?"
"This isn't Holden's fault."
Candice quickly defended Holden. "There were too many people at the kindergarten entrance at the time, and the attacker had deliberately set up an ambush beforehand. No one could have predicted it."
Ulysses was still clearly displeased and said, "Then why didn't you tell me? It's been so long already. If I hadn't seen fans making a fuss, I wouldn't have known you were in trouble!"
Candice quickly explained, "I just didn't want to interrupt your work. It's not a serious injury."
But Ulysses was very worried and said sternly, "No way! I'm coming back to see you right now!"
"Don't!"
Candice quickly stopped him. "Your variety show is only halfway through recording. People will say you're acting like a diva! Besides, Mom and Dad will probably come over earlier too."
"Really?"
Ulysses asked, "When?"
Candice shook her head. "I don't know yet, but they should have seen this news by now. Do you think they'll just sit by and do nothing?"
Ulysses thought that made sense.
If their parents were going, he didn't need to be so anxious.
And just as Candice had guessed, right after she finished her call with Ulysses, Ainsley called.
Ainsley and Gabriel were clearly worried about her being attacked and immediately asked about her well-being.
Ainsley asked over the phone, "Candice, how are your injuries? Are they serious?"
None of the children in the family had ever experienced something like this, so seeing the news deeply worried Ainsley.
"Mom, I'm fine. It's just a minor external injury. I bled a little, but it only looks serious. See, Anais has already bandaged it for me."
Candice lifted her bandaged hand to show her through the video call.
Ainsley looked at the thick gauze, feeling deeply distressed. "You've suffered. Gabriel and I are coming to see you now. We'll probably arrive around dawn."
Candice quickly said, "There's no need, Mom. You and Dad don't have to rush over. Just come at the originally planned time. I'm really fine."
"I won't feel at ease until I see you with my own eyes."
Hearing Ainsley say this, Candice felt helpless.
She could only remind them, "Then be careful on the road. I'll have Orla prepare some late-night snacks so you and Dad can eat when you arrive."
"Okay."
Ainsley didn't refuse Candice's kindness.
After hanging up, Candice instructed Orla to prepare some late-night snacks before going to check if the children were asleep.
As soon as she entered, she heard Brandon telling the children a bedtime story.
He clearly had no experience, so the story sounded as if he were reading a document—stiff and lifeless.
Elijah sounded rather disdainful as he said, "Dad, your storytelling isn't as good as Mom's."
Yasmin nodded and lectured him, "Dad, you know what reciting is, right? People recite with expression and emotion. Telling stories is the same! If you tell them like this, kids won't like listening."
Brandon was left speechless by the two little ones and couldn't continue.
Candice rarely saw him at a loss and couldn't help but laugh.
The three people in the room immediately noticed her and looked toward her.
"Mommy!"
The two little ones, dressed in cute pajamas, turned over and got up to greet her warmly.
Candice responded and walked in, casting a glance at Brandon.
Brandon's eyes were filled with helplessness.
With a smile on her lips, Candice asked, "Should I tell the story instead?"
Elijah shook his head and said, "No need. Mommy's injured and needs to rest. Let Dad tell the stories and put the kids to sleep. He's never done it before anyway."
Yasmin stared at her hand worriedly and asked, "Mommy, does your wound hurt? Should I blow on it for you?"
As she spoke, she pursed her little lips and gently blew on Candice's wound a few times.
Candice's heart melted at the sight, and she told them, "It doesn't hurt. The medicine Mommy made is very effective."
The two little ones believed her and felt a little more at ease.
Candice rubbed their heads and said, "It's about time to sleep. Storytelling isn't something you can learn all at once. Take it slow and give him some time."
"Okay."
The two little ones thought her words made sense, nodded, and said, "Then we'll go to sleep. Good night, Mommy. Good night, Daddy!"
"Good night."
Candice nodded and gave each of them a kiss goodnight.
Soon, the two lay down obediently and went to sleep.
Candice helped tuck in their blankets before leaving the room.
Brandon followed her out.
Once outside, Candice took the chance to tell him, "My parents are coming tonight. They'll probably arrive around dawn. After Elijah falls asleep, take him back first."
"We can't let my parents find out about Elijah yet."
Brandon's expression stiffened slightly, but he didn't say anything.
It was because he knew their relationship hadn't progressed that far yet.
Candice's family was also particularly resistant to him.
If her parents found out about Elijah's existence, they would probably take a forceful stance to fight for his custody.
Candice didn't want to see that happen, and neither did Brandon.
Brandon nodded, then asked Candice, "When your parents come this time, they won't just take you back with them, will they?"
A trace of unspoken worry lingered in his heart.
He didn't know Candice's family well.
If they really took Candice away, he would have no way to stop them.
Candice hesitated at the question. It was hard to say, especially since she had been injured this time.
But she replied, "The third phase of research and development isn't finished yet, so I won't be leaving for now."
Brandon felt as though a weight had been lifted from his heart.
He let out a quiet sigh of relief and said, "That's good. Go rest. I'll wait here."
"Okay."
After Candice nodded, she turned to leave. Suddenly, her wrist tightened—he had grabbed it.
Candice turned back and looked at Brandon questioningly, her eyes asking, 'Is there something else?'
Brandon said, "You're just leaving like that without saying good night to me?"