The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride (Ethan and Janet)
Chapter 822 Longing For Warmth

Janet tossed the invitation card onto the nightstand before lying down on the bed.

She inhaled deeply and said, "Nothing."

Evidently, she was lost in her own world of thoughts.

Upon seeing the invitation card on the nightstand, Brandon took it and read it.

His recent work schedule had been fairly full. Many invitations had been sent to him and Janet to attend this charity event, but he had always declined.

"Would you want to attend this fundraising dinner?" Brandon raised an eyebrow and looked at the invitation before uttering calmly, "I do have two meetings on Saturday. But if you'd like to attend this charity dinner, I can always postpone my meetings until next week and accompany you."

Janet was hesitant. "I don't feel like it. However, when I contacted Laney just now, it looked like Mrs. Harding wanted her to attend the party. I'm just concerned about Laney because I sense that something bad might happen."

She turned and addressed Brandon, "As you are aware, Laney has never encountered such a scenario before. Laney will unquestionably be in a bad position if people purposefully cause her trouble." Brandon listened to Janet attentively as he looked her in the eye.

"Mrs. Harding went in Laney's room when we were on the phone, and I overheard their conversation. At the upcoming charity event, I have a feeling Mrs. Harding would like to humiliate Laney. Remember, I've been there before."

Janet clenched her teeth in contemplation. This was the type of conduct that she strongly disapproved of.

Brandon held the irate Janet in his arms and murmured in her ear while leaning against her, "Mrs. Harding and I met a few times while Garrett and I were both in high school. Back then, Garrett was known for his disobedience in school. His teachers were continually requesting his parents' presence at school. Mrs. Harding always acted with grace and tenderness, like the most loving mother in the world, whenever she visited. It was only later that I learned that his mother was quite possessive."

This factored into Garrett's rebellious character. This was a major reason why Garrett resisted taking over the Harding Group a few years ago.

"Garrett's leaving makes sense. Now it is very evident that Laney is sad within the Harding household." Janet let out a sigh.

For some reason, Brandon had never been curious about the family affairs of others. He wouldn't have mentioned the Hardings at all if it weren't for Janet.

"Garrett now has taken over the Harding Group for Laney's sake, but Mrs. Harding continues to wield control over them, and that will cause Garrett to leave once more." Brandon shook his head. Just a matter of time, he figured, and Garrett would be gone again!

Janet gave Brandon a startled look. "Your familiarity with Mrs. Harding begs the question: how did you get to know her so well? Have you interacted with her before?"

Brandon smiled lightly. "Garrett's constant whining about his family issues gave it away. Actually, he is still kind of lucky. While Mrs. Harding's need to be in charge might be annoying at times, at least she has always been there in Garrett's life."

When Brandon was younger, he believed it would be a good thing if his mother kept nagging him. At the time, he thought that Garrett was oblivious to his good luck.

Janet's heart skipped a beat, and what Brandon said made her feel sorry for him.

Janet could see through Brandon. She saw the sadness under his normal composure.

As a kid, Brandon should have yearned for the love of his family. Brandon envied the affection that Garrett received, despite Mrs. Harding's strong desire for control.