Chapter 102
Chapter 102:
Sliding into the chair across from him, Gracie picked up her utensils but paused, her tone thoughtful. “You’re a shareholder of my company now. That means you’re entitled to weigh in on the company’s direction p>
“Do you wish I’d said yes sooner?” Brayden lifted his iced coffee, condensation trailing down the glass as he drank. “I’m no expert in research. My investment was just a way to shield you. Radiant has always been your creation, and you don’t need my consent for anything p>
Her chest tightened, emotions tumbling in quiet disarray.
He’d never sought control over her company—not even when the nerve regeneration breakthrough had been within reach. A man that honorable hadn’t deserved the end he met before.
“I’ll make sure you earn plenty without lifting a finger,” she murmured, rising to her feet. She slung her bag over her shoulder and walked out, leaving her untouched breakfast behind.
A faint smile curved Brayden’s lips as he murmured under his breath, “Radiant’s profits will always be yours alone p>
He pushed back his chair with unhurried grace, stepped outside, and slid into his sleek black Maybach waiting at the curb. “Mr. Stanley, are we going to the company?” Charlie inquired as he adjusted the rearview mirror.
“Not today. Head to Sullivan Group,” Brayden answered, rubbing his temple with a weary hand. “There are things I need to help her reclaim p>
With a trace of unease, Charlie’s brows drew together. “What are you planning to do p>
“After Gracie’s mother passed, Alan took over everything—her assets, the company—and changed her company name to Sullivan Group. Our marriage was a contract. She’s been the one holding me up all this time. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t do the same for her now p>
Despite the calm tone, a tangle of emotions flickered in Brayden’s gaze.
Keep reading on gαℓησv𝒆𝓁s․com
He understood better than anyone that Gracie had only married him because her family forced her hand—and that freedom had always been what she truly wanted.
Charlie gave a short nod and started the engine. The car glided away from the Stanley estate, and in the rearview mirror, he caught a glimpse of Brayden staring absently out the window, his reflection shadowed by quiet determination.
Choosing his words with care, Charlie asked, “Mr. Stanley, your Wife’s really exceptional. Are you really planning to divorce her someday p>
Brayden’s thoughts snapped back into focus, a faint, weary smile curving his lips. “My path was already decided back in college,” he murmured. “I owe Lia more than I could ever repay. And if I can’t offer anyone all of myself, it’d be cruel to pull someone else into that emptiness p>
The quiet sorrow in his tone revealed a man who had already accepted the weight of destiny. Charlie had no words, only silence.
At Radiant Technologies’ headquarters, Gracie stepped through the glass doors and immediately spotted a familiar figure lounging on the lobby sofa.
Pushing off the sofa cushions, Theo got up and closed the distance with slow, deliberate steps. “We meet again, Gracie p>
“If this is about our earlier conversation, there’s no point repeating it. I’ve already said everything I needed to p>
“I know you did, but I wanted to take one last shot.” A knowing smirk tugged at his lips, quiet but unmistakable. “Tell me—are you really content with that marriage of yours? You and Brayden might keep up the act for everyone else, but you can’t fool me p>
He gave a measured, unhurried shake of his head. “Brayden and Lia share a bond that’ll never break. Why tie yourself to a man who can’t love you back? You deserve someone who actually could p>
Gracie’s expression hardened, her eyes cooling to glass. “What are you implying? Did Lia send you here to speak on her behalf p>
“You know better than that,” he said softly, his tone slipping into persuasion. “I’d never defend her. I just hate standing by while you’re treated like this p>
Letting out a quiet sigh, he kept speaking. “Brayden went out of his way to help Lia break into the entertainment industry, even landing her a leading role—yet he can’t seem to give his own Wife the attention she deserves. Watching that, how could I not feel bad for you p>
Gracie’s tone stayed flat as she responded, “I’m not upset about it. Things are just fine between us. As for collaboration, it’s not something I’m interested in p>
“After all this, my sincerity still means nothing to you?” Theo pressed on, struggling to mask the tension in his tone. “That scene at the launch was blown out of proportion—I’ve already paid for it. But this new project p>
He slid a neat stack of documents across the table toward her. “You might actually find it worth your time. And my door will always be open to you p>