Chapter 109
Chapter 109:
After dinner, Gracie and Brayden returned to their villa. Along the way, the amber glow of the lamps painted long, interlacing silhouettes across the cobblestone path.
Brayden came to a halt and turned to her, his brows drawn tight. “Why did you stop me earlier? I could have kept Aiden out of your company altogether p>
Gracie’s voice was level, her eyes steady. “You’re too quick to draw conclusions. What I want to know is—how do you really see Aiden p>
A shadow flickered in Brayden’s gaze. “He’s good at pretending. The Stanley Group’s recruitment system leaves no room for mediocrity. With his background, he’d never qualify for any position. Mentioning it before Dad and Grandpa was only a ploy for pity. Once that failed, he turned to Radiant Technologies, counting on the fact that you’re my wife to inch his way closer to our family’s core. He’s quite ambitious, but not wise p>
“I think the same,” Gracie replied, a glint of cold light sliding through her eyes. “It’s exactly because his motives aren’t clean that I’d rather keep him where I can see him. The closer he stays, the easier it’ll be to trace his purpose and set precautions p>
Brayden’s frown deepened. “Even so, this could turn against you if things go wrong p>
She said softly, meeting his gaze, “From the moment I married you, I became part of your family’s tangled web. There was no stepping back after that p>
Her quiet words stirred something inside him. For a moment, guilt flickered behind his composed expression.
“If you notice anything strange, call me at once. Don’t handle it on your own p>
Gracie’s chest tightened faintly, though she kept her composure. “I understand. You don’t have to worry—I know what to do p>
He hesitated but didn’t press further. In his mind, she was deliberate in every move she made; pushing her would only make her more guarded.
M๏гє ยק๔คՇєร ןภ ɢคlภ๏שєlร.ς๏๓
“If you need me, reach out,” he finally said. “I have shares in Radiant. Helping you protects my investment too p>
She lowered her lashes, masking the complicated emotions stirring beneath.
Since the car accident, Brayden’s concern for her had gone beyond simple responsibility—it had become personal, though he never said it aloud.
The following morning, Gracie personally escorted Aiden to her company.
Phoebe had everything prepared—the employment forms neatly arranged. Aiden glanced over the receptionist’s contract without a hint of complaint, wearing a courteous smile. “Gracie, thank you for trusting me. The position doesn’t matter—I’ll put in my best effort p>
Her eyes stayed cool and unreadable. “Phoebe, show him around. Make sure he understands the workflow p>
Aiden followed obediently, greeting every staff member they passed with practiced warmth. Within minutes, he’d already charmed the administrative assistant beside the front desk.
At two o’clock, Gracie convened a full meeting with the research division.
Over a dozen scientists gathered around the table.
Without preamble, she placed a stack of documents before them. “I’ve called this meeting to launch a new development. We’re in a race—our competitors are ahead, and we must deliver results before they do if we want to lead the market p>
A murmur rippled through the room—uneasy at first, then curious. Excitement was etched on everyone’s faces.
“Gracie, are you referring to the ‘Cancer Cell Eradication’ project?” one researcher asked. “I’ve heard several labs have already begun work on it. If we start now, can we truly close the gap p>
“Yes,” Gracie answered with absolute conviction. “During our nerve regeneration study, I stumbled upon data patterns that overlap with this field. I’ve included everything in the proposal—take a look p>
The soft rustle of pages filled the room.