Chapter 154
Chapter 154:
“Cancel everything,” Brayden said, massaging his temples. “It’s strange, Charlie. I’ve stopped believing in material things, yet I still find it all so peculiar p>
Charlie blinked, unnerved by the cryptic remark. Was his boss losing his mind?
Half an hour later, Gracie looked up in surprise as Brayden walked into her office unannounced. She removed her lab coat, motioning toward the chair opposite her.
“What brings you here again? You could’ve called, you know,” she teased lightly.
Brayden rested his chin on his hand, his gaze steady. “I came for some insight p>
“Insight p>
“My company’s preparing to launch a project that could define the next decade. But the land we need belongs to Yousef Russell,” he said plainly, laying out the details.
Gracie listened silently, fingers wrapped around her coffee cup. He really did seem to be here for advice—yet an inexplicable unease lingered in her chest.
“So you want me to predict how that’ll go?” she murmured, slowly raising her gaze.
“You could say that p>
She smirked faintly. “Bad timing. The connection’s gone. My powers have a mind of their own p>
Brayden chuckled softly. “Then let’s talk business instead. Convince Yousef to cooperate, and I’ll help you reclaim Sullivan Group. You’ve endured long enough, Gracie. Don’t you want what’s rightfully yours—your mother’s company p>
The humor drained from her face. For a heartbeat, she couldn’t read the man in front of her—calm, confident, and entirely unreadable.
“Fine,” she said at last, her voice cool. “But remember your promise, Mr. Stanley. I don’t forgive betrayal p>
Deep down, she already knew she’d stop at nothing to take back Sullivan Group.
That night, under the starlit sky of North Hills, the low growl of engines echoed through the valley.
Gracie parked her SUV at the mountain base, adrenaline coursing through her veins.
Surrounded by the bustling crowd, she thought back to the message Jessie had sent earlier that day.
Yousef was a restless, thrill-seeking racer and the youngest driver ever to compete internationally. Winning his favor through formal channels would be futile. Better to meet him on his turf—through his passion.
She strode to the registration desk, signed her name, and joined the lineup of drivers.
High above, on the cliff overlooking the track, Gifford stood beside Brayden, watching the live surveillance feed on a massive screen.
“Zoom in on the starting point,” Gifford ordered the technician, eyes glinting with curiosity. “Yousef’s wild streak is mostly an act to keep manipulators at bay. You know that better than anyone, Brayden. So why are you doing all this p>
Behind him, Brayden stood tall in a burgundy waistcoat that outlined his lean strength. “I just want to see who my real teammate is p>
Gifford gave a short laugh. “Teammate? That’s an interesting way to describe your wife. You really expect me to believe there’s no affection there p>
Brayden’s silence said more than words.
Lia and Theo, once Brayden’s closest confidants, had revealed their ambitions and shortcomings ever since Gracie entered the picture. Moreover, his marriage to Gracie was nothing more than a contractual arrangement on paper. What assurance did he have that she wouldn’t turn against him someday? Someone with her knack for anticipating what lay ahead could strike a devastating blow if they ever became his adversary.
Gifford studied Brayden, his usual lighthearted expression giving way to a more somber one. This couple was far more intricate than he’d first thought—a pair of sharp minds entangled in a subtle, high-stakes mental chess match. It was unnerving to witness.
“Brayden, the race is about to kick off,” Gifford said, nudging him back to the moment.