Chapter 159
Chapter 159:
Gracie rode home in Brayden’s Maybach while the driver took her SUV back separately.
When the car pulled up to his villa, she spotted someone unexpected waiting by the door.
Theo stood there, hands tucked into his pockets, his easy smile betraying none of the tension in his eyes. “Hey, glad you two made it back p>
“What brings you here so late? Did something happen?” Brayden asked, his tone even but edged with caution. He cast Gracie a quick glance. “Head inside first p>
She gave a brief nod and slipped past Theo without a word, her silence colder than any rejection.
Theo’s gaze lingered on her retreating figure before he turned back to Brayden. “It’s about work p>
“Go ahead,” Brayden said flatly.
“I heard Gracie landed an investment from the Russell family,” Theo began, hesitating. “My research team’s been running short on funds. Think you could spare a bit of support p>
The shift in Brayden’s face was subtle, his features turning to stone. “That investment was her own doing—no involvement from me. And last I checked, the Sullivan Group already backed you. Shouldn’t that be enough p>
Theo’s jaw tightened, though he quickly masked it with a composed smile. “That investment barely covers the essentials, and I can’t bring myself to bother Grandpa.” His tone softened, but his eyes gleamed with calculation. “Didn’t you say Grandpa plans to give me some shares at the annual gala? Using a bit of the company’s capital ahead of time shouldn’t be a problem, right p>
Brayden’s reply was clipped. “I can lend you money personally, but not from the company p>
“Why not?” Theo pressed.
“Because you don’t hold any shares yet. We’ll revisit this after the annual gala.” With a light pat to Theo’s shoulder, Brayden spoke in a measured tone. “I promised I’d help, and I intend to keep that promise p>
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Then he turned and strode toward the house, his figure swallowed by the shadows of the porch light.
From the dim garden path, another silhouette appeared.
Aiden stepped into view, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “I told you before, Theo—you’re not getting a single share of Stanley Group. If Brayden really meant to give them to you, he wouldn’t have offered his own money tonight p>
Theo met his gaze squarely. “Whether he gives me shares or not, I’d never betray him. Stop wasting your time trying to turn us against each other p>
“I’m not turning you against each other,” Aiden said with feigned innocence. “I’m only thinking of what’s best for the family p>
“Drop the act,” Theo snapped. “You’re not fooling anyone. If I ever find out you’re trying to split us apart, I won’t let it slide. Anyway, I’ve already secured the investment p>
Just as Theo turned to go, Aiden called after him, his tone edged with urgency. “Wait, Theo—don’t go p>
From the second-floor window, Gracie stood behind the curtain, eyes glinting coldly as she watched the two figures fade into the night.
A faint smirk tugged at her lips as she huffed, “What a damn fool p>
Aiden thought he was manipulating Theo, but he’d already stepped right into Theo’s trap. In the end, Aiden would be nothing more than a disposable pawn.
In that instant, Gracie’s phone buzzed softly in her pocket. Glancing down, she saw Jessie’s name flash across the screen and grimaced.
She forwarded the message to Brayden, then sank back against the bed. “Looks like Erik’s starting to make his move too,” she murmured under her breath.
The following morning at Stanley Group headquarters, Brayden studied Erik across the desk, his gaze briefly shifting to Aiden as Charlie escorted him out. Once the office door clicked shut, Brayden leaned back in his chair, his tone casual. “What brings you here today, Dad p>
“To let Aiden get more familiar with company operations—and to discuss a few matters with you.” Erik straightened, adopting a serious air. “After all, I still hold some shares in the group. It’s only right that I help carry part of the burden p>