Chapter 160
Chapter 160:
He slid a folder across the desk and added, “The company’s planning a new project in the second half of the year. I heard you’ve set your sights on the North Hills land, but I’ve found a better opportunity. Crosby Owen owns property in the southern part of town and wants to partner with us. I’ve already spoken to him. If you agree, we can schedule the signing ceremony immediately p>
Brayden’s eyes skimmed the document, a faint, inscrutable glint flickering in them. “You’ve kept your distance from company affairs for years. Why the sudden change of heart p>
“Crosby is a friend of mine. We go way back. He earned my trust more than once.” Erik’s lips curled into a sneer. “Don’t think wearing the CEO title means you get the final say! If you won’t cooperate, I’ll call a board meeting and let the directors decide p>
“The accounts under Crosby’s company are a mess, and he’s neck-deep in a divorce. That’s a disaster waiting to happen. He’s not a safe partner! Besides, I’ve already locked down the development rights at North Hills. The Russell family is a far more dependable ally.” The steadiness in Brayden’s voice carried a firmness that left no room for argument.
Erik’s expression hardened, his voice dropping to a dangerous chill. “So you’re defying me now? I already gave Crosby my word—and that project will go to Aiden! Don’t forget, your grandpa may have made you the successor, but I’m still your father p>
Rising from his seat, his tone turned sharp and cutting. “Once he’s gone, I’ll be the one running the family! Are you disregarding me as your father, or are you trying to make it look like you’ve forgotten who raised you p>
Brayden’s brow tightened, the weight of the upcoming development project pressing on his mind. With the second half of the fiscal year about to begin, any internal conflict now could jeopardize everything. As CEO, nothing mattered more than protecting the company’s interests.
“Fine,” he conceded in a flat tone. “We’ll proceed with your plan p>
“Now that’s what I wanted to hear.” A quiet sense of triumph settled over Erik as he gave a satisfied nod. “Have Aiden start as project manager today. The signing ceremony will be in three days p>
When Erik left, Brayden’s expression hardened. Pulling out his phone, he called Gracie. “Your intel was spot on. My dad’s finally made his move p>
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“What are you going to do? Need me to step in p>
“That won’t be necessary,” Brayden said in a low voice. “I’ll deal with it myself p>
After ending the call, his fingers flew across the screen, his expression unreadable.
At her own office, Gracie stared at her silent phone for a moment before exhaling and massaging her temples. “Don’t blame me for this,” she murmured. “You were the one who decided to test me. I’ll strip away the illusion of family affection and let you see what the truth really looks like p>
The Stanley family was teetering on the edge of a storm, about to spiral into a whirlpool that would swallow everyone in its wake.
Just the night before, Jessie had sent her a message. While tracking Theo and Aiden’s movements, she had stumbled upon something far more telling—Erik had been secretly meeting with several Stanley Group shareholders.
Gracie had passed the intel to Brayden on purpose. She wanted to know whether he had truly steeled his heart this time—or if sentiment would still cloud his judgment.
Her phone buzzed again, snapping her from her thoughts. A new message flashed across the screen: “Hey, you free? I’m right downstairs from your office. Dinner’s on me tonight p>
Gracie arched a brow. “Yousef?” she muttered with a dry laugh. “What’s this about—second thoughts on that reward p>
Typing a brief “Sure,” she grabbed her coat and strode toward the elevator.
When she reached the curb and spotted Yousef, she skipped the pleasantries. “I’ll pick the place p>
“Whatever you say.” Leaning out of his sleek Maserati, Yousef flashed a grin. “As long as you enjoy it, I’m game for anything p>
Sliding into the passenger seat, Gracie fastened her seatbelt. “Then let’s go for French cuisine. There’s a new spot in town everyone’s raving about p>
“Then hold on tight,” he warned with a mischievous smirk. “I’m a bit of a reckless driver.” Before she could respond, the car roared to life and shot down the street.
Nearly an hour later, the two sat by a tall window overlooking the city’s glow.
Gracie faced the glass, the soft light catching the edge of her hair. “So what’s this about? Shouldn’t you be at your racing club right now? And… I haven’t cashed in that championship favor yet p>
“Take it easy. This is just dinner, nothing more,” he remarked, pouring wine into her glass, the crimson liquid catching the light. “My memory’s awful, you know. Seeing you helps remind me who I still owe p>
“I see.” Her tone was calm, but her eyes flicked toward the window’s reflection—catching the unmistakable silhouette of someone stepping into the restaurant.