Chapter 163
Chapter 163:
Applause rose as Gifford approached the podium.
Under the harsh white lights, the two men signed the agreement with practiced composure, sealing the new alliance.
From the audience, Gracie watched with quiet satisfaction. Brayden’s counterstrike was flawless—he had salvaged the Stanley family’s public image while steering the project exactly where he wanted it. The only casualty of the day was Erik’s pride.
When the ceremony finally drew to a close, Erik’s temper exploded.
As the audience left, he stormed onto the stage and yanked Brayden by the collar. “It was you! You set Crosby up p>
Brayden’s eyes went glacial. “Dad, control yourself. You’re embarrassing the family p>
Gifford stepped between them, his voice firm but polite. “Mr. Stanley, please—this isn’t the place p>
But Erik was far past reason. The ruined partnership meant Aiden’s appointment was finished, his carefully laid plans reduced to ashes—and Brayden was the one who’d lit the match.
With a swift step, Gracie caught Erik’s wrist, her touch firm but controlled. “Do you really want to keep making a scene? If you let go now, Brayden and I can still smooth things over with p>
Rage flashed in Erik’s narrowed eyes as he went still. “Are you seriously threatening me right now p>
“You just trusted the wrong person this time,” Brayden muttered in an indifferent tone. “Stop interfering in company matters, Dad. You’ve already got a generous allowance—enjoy your retirement.” He pried Erik’s hand free and released him. “From now on, focus on living well p>
Erik staggered back a few steps, the color draining from his face. With nothing left to say, he turned and stalked off in humiliation.
A sharp, deliberate round of applause broke the silence that followed.
With an easy grin, Gifford lifted his hand and gave them a thumbs-up. “You two really make quite the team. If that’s not a power couple, I don’t know what is. Guess I’ll have to be extra cautious working with you two p>
A quiet curve touched Gracie’s lips. “You’re too kind p>
“Since the paperwork’s wrapped up, I’ll head out first. My team will reach out about the follow-up procedures.” Without another word, Gifford turned his back and headed off.
Straightening Brayden’s slightly rumpled collar, Gracie murmured softly, “You finally stood your ground today p>
“I learned from you,” Brayden replied with a faint smile. “And I’ve decided to stop lying to myself p>
The ceremony’s triumphant close sent the web into a frenzy of comments and hot takes.
Within hours, candid photos of Gracie adjusting Brayden’s collar dominated the feeds.
“Those two together? Absolute perfection—good looks, charm, the whole damn package p>
“Forget the looks—does anyone else see how unstoppable they are? Both of them rule their industries p>
“Seeing them together makes me believe real love still exists p>