Chapter 220
Chapter 220:
He turned and disappeared back inside.
Valeria’s body wavered unsteadily, prompting Brayden to catch her just in time. “Mom, please don’t let Theo’s words get to you,” he said gently.
“He blames me,” Valeria whispered, her face pale. “We raised you to be the family’s heir, and seeing you struggle as a child, I tried to make things easier for him. Was that so wrong?” She clung to Brayden’s arm. “You saw Ellie’s injuries with your own eyes. Are you certain there’s no abuse p>
Brayden gently rubbed her shoulder. “Ellie says herself it’s just some fun in the bedroom, so let’s not interfere. I’ll walk you back p>
Not far away, two figures stood quietly, hands clasped behind their backs.
Aiden was first to break the silence. “Dad, what’s going on with Theo? I saw Brayden and Valeria head over there p>
“Hmph. I’m sure it’s about the bruises on Ellie’s arm.” Erik glanced at Aiden. “Let me help you plan. The North Hills project is in your hands now. The Russell Group’s cooperation is thanks to our family’s ties. With Gifford backing us, the project should go off without a hitch p>
Erik planned to introduce Aiden to the board himself, making it easier to reduce Brayden’s influence step by step.
Aiden kept his head bowed, his face unreadable.
“Go get some sleep.” Erik gave his son’s shoulder a reassuring pat.
Brayden returned to his villa to find the old butler still awake. “Gracie came home earlier. She’s had quite a bit to drink p>
“Did you prepare some peppermint tea p>
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“It’ll be ready in a moment. Should I bring it up for you?” the butler asked politely.
Brayden gave a slight shake of his head. “That won’t be necessary. I’ll carry it on my own p>
Roughly ten minutes passed before the peppermint tea was ready to serve.
Brayden walked up the stairs with a tray in hand, carefully balancing a single cup of peppermint tea placed right in the middle.
He tapped gently on the bedroom door, and a few seconds later, the soft shuffle of slippers brushing against the floor reached his ears.
The door creaked open a moment later.
“I wasn’t…” Gracie stood in a bath towel, drying her hair, then looked up in surprise. “Brayden? What are you doing here p>
A flicker of nerves passed through her, and she avoided his eyes.
“The butler mentioned you’d had a few drinks,” Brayden said, offering the tray. “You should have this before bed, or you’ll wake up with a headache p>
“Thank you…” Gracie moved to the side, giving Brayden space to enter and carefully place the tray down.
“Gracie…” Brayden started.
She immediately straightened. “I know I messed up! I shouldn’t have let things go that far between us. I lost control, and I’m sorry. But it was a mistake; just forget about that night, please. I’ll stick to our agreement from now on p>
A shadow passed over Brayden’s face. He kept his lips tightly sealed, staying quiet for several seconds before releasing a chilling laugh. “A mistake?” he repeated, his voice laced with disbelief. “You’re far more tolerant than I gave you credit for p>
“Come on, we’re still young. It’s normal for us to stay in tune with what’s current,” Gracie mumbled, dropping her gaze as anxiety grew. There was no way she could admit she’d acted out of character because of the drug.
If she confessed the real reason, their partnership would probably end then and there.
Brayden’s expression was unreadable. He let out a cold, dismissive huff. “I spent that night asleep in the guest room. I don’t recall any of what you’re talking about p>