Chapter 51
Chapter 51:
“Of course,” Brayden replied mildly, watching as Jeffrey made his exit.
Moments later, Clive entered with a folder in hand. “Mr. Stanley, there’s something you’ll want to see p>
He placed the document on the table. “The day before the conference attack, the assailant’s parents received a five-hundred-thousand transfer. It traces back to Jane Sullivan’s account—Ellie’s mother p>
Brayden’s jaw tightened as he skimmed the report, his voice turning glacial. “So she was actually telling the truth p>
Clive hesitated. “But it might not necessarily connect to Theo. It could be an internal matter within the Sullivan family p>
“Do you really believe that?” Brayden’s eyes lifted, his tone clipped. “No rationalizations. Not even for family p>
Clive fell silent. He could feel that something within Brayden had been shifting ever since his marriage—something deep and unpredictable.
“The Sullivan sisters are not women to underestimate.” He added cautiously, “One more thing. I think I saw your wife downstairs just now p>
Jeffrey sank into the seat of his car and exhaled in relief. “You certainly anticipated everything. I owe you for this p>
Beside him, Gracie turned her head slightly, her voice calm. “You don’t have to thank me. Brayden values blood ties, but he’s not blind. In this case, you’re the wronged party p>
Jeffrey gave a strained chuckle. “Maybe so, maybe not. Only time will tell p>
Earlier that morning, Gracie had contacted him ahead of time, and they’d met before Brayden’s arrival to rehearse every possibility.
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As expected, the meeting had unfolded precisely as she had foreseen.
When Jeffrey’s nerves finally settled, he asked the question weighing on his mind. “Forgive my bluntness, but since your husband has both invested in your company and taken a shareholder’s role, there’s something I need clarity on p>
“Go ahead,” she replied.
“Your marriage to him is more of a corporate alliance than a real union. And now you’re openly crossing Theo for my sake. Are you certain Brayden will stand with you? His affections seem to lie elsewhere p>
His concern wasn’t unfounded. If he didn’t get a reassuring answer today, he would have to reassess his investment risks. In business, the most fragile foundation was a couple’s partnership—because when love fractured, so did trust, and with it, entire companies.
Gracie took a thoughtful pause before answering. “You can be at ease. Brayden will side with justice, and everything I’m doing serves that very cause p>
Her words didn’t fully convince him, but the quiet strength in her tone left little room for doubt. Against his better judgment, Jeffrey found himself swayed.
“All right, then,” he said at last. “I’ll take the risk and back you this time p>
“There’s a launch event for the nerve regeneration project at the end of the month,” Gracie mentioned, shifting the subject. “I’ll count on you and Brayden for support—it’s not my field, after all p>
As she spoke, her eyes drifted toward the restaurant’s upper floor.
For a brief, inexplicable moment, she sensed someone’s gaze fixed on her.
After exchanging a few more words with Jeffrey, she excused herself at the next intersection, stepping out to hail a cab toward the Stanley Group headquarters.
Inside the Maybach, Clive’s expression changed as he checked his phone.
“What is it?” Brayden asked.
“It’s odd,” Clive said slowly. “She’s heading to our company. I can’t imagine what she’s planning next p>
Brayden’s lips curved faintly. “Then let’s not keep her waiting. Drive faster—we’re going back to the office p>