Chapter 79
Chapter 79:
After exchanging a handful of new contacts as the gathering ended, Gracie slid into the car beside Brayden.
Her head leaned against the cool window glass, tracing the river of headlights and taillights threading through the city, the whispering wind cutting through the silence until Brayden’s voice finally disrupted it.
“Using silence to signal disapproval, are we p>
Gracie’s lips, tinged red, parted just enough to speak with unflinching clarity. “No. I hold no grievances against you. But the moment I deem you unworthy of being my partner, I will walk away without hesitation p>
Brayden lifted an eyebrow at her candid words, a flicker of curiosity in his gaze.
Clive, gripping the steering wheel, felt a bead of sweat creep down his temple. Didn’t she think she was speaking too freely, too sharply? Yet Brayden remained unmoved, calm as ever, his temper unshaken.
Upon reaching home, Gracie appeared utterly drained and, without another word, retreated straight to her room.
Clive followed behind Brayden, concern lining his features. “Sir, shouldn’t you speak to her? After all, you p>
“There’s nothing to explain,” Brayden cut in, his voice edged with frost. “She is a mystery I have yet to unravel. Until I uncover her true intentions, I will never place complete trust in her p>
Even if she had risked her life to save him, each lead—every clue—had originated with her. Convicting his own brother based solely on her word was impossible.
“Then the year-end plan should continue?” Clive asked cautiously.
“Yes. And instruct Charlie to monitor the company,” Brayden replied.
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Charlie, as chief assistant, and Clive, the special assistant, each held distinct duties, yet both were among the rare few Brayden trusted implicitly. Leaving matters in their hands gave him peace of mind.
Meanwhile, Gracie withdrew her phone, dialing Jessie’s number.
The call connected after several rings.
“Hi, Gracie. What’s going on?” Jessie’s voice carried over the thumping bass of a nearby club.
“Can you keep an eye on Theo for me p>
“Hang on.” Jessie moved to a quieter corner. “How closely do you want me to watch him p>
“Every move matters. Someone could be monitoring my accounts. I cannot hire a private investigator.” Gracie’s wealth was sufficient, yes, but the conversation between Brayden and Theo at the gathering had unsettled her. Blind trust was a luxury she could not afford.
“Consider it done,” Jessie replied without hesitation. “But Gracie… what is happening between you and Theo p>
“I’ll explain another time. For now, just know he’s not a man of integrity.” Gracie’s tone was resolute. In her past life, Jessie had died saving her, and that bond made Jessie the one person she trusted absolutely.
After ending the call, Gracie sank onto her bed and scrolled through the timeline she had carefully crafted earlier.
The car accident had originally unfolded during the Stanley Group’s annual party, a moment when Ellie’s simmering resentment toward Brayden inadvertently aligned with Theo’s schemes, accelerating his plan.
Gracie traced the screen with a finger, her eyes sharpening with cold resolve. “Those who act with malice never change. Brayden, consider this your final warning p>
Her patience was finite, and she would not accompany him into ruin.
In the days that followed, Gracie immersed herself in work, and her connection with Brayden gradually frayed.
Theo, in contrast, appeared to pivot, immersing himself in his professional pursuits with newfound dedication.