After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 399

Chapter 399 Fired

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As dinner time approached, Cayden emerged from his room.

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The family had just settled around the table when Harper hurried over to him again, looping her small arms around his neck. She tugged his head down and whispered into his ear, “Grandpa, I saw Yvette holding Uncle’s waist earlier. Uncle said I was making it up. He won’t admit it.”

Cayden’s face lit up with a quiet smile. He glanced briefly toward Brandon and Yvette before bending toward Harper. “Thanks for telling me, sweetheart. Now go take your seat. Next time you see Uncle and Yvette being close like that, just cover your eyes, alright?”

“How come?” Harper blinked, her bright eyes full of curiosity.

“Because sometimes grownup stuff is a little awkward to watch,” Cayden explained in a hushed

tone.

Harper gave a serious nod. “Okay.”

Julian called her back, lifted her into the highchair, and fastened her bib. He took a disinfectant wipe to her already clean hands, then carefully wiped down her section of the table. The others were used to Julian’s germconscious habits and took it in stride without

comment.

The chef had prepared a special children’s plate for Harper, which she enjoyed with gusto.

Around the table, the mood was warm and relaxed. The food was excellent, making the meal a genuinely pleasant experience.

About halfway through, Cayden looked toward Julian and Iris. “Christmas is just about a month away. Are you planning to take Harper back to your hometown this year?”

Iris replied, “Caleb took Frederick and his mother on a world trip. Grandma’s alone at home, so we’re thinking of going back to spend the holidays with her.”

“That’s good,” Cayden said warmly. “She’s not getting any younger. It’s important to spend time with her while you can.”

Julian nodded in agreement.

Then Cayden turned to Brandon. “How about you? Any plans?”

Brandon frowned slightly. “What kind of plans? I’ll be here with you for the holidays.”

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Chapter 399 Fired

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“I wasn’t talking about where you’ll be for Christmas,” Cayden replied, shooting him an impatient look. “I mean–you’ll be thirtythree after the New Year. Don’t you have any real plans?”

It was the same attitude many parents had once their children passed thirty–as if they were outdated inventory no one wanted, viewed with a mix of worry and disappointment.

Brandon set down his fork, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and took a sip of water before speaking.

He had hoped that pretending to be involved with Yvette would buy him a few years of peace, but just as his sister had predicted, it only made his father push harder.

“I’ve just taken over Aurelium Group-” Brandon began, but Cayden cut him off.

“Don’t give me the ‘busy with work‘ excuse. It’s not some struggling startup. You’ve got a good team–let them help you run things. That’s what they’re there for.”

Brandon leaned back in his chair, resting a hand on the table, and let out a tired sigh.

“You’re still young–what’s with the sighing?” Cayden chided. Then his expression softened as he turned to Yvette. “Yvette, how would you feel about getting married to Brandon after the New Year?”

Yvette choked on her food.

She quickly covered her mouth, turning away to cough lightly. Her face had paled from the surprise.

Brandon immediately handed her a napkin and patted her back gently. He glared at his father. “Dad, can we please let people eat in peace? What’s the rush?”

Cayden spread his hands innocently, glancing at Iris and then Julian. Am I really interrupting?

Once Yvette had recovered, she murmured a thanks to Brandon. “I’m alright now.”

Brandon withdrew his hand. He knew this couldn’t go on–it wasn’t fair to Yvette.

He met his father’s gaze steadily. “Dad, Yvette and I aren’t right for each other.”

Yvette’s hands tightened quietly in her lap. She kept her eyes down, a dull ache spreading through her chest.

Both Iris and Julian knew Brandon’s heart lay elsewhere–with Zoe. Their main concern now was Yvette, and they watched her with quiet worry.

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Chapter 399 Fired

Cayden looked genuinely puzzled. “Why not? You two seem perfectly suited to me.”

Brandon drew a slow breath, feeling emotionally drained.

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Before he could continue, Yvette spoke up, her voice soft but clear. “I don’t have those kinds of feelings for Brandon.”

Cayden was taken aback. “Well… then…”

Yvette’s eyes reddened slightly. She kept her head lowered. “Cayden, please… just give us a little more time. Don’t push us, okay?”

Cayden immediately softened. “Alright, alright. Take your time–get to know each other properly. I won’t say another word about it.”

*****

The next morning, Zoe had barely stepped into the office when she was called into Griffin’s office.

After their meeting with Brandon the previous day, she had assumed the matter was closed.

She never expected to receive a direct–and uncomfortable–directive.

“I can tell young Mr. Whitmore is interested in you,” Griffin said bluntly. “He claims he won’t bend his principles over this, but I’m sure if you… encouraged him a little, he’d come around. Men are men–deep down, they all want the same thing…”

Zoe stood her ground. “Mr. Sterling, I can’t do that.”

“If you can’t do it, what use are you to me?” Griffin’s temper flared. “If you won’t handle this, go to HR, collect your final paycheck, and clear out.”

Zoe’s fists clenched in anger. She gritted her teeth. “Why should I take the fall for something the leader of Team Two did?”

“Because you have the ability to fix it, and you’re refusing,” he retorted coldly. “He made a mistake, but you’re the one being disloyal.”

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Chapter 400 An Unexpected Ally