Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford (by Koi Fish) novel Chapter 412

Chapter 412

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“Mr. Nolan…” Aiden tried. “We are just old classmates. Even though things have fallen apart between Vance and me, Catherine and I have always remained friends. Cutting her off completely would just be heartless, wouldn’t it?”

Wade gave a small smile. “Fair enough. But my belief doesn’t matter. What Mr. Rossi believes does. Don’t you agree, Mr. Hodge?”

Aiden’s expression turned thunderous.

“So, I’m truly sorry, Mr. Hodge,” Wade sighed. “I’m just starting my own company. Mr. Rossi showing interest already has me walking on eggshells. I’m afraid I can’t even stand steady on my own. Accepting you was already a big risk because of the old favor you once did me. Adding another risk factor now… I really don’t have the courage for it. My sincere apologies.”

He stood up and walked out, leaving the pair alone in the private room. They stared at each other in speechless despair.

“Aiden…” Catherine started.

But he shot her a vicious glare. “I told you not to come along, but you insisted!”

Tears spilled down her cheeks. “I just didn’t know what to do.”

He stayed silent, and she asked softly, “Who is this man anyway?”

“He’s the partner Rossi hand-picked. His company is a brand-new startup,” Aiden explained. “He used to work at our company for a bit, then quit and started his own thing.”

“Doesn’t he have a non-compete?”

“He was a nobody at the bottom of the totem pole. He screwed up once, and I bailed him out. That favor is the only reason I could approach him. Goddamn it! One lifetime of grinding can’t compare to having a rich dad!”

“What’s his background?” Catherine asked deliberately, trying to steer the blame onto Wade.

“His old man is a big shot in Arelmoor. He didn’t want to inherit the family business, so he came out here to discover his real passion. He didn’t even last a month. Later, his dad bought a company outright and handed him a nine-figure startup fund to chase his dreams. The brat got lucky again and caught Rossi’s eye. That sly fox! Rossi must be after his father’s power and connections!”

His gaze swung back to Catherine, turning sharp once more. “I finally managed to get close to him, and you just had to tag along! If you ruin this deal…”

He didn’t finish the sentence, but the threat in it was unmistakable.

She shook her head desperately. “I didn’t mean to, Aiden. I’m sorry.”

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Chapter 412

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“Crying. That’s all you ever do!” He was fed up. “You’re crying away every bit of my luck! You think I’m Vance? That I’m gonna baby you? Cry again and see what happens.”

She shivered and forced the tears back. “Then… What do we do?”

His eyes narrowed. “Where did that medical report come from? Is it legit?”

How was she supposed to know if it was legit? She had already told him how she got it.