Chapter 27 You Can Get Nothing
Chapter 27 You Can Get Nothing
The two old ladies from the two families hadn’t caught up in ages, and the sisters were chatting away, not ready to call it quits.
Josefina motioned for Brandon to come over. “Brandon, today’s a big day for Brianna, and we’re all basking in it. Why don’t you set up a dinner for us this afternoon? My treat!”
“You bet! Since Grandma’s footing the bill, I’ll pick the priciest spot, and no backing out later, you hear?” Brandon teased Josefina with a grin.
“What nonsense! When have I ever welched on a deal?”
Josefina took Caroline’s hand, pointing at Brandon as she laughed. “Get a load of this one, thinking I’m cr But seriously. This is your wife’s shindig, and you’re after my wallet? Where’s your shame?”
Caroline wasn’t a fan of Brandon, so she just plastered on a smile and stayed quiet.
“Fine, Grandma, whatever floats your boat, I’ll handle it all. Most days, I’m just afraid you two won’t grace us with your presence.”
The group kept the banter going.
After lunch, the reporters and influencers had all split, leaving just a handful from the Levy and Harper families, plus Tristan, Patsy, and the office crew.
Kendra noticed Darcy sitting off by herself and felt a pang of sympathy.
She started toward her, but Gabrielle snatched her back.
Spotting Gabrielle’s no–nonsense expression, Kendra poured on the charm with a cute whine. “Grandma, Darcy” s over there all alone. She looks so down. Can we go sit with her?”
“Don’t even think about it! You little turncoat, just like your father! Mark my words, if you go hang out with Darcy, I’ll tan your hide.”
Gabrielle never made idle threats, and Kendra was terrified of Margo and Gabrielle above all else. Reluctant as she was, she didn’t dare push back.
Brianna was talking shop with some employees, her back turned to Gabrielle and Kendra. She caught the stern warning but let it slide.
Back in the day, even if she wouldn’t have dared challenge Kendra outright, it would’ve broken her heart, and she’d have found a subtle way to pull Kendra aside.
Stuck, Kendra shot a glance at Brandon, who was chatting with the old ladies, while Brianna was the only one nearby.
“Mommy…” Kendra cooed softly, hoping for backup.
Brianna turned, flashing a smile as she soothed Kendra. “Mommy’s tied up right now, sweetie. Go play nice with Grandma.”
Kendra’s face fell, and she couldn’t stop stealing glances at Darcy, who looked utterly sidelined and heartbroken.
Brandon had nailed down the evening meal and afternoon activities, telling the driver to shuttle the relatives to the club. With work calling, he was set to head out ahead of the pack.
As he made his exit, Darcy rose gracefully and sidled up. “Brandon, leaving already? Room for one more in your car?”
“No problem. Brandon agreed without a second thought.
Darcy offered a soft smile and followed him out.
Kendra had hoped to join Brandon, but as she opened her mouth, Gabrielle’s glare shut her down, and she swallowed her words.
1/3
Chap 77 bey for Gat Nothing
Patsy nudged Brianna with a meaningful look, nodding toward the pair walking away
Darcy trailed half a step behind Brandon, cozying up like they were an item.
Brianna averted her gaze and gave Patsy a nonchalant smile, unfazed
The seniors made their way to the private club first, kicking off a spirited poker session as they killed time until the afternoon get–together
Brianna and her crew headed back to the office, plenty of loose ends still needed tying up
They’d barely walked in when a marketing team member hurried over with news. “Ms. Meyers, Ms. Sampson,
our brand launch promo this morning? The buzz got completely stolen by Darcy”
Brianna snatched the tablet, (Darcy is so beautiful) was dominating the trends. Clicking through, it wa wall shots of her striking poses with the jewelry.
Patsy fumed, clenching her jaw. “Knew she was up to no good, that phony bitch”
“Why not splash more cash on ads to spotlight the products?” Tristan offered innocently.
Pump in extra dough to bury Darcy’s noise, and voilà, issue fixed.
But neither was as savvy in online marketing as Brianna, so they both deferred to her.
She said, “Let it go. As long as the influencers post their videos, we’re set. When the fashion mag articles drop we can crank up the promo push,”
“So we’re really just gonna let that sly fox strut her stuff?” Patsy’s fuse was short. She couldn’t stomach it “She’s linked to the brand for now, any scandal on her could splash back on us,” Brianna pointed out. That logic finally got Patsy and Tristan to drop it.
The company was now officially up and running, with the website and social media channels live. Next on the agenda: securing funding and expanding to brick–and–mortar stores.
“How about we set the funding gala for next Friday? I’ll take care of the setup, and you can handle the product unveil Does that work?” Tristan asked Brianna.
She gave a nod of approval.
They ironed out a few smaller details before Josefina rang to chase them along. Brianna, Tristan, and Patsy dashed over to Cloud Restaurant.
Brandon had beaten them there by the time they arrived.
In a gathering like this, as Brianna entered, the person next to Brandon instinctively got up to give her the seat.
She couldn’t protest without causing a scene, so she quietly took her place beside him.
The waitstaff had just begun serving when the private room door pushed open. A light, flirtatious giggle drifted in before anyone appeared.
Heads turned all around.
Blanca and Whitney sauntered in, arm in arm with Darcy.
Brianna scowled and averted her eyes, ignoring them completely
“Brianna, come on, such a huge milestone, and you didn’t even clue in your dad? That’s why we’re running late, Blanca purred with mock reproach. As if their crew actually gave a damn about Brianna
The vibe in the room soured, nobody bit, and the Harper family’s expressions turned thunderous.
Brandon rose, motioning them to seats. “Right this way, over here”
Blanca passed her bouquet to Whitney, who brought it over to Brianna. Whitney said, “Brianna, congrats. I am incredibly proud
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