Chapter 12 Refusing Blanca’s investment
Chapter 72 Refusing Blanca’s Investment
in the blink of an eye, Brianna had already been in Valeentia for more than half a month. Far away from Klamdiff and free from those troubling matters, she ate well and slept soundly.
She spent her days gazing at the sea, historic landmarks, and the Alps, chatting with talented peers about jewelry design. Her mood was light and cheerful, and her health recovered quickly.
However, even if she kept to herself, trouble still had a way of finding her. When the company began raising funds, Blanca invested 1.5 million dollars. She claimed it was to support her daughter’s entrepreneurial venture.
When Brianna received Patsy’s call about Blanca’s so-called investment, she felt sick. ‘What bullshit, calling me her daughter for show? Brianna thought angrily. She was so pissed she could slap Blanca right then and there.
‘1.5 million dollars is nothing to her. She’s just doing it to make me feel sick, she thought to herself.
Patsy was caught in between. “Brianna, it’s disgusting to take her money. But if we turn it down, I’m worried they’ll cause even more trouble. We’ve worked so hard to build our reputation; letting them smear us isn’t worth it.”
Brianna knew what they were after. Her grip on the phone tightened. She paused for a long moment, thinking it over. Finally, she said, “No! I don’t want anything to do with them.”
Patsy didn’t answer right away. She was weighing the schemes Blanca might try to pull. If word got out among their circle that Horizon Group rejected the investment, it wouldn’t really matter. After all, most folks were just there for Brandon anyway.
But if Blanca made a big deal about Unity Group’s failed investment, and it went viral online, it would definitely tarnish Horizon Group’s image.
Brianna totally understood why Patsy was worried. She added, “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it with Brandon.”
Patsy instantly felt a weight lift off her shoulders. “Once Brandon steps in, no way any drama’s gonna happen,” she said. After hanging up, Brianna gazed at the deep blue sea, her brow furrowed tightly in worry. She really was reluctant to call Brandon. After spending some time preparing herself, she finally dialed Brandon’s number.
“Hello?” Brandon answered the call. Brianna could hear Kendra’s playful laughter coming through the line.
“Hello, Blanca wants to dump money into Horizon Group, but I really don’t want her to be our shareholder,” Brianna said. Brandon kept it brief. “Alright, I’ll handle it.”
Brandon was just about to hang up when Kendra’s cheerful laughter burst through the line. “Aunt Darcy, let me go. I promise I won’t mess up again,” Kendra said, sounding playfully dramatic.
Brianna listened and felt a weight crushing her chest. Before she knew it, she blurted out, “Are you all with Darcy right now?” Brandon sounded totally unfazed. He said, “Yeah, Kendra’s performing with them tonight. We’re just having dinner together.” Brianna was getting annoyed. She felt a sudden surge of anger in her chest. “Do what you want. It’s got nothing to do with me!” she snapped.
Brandon, unusually patient for once, actually took the time to explain. “Don’t worry, we’ll leave right after dinner,” he said. Brianna’s temper was boiling over. “Why should I care?” she snapped. With that, she hung up. The sound of the waves only made her frustration worse, echoing in her chest. It was like the universe was telling her that her revenge was far from over. Just then, a voice came from behind her. “What’s the matter? Is something going on back home?”
Brianna turned around. She saw Clair standing on the steps, hands in his pockets, watching her with a gentle look in his eyes. He looked genuinely worried.
Brianna said, smiling, “No, it’s nothing.” She walked over to Clair, and the two of them strolled along the coast.
The salty, damp air from the sea kept washing over her. Seagulls cried overhead. Yet, the gloom in Brianna’s heart lingered, untouched by the sea breeze or the sound of seagulls.
Clair suddenly asked, “Brianna, have you been happy these past few years?”
Brianna blinked in surprise, staring at him. Her ears grew hot. As far as she could remember, Clair had never crossed any lines with her before. ‘Why is he asking about my personal life?’ Brianna wondered.
Clair noticed the puzzle in her eyes, but didn’t fee used to think that marrying Brandon would brin
Successfully unlocked!
pressed on, gathering his courage to speak. “I your smile just isn’t as bright as it used to be.”
Brianna’s heart jolted. She never thought Clair would say something like that. ‘Of course, I’m unhappy, Brianna thought to herself. ‘Has it really gotten so bad that even outsiders can see how unhappy I am?’ she wondered.
Chapter 1: Refusing Glaha’s Investment
Brianne folded her arms across her chest and continued walking. The sea breeze and sunlight washed over her face. The
and teased her hair, lifting the strands.
After a long pause, she managed a bitter smile before finally speaking. “I don’t even know if happiness is still in the cards for me,” Brianna said with a bitter smile.
Hearing Brianna say that, Clair’s heart ached. He felt a painful squeeze in his chest. He stopped in his tracks, turned around, and put his hands on her shoulders. “Brianna, you deserve to be happy,” he said, his voice gentle but firm.
His eyes burned with intensity. Looking at her, his gaze seemed as if it could burn a hole right through her. Brianna stayed silent.
Clair’s expression grew emotional. His grip on her shoulders tightened. He said, “Brianna, I have no right to interfere in your life, but I want to tell you this. As long as you need me, I’ll always be by your side.”
Hearing him say that, Brianna felt her face blush and quickly looked away. Back when they were grad students, Clair had confessed his feelings to her. Looking at him now, she couldn’t help but think back to the past.
A spark of chemistry quietly rose between them. Brianna’s brows furrowed before she even realized it. She pushed his hands away politely, drawing a clear line between them, and smiled at him. “Thanks, Clair,” she said.
As she spoke, she walked on without looking back. Clair watched her solitary silhouette fade into the distance, as if even the sunlight couldn’t warm her. An inexplicable pang of heartache struck him, and it only strengthened his resolve to protect her.
Dinner took place at the seaside villa. Everyone sat around the long table savoring authentic Valeentia cuisine. After a few rounds of drinks, someone suggested playing a game, Hot Potato.
Designers from various countries were all in attendance. They were lively, talented performers, always ready to sing, dance, and bring the party to life. Everyone was eager to get up and show off their skills on stage.
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