Chapter 264 She's Not a Pushover
Sebastian, who casually dealt with others' flattery, slowly smiled. The brilliance of Brooklyn was impossible to hide; she was a rough diamond adept at disguise. But if anyone touched her red line, she would extend her claws and tear them apart.
He and she were surprisingly similar, surprisingly compatible.
Dario witnessed Brooklyn's exquisite counterattack and couldn't help but praise, "Mr. Kingsley, Mrs. Kingsley was amazing just now."
Sebastian took a sip of red wine, glancing at Dario, and said, "That wasn't even her true level."
To deal with those people just now, she didn't need to use her full strength. But Sebastian was genuinely fascinated by her fierceness, her sharpness.
No, he liked her gentleness, the gentleness within her sharpness, not the gentleness of weakness.
"Mr. Kingsley." Lawrence, carrying a glass of wine, approached with a deliberate air of shrewdness. His expression was a blend of cunning and calculation.
"Mr. Turner," he greeted simply, his voice smooth.
Sebastian's brow furrowed slightly as Lawrence continued, "You know, Megan is my daughter. She holds twenty percent of the shares in the Turner Group, making her the second-largest shareholder."
Sebastian's expression hardened as Lawrence flaunted Megan's marriage gift, presenting it as a tempting offer. "Your dedication to your daughter is commendable," he remarked, clearly unimpressed.
Lawrence gave Sebastian's shoulder a friendly pat. "You're a smart man. It's a no-brainer to choose between a stock that's hit rock bottom and one that's a star performer."
Lawrence's disdain for Sebastian's own wife was thinly veiled, but Sebastian remained composed, his face a mask of indifference. "Mr. Turner, marriage is not a transaction. Money is just a number to me. Your offer doesn't tempt me."
Sebastian was blunt and straightforward. Lawrence chuckled, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and something darker. "Sebastian, you're still young. Don't mistake feelings for everything. Sometimes, fate isn't something you can control."
Sebastian's gaze grew somber, reflecting the depth of his experience. "I've heard the saying, 'My fate is mine to shape, not to leave to chance.'" He then added, "Mr. Turner, instead of trying to persuade me, perhaps you should spend some time advising Megan not to sell herself short."
His words were pointed, clearly meant to provoke Lawrence.
Brian, witnessing the exchange, stepped in with a sharp tone, "Sebastian, apologize!"
Sebastian's eyes flashed with a hard edge. "An apology might be due, but I won't be giving one."
Brian's anger was palpable, his face reddening as he prepared to confront Sebastian. Lawrence intervened with a calm demeanor, smiling, "Young people often speak without thinking. They'll learn the hard way about choices and consequences. No need to rush."
"Lawrence, he's always been arrogant. Please don't take it personally," Brian said, trying to smooth things over.
"Not at all," Lawrence responded with a chuckle. "I actually find Sebastian's attitude rather endearing. It's his most charming trait!"
Sebastian, uninterested in the ongoing discussion, sipped his wine, lost in his thoughts.
The Kingsley and Turner families had always spared no effort in their attempts to arrange a union between their members.
Five years ago, Sebastian had already been aware of the intricate dynamics at play.
The four great families of Aucester were led by the Kingsleys and the Turners. The Kingsley family primarily dealt in finance and real estate, while the Turner family focused on construction materials and mining. The Turners had rapidly risen to prominence thanks to their mining ventures and relied heavily on the Kingsleys for support. On the other hand, the Kingsleys, with their two major pillars, were facing significant risks, making the Turners the ideal backup.
Additionally, the Rivera family specialized in fashion, and the Scott family was known for its jewelry.
The Riveras and the Scotts preferred to stick to their profitable businesses but had recently begun to entertain other ideas.
The power structure in Aucester was set, and each family had its own plans for alliances.
Outside, Kelly smiled as she gave Brooklyn a gentle shoulder rub. "My goddess, you were absolutely stunning tonight! I'm falling for you all over again!"
Brooklyn took a sip of her red wine, the night breeze tousling a strand of hair that curled charmingly at her chin, accentuating her delicate features.
Gently touching her bruised cheek, Brooklyn said, "You really shouldn't push yourself so hard. It's a good thing I'm here today. What if I weren't around?"
Brooklyn's heart ached with the thought. She knew her time was running out but couldn't bring herself to say it.
Kelly squinted. "Come on, don't be silly! My goddess will always be here, right on time!"
Brooklyn shook her head, "Kelly, if I'm not here one day, you'll need to learn to take care of yourself."
Kelly pouted, "What are you talking about? Who are you trying to scare?"
Just then, a tall figure approached. Both women looked up to see a stranger's face.
Brandon, clad in a gray suit with his tie slightly loosened, stood before them. With a sharp jawline and a rebellious glint in his eyes, he looked to be in his late twenties, exuding an air of youthful arrogance.
"Ladies, might I have the honor of dancing with you?"
Brooklyn noticed that some guests were already dancing to the music.
She perched on the edge of a bench, crossing her legs and smiling wearily. "A dance partner, you say? You have quite the nerve, sir."
Brandon wore a lazy smile, his eyes taking on a roguish gleam. "What's the matter? No respect?"
Kelly wrinkled her nose and interjected, "Are you out of your mind? Do you know who this is? She's Sebastian's wife, the lady of the Kingsley family."
Expecting this revelation to deter him, Brooklyn was surprised when Brandon only considered it for a moment before casually responding, "Sebastian is indeed quite a formidable character, but who says a married woman can't have another dance partner? Besides, Mr. Kingsley is otherwise occupied at the moment."
Brooklyn searched for Sebastian and spotted him on a sofa in the villa's grand hall, close to a heavily made-up woman. Their proximity was decidedly intimate, hinting at something more than mere conversation.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
