Chapter 1066 Sincere Reconciliation
Even though he was a big-shot director in the film industry, with countless stars eager to get on his good side, he was no match for someone from a truly powerful family.
"My fault, I messed up, I shouldn't have said that," Paul quickly admitted. "Mr. Davis, you're the bigger person here, don't hold it against me."
"I came to see Thessaly today to sort this out properly. Look, the internet's blowing up, the movie can't start filming, and Thessaly can't get on with her work. We're all stuck, and no one can afford the delay, right?"
"I'll take any punishment; we can discuss it privately. Making a big deal out of this helps no one..."
Paul kept rambling, looking both shameless and desperate.
Kelvin didn't even glance at him, leading Penelope inside.
Just then, Brandon's voice cut through the air, "Paul might not have the standing, but I should. Mr. Davis, since everyone's here today, why don't we go inside and talk?"
Brandon had arrived!
Kelvin squinted in his direction.
"Mr. Walker!" Paul looked like he'd seen his savior. "Thank goodness you're here. I can't handle this alone."
Brandon gave him a stern look. "Step aside. What kind of behavior is this?"
Paul hung his head, obediently taking the scolding and then leaving quietly.
A few harsh words were nothing; Brandon was the one who could save him.
Even though... it was Brandon who had dragged him into this mess in the first place!
"Shall we talk?" Brandon approached. "We've been at a standstill for too long; it's time to break through."
He wanted to walk away unscathed, with the movie unaffected and some of the investment money recovered.
After all, Penelope already knew what he had done, and his reputation was thoroughly damaged.
If Brandon still wanted Penelope... it would only be her body, not her heart.
No matter, having her was still having her!
Better than having nothing at all!
Let Penelope hate him; it didn't matter as long as he could have her in the end, and Kelvin stepped aside; it would all be worth it!
Penelope said, "I need to ask Thessaly if she agrees to let you into her home."
"Sure," Brandon replied, "I think she'll agree."
As he finished speaking, he looked up, smiling at Thessaly, who was standing behind the window.
She tried to hide, but it was too late; their eyes met.
"Will you welcome me?" Brandon asked, "Thessaly."
His hands hung naturally at his sides, maintaining his gentlemanly and refined demeanor.
If one didn't think about what Brandon had done, just looking at his appearance... it was easy to be deceived!
After a few seconds of silence, Thessaly said, "Come in."
She opened the door herself.
The house was quiet, tidy, but also felt empty and lonely.
Thessaly poured three glasses of water, placing them in front of each person.
"I get one too," Brandon said, taking a sip. "What a surprise."
"No matter what, we were together once. You were my ex-boyfriend. It's just a glass of water, I'm not that petty."
"Thank you."
Thessaly's face was stone-cold as she sat far away from Brandon.
Brandon put down his glass. "The photos have always been with me. I didn't share them with anyone, not even Paul."
Thessaly scoffed. "What are you trying to say? That you kept the photos safe? That you didn't leak them? Do you want me to thank you for that?"
She couldn't believe how calmly Brandon could say this.
Didn't he feel any shame?
He had handed her over to Paul and secretly taken photos to use as leverage against her!
"I want to say that I never intended to ruin you. I never wanted to see you suffer," Brandon replied. "I know I've done many things to hurt you, I..."
Thessaly cut him off. "Stop. I don't want to hear it."
Because it was meaningless.
Brandon's words were just that—words. They couldn't be trusted.
What he said and what he did were completely different.
Thessaly knew his tricks too well; she had endured enough when she was his girlfriend.
He always professed his love, but his actions were always hurtful.
"No, you need to listen," Brandon insisted, looking into her eyes. "Thessaly, I'm here to resolve this once and for all."
Thessaly stared back at him. "How do you plan to resolve it? You want me to let Paul go, drop the lawsuit, clear the online rumors, and replace the lead actress in your movie so it can proceed smoothly? And then you'll give me the photos in exchange?"
Wasn't that exactly what Brandon wanted?
She knew it all!
But...
"No," Brandon shook his head. "Thessaly, this time I'm here with a sincere heart, to apologize and seek reconciliation."
He then looked at Penelope. "And you too."
Thessaly was stunned, and so was Penelope.
What did he mean?
A sincere reconciliation?
Only Kelvin remained calm, silently observing, curious to see what Brandon was up to.
"I've been reflecting a lot these past few days," Brandon's voice filled the living room. "Since Isabella's death, it's like I've become a different person, doing things I shouldn't have."
"Maybe it's because... watching her die in front of me was too shocking. Or maybe I just couldn't adjust to being alone. Even though I didn't love Isabella, she was with me for a very long time."
"After working hard for half my life, I ended up alone. Seeing Kelvin and Penelope together, and Sam and Lucy, such adorable kids, I admit I was jealous."
Brandon's voice grew softer. "Penelope, you know how much I've helped you over the years."
Penelope replied, "I remember everything you've done for me, every sacrifice. I often tell Kelvin that I owe you a debt I can never repay. Sam and Lucy also remember your kindness; in their hearts, you're very important, just below family."
"Is that what I want?" Brandon asked. "I did all this for your gratitude, for Sam and Lucy's affection?"
Penelope didn't know how to respond.
After a moment of silence, she asked, "What do you want?"
"Repayment! Real, tangible repayment that I can enjoy and feel happy about!"
As the saying goes, you always get something in return for what you give.
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