Chapter 904 Brandon's Happiness Is A Torture for Bradley
Lily knew exactly what Vincent was getting at because it was the same thing she had been mulling over.
If she could find a solid partner, that would be great. If not, she'd settle for someone who could give her the most advantage—someone like Vincent, who could go toe-to-toe with Ethan.
Only with someone like Vincent could she really stand tall and proud in front of Jasmine.
"So, Mr. Hamilton, are you talking about a business partnership or something more... personal?" Lily asked with a sly smile.
She wasn't the naive girl who'd get swept away by love anymore. She'd weigh the pros and cons rationally.
Vincent grinned. "I can offer you whatever you want. If we team up, we could own the entire market in Silverlight City, don't you think?"
Vincent knew Lily wasn't looking for a fairytale romance; she was all about the benefits.
Lily was definitely intrigued.
With Vincent's skills, taking down the Raymond Group was just a matter of time. Given her current standing in the Powell family, without a strong ally and a strategic marriage, she'd always be a pawn for the Powells. Instead of being stuck, why not take a risk and go all in?
Maybe, just like Vincent said, they could own the entire Silverlight City market someday.
When they reached the top of the business world, when everyone had to rely on her, she wanted to see who would still look down on her.
By then, what would Jasmine be? What would Ethan be? What would the Cunningham family be?
Those who underestimated her, mocked her, and thought she couldn't make it, she'd make them taste the bitterness of failure!
"Mr. Hamilton, your offer is very tempting, but Mr. Murray is also a good partner. I can't just betray my teammate," Lily said with a smile. "Money and benefits aren't everything to me. What's important is having like-minded people to reach the top together."
She was tempted, but she couldn't agree right away. Men were all the same; they didn't value things that came too easily.
Lily looked at Vincent like he was prey.
But this was Vincent.
Vincent, who always kept his true strength hidden, was a high-level hunter.
He smiled, not surprised by Lily's response because he knew the prey had taken the bait.
"Ms. Taylor, you're a very admirable partner. I'm quite pleased with you," Vincent said with a smile, no longer as aloof as before, seemingly drawn in by Lily's response.
Lily smiled. Vincent was smart. She believed his question was a test, and her refusal was the right answer.
The tension between them was palpable, like a taut string.
"I'm suddenly very interested in you, Ms. Taylor," Vincent said, pushing the steak he had cut towards Lily. "Very few women make me want to explore. I'm a straightforward person. If you feel uncomfortable, please let me know."
"Not at all. I like your straightforwardness, Mr. Hamilton. It's very genuine," Lily said, clinking her glass with Vincent's.
They exchanged smiles, but both were calculating each other's moves.
Lily's ambition was too great. It was only a matter of time before she stopped working with Rhett.
Vincent's goal was to pit the Powell family and the Murray family against each other before they could team up against Ethan and the Cunningham family.
As for what happened next, that would depend on the Cunningham family and Ethan's abilities.
He couldn't hold Ethan's hand and teach him everything, could he? That would make him Ethan's father, not that he would mind.
Vincent smiled.
At that moment, Ethan, who was at home watching the kids, might have been sneezing.
At Brandon's place, Bradley was pounding on the door, but Brandon wouldn't let him out.
"Brandon, you jerk!" Bradley yelled, still unsteady on his feet. Jumping from the second floor would definitely hurt him.
Brandon knew Bradley wouldn't dare jump, so he wasn't too worried.
"Mr. Russell, Mr. Douglas is still shouting. He refuses to eat," the assistant reported quietly to Brandon in the yard.
Brandon sipped his coffee and frowned. "Ignore him. He'll calm down after a few days."
He thought Bradley was just throwing a tantrum and would be fine after missing a few meals.
"Miss Fairfax is here," the housekeeper said, leading a very attractive woman into the yard. She was Brandon's girlfriend, and they were about to get engaged.
Brandon smiled, setting down his coffee and standing up. "What brings you here?"
"I went to your office, and your employees said you were off today and tomorrow. You didn't contact me, so I came to see what you were up to. Hiding any beauties from me?" Theodora joked, hugging Brandon from behind and looking around. "Doesn't seem like it."
"What are you talking about?" Brandon ruffled Theodora's hair affectionately and asked the housekeeper to get her some coffee.
Theodora was also an orphan, adopted by a wealthy man from Muskow.
They had spent some time together as children, and he had always protected her like a sister. Meeting again after so many years felt like fate.
Brandon had always been clueless about relationships. When Theodora confessed her feelings and wanted to be with him, he didn't want to see her sad, so he agreed.
Since then, Brandon had treated Theodora very well, almost spoiling and indulging her.
"Brandon, I feel like you still see me as a little sister, protecting me like you did when we were kids," Theodora said softly, looking at Brandon. "Have you ever liked anyone?"
Brandon was taken aback and shook his head. "No."
It was true. He wasn't lying.
He had never been attracted to any woman.
"That's great," Theodora said happily, hugging Brandon. "Then I understand. You're just unfamiliar with relationships and don't know how to respond to me."
Brandon smiled. "I'm not very good at dating. If you ever feel wronged, you can break up with me anytime. I'll respect your choice."
"How can you say that?" Theodora looked up at Brandon. "We're dating. I'm your girlfriend. We're adults. How about we try living together? Can I move in?"
Brandon hesitated, glancing at Bradley's room on the second floor.
If Theodora moved in, Bradley might feel uncomfortable.
"Maybe in a while?" Brandon tried to decline.
"No," Theodora shook her head.
She wanted to live with Brandon and develop their relationship. They had only held hands so far, not even kissed!
She wanted to do what adults do.
Upstairs, Bradley stood by the window, watching Brandon and his girlfriend's intimate interaction in the garden.
The scene was too beautiful and harmonious, with the man doting and the woman being playful.
How happy!
But they could enjoy this happiness privately. Why flaunt it in front of him, torturing him?
Was Brandon doing this on purpose?
Bradley panicked.
Had Brandon seen through his dirty, twisted thoughts and was now mocking him by keeping him here?
Lowering his head, Bradley clenched his fists until they trembled, his palms bleeding from his nails.
He didn't want to stay here, not for another second.
Opening the window, Bradley looked at the distance to the second floor. Even if he broke another leg, he wanted to escape.