Chapter 909 Bradley Is in Trouble
Bradley felt dizzy, realizing what they intended. He wanted to resist but had no strength left.
Panic set in as he desperately pushed away the men surrounding him, searching for an escape.
But they weren't about to let their prey slip away.
In his desperation, Bradley pulled out his phone and slammed his head against the wall to fight the dizziness. He didn't know who to call for help.
With no options left, he frantically dialed the only number he could think of—Brandon's.
"Hello?" It was Theodora who answered.
Bradley could have begged for help, but hearing Theodora's voice crushed his last hope.
He hung up abruptly and surrendered, allowing himself to be dragged out of the bar.
Let it end like this. It was all a mistake from the very start, anyway.It was a mistake from the beginning anyway.
---
## Silverlight City
Vincent was confronted by Brandon, who demanded Bradley's whereabouts.
"Why can't you just let him go?" Vincent asked with a sardonic smile. "If you're seeking revenge for his schemes against Ethan, your anger should be directed at me, not him. Give him a chance to live his life."
Brandon frowned. "I just don't want him around someone like you. You'll only corrupt him."
Vincent laughed coldly. "That's rich, Brandon. You knew perfectly well Bradley was gay, yet you kept leading him on. You're far worse than I am."
Brandon froze, speechless.
"He's gone. Left Silverlight City for good. He won't be coming back, and he won't be around for me to 'corrupt.' Let him go, Brandon." Vincent checked his watch. "I have to leave now."
Brandon remained rooted to the spot, rigid with conflicting emotions.
Bradley was gone, no longer a threat to Ethan. What was it that still gnawed at him?
Brandon himself couldn't identify the emptiness he felt whenever he thought about Bradley.
"Find out if Bradley has really left Silverlight City," he ordered his assistant. "Vincent never tells the truth."
"Yes, Mr. Russell."
Brandon's Residence
Back home, Brandon sat in the yard, staring at the space where Bradley once lived, feeling strangely hollow.
"Brandon, you left your phone with me. Why the rush? Did something happen?" Theodora appeared, handing him his phone.
"Did anyone call me?" Brandon instinctively checked his call history.
What was he hoping for? That Bradley might have reached out before leaving?
There were no unknown calls listed.
"No... nobody called," Theodora said quietly.
Brandon leaned back, rubbing his temples. "Fine."
"I posted our wedding photos online. Have you seen them?" Theodora sat beside him.
Brandon barely registered her words, distracted.
Vincent's accusation echoed in his mind—that he knowingly tormented Bradley despite being aware of his feelings.
Brandon recognized his own cruelty. He had known Bradley was gay, yet he kept him close, simultaneously rejecting and possessing him, not wanting him to care for anyone else.
"Brandon, my adoptive parents are coming tonight to discuss our wedding plans. You must make time for this." Theodora clung to his arm.
Brandon nodded, yet felt an inexplicable sense of foreboding.
Bellagio Hotel
Vincent arrived at Lily's with a box of freshly washed fruit.
"You washed these yourself?" Lily asked, surprised.
Though not expensive, Vincent knew exactly how to touch her heart.
Lily stood there, momentarily stunned as she accepted the gift.
Growing up poor, she couldn't afford fruit. Now wealthy, it was the simplest gifts that moved her most.
As CEO of Powell Corporation, she had suitors offering million-dollar presents, yet none affected her like Vincent's thoughtful gesture.
"Dinner later?" Vincent suggested.
Lily nodded, smiling as she held the fruit box.
He could afford extravagant gifts but chose to invest time in small gestures instead.
When Vincent set his mind to it, no woman could escape his charm.
"Would you like some?" Lily offered.
Vincent took a cherry. "I tried one while washing them. They're quite sweet."
Lily smiled, surprised to see this side of him—a side that made her feel at ease, almost ready to lower her guard.
Vincent's phone buzzed—the Maple Grove police department.
He frowned, immediately answering with a sense of dread. "Hello?"
"Mr. Hamilton? Do you know Mr. Bradley Douglas?" the officer asked.
Vincent's heart tightened. "Yes."
"There's been an incident. Could you come in?"
Vincent's pulse quickened—he rarely worried about others, but this time, his instincts screamed danger.
"I'm in Silverlight City. I'll get there as soon as possible." He hung up and turned to Lily. "Bradley is in trouble. I need to go to Maple Grove."
"Should I come with you?" Lily asked, concerned.
Vincent shook his head. "The Silverlight City bid is about to begin. You can't afford distractions. Talk to Rhett—Ethan and the Cunningham family won't be easy opponents."
Lily felt a warmth in her chest and nodded. "Be careful."
After Vincent left, Lily stared at the fruit box, smiling bitterly. She slowly released her grip on her arm, where her nails had left crescent-shaped marks.
If only she had met Vincent earlier.
Unfortunately, she was now scarred and tainted beyond recognition, while Vincent remained equally enigmatic.
Still, she had to admit Vincent was a better partner than Rhett.
Lily knew Rhett was a psychopath. Being under his control would make her no different from the women he'd hospitalized.
She needed to plan her next move—partner with Vincent, push Rhett aside, and trust Vincent just this once.Sunshine Restaurant
Theodora's adoptive parents had arrived. She dressed elegantly and brought Brandon to meet them.
Throughout the drive, Brandon stared out the window, distracted.
His mind was filled with images of Bradley—particularly the moment he jumped from the balcony without hesitation.
"Theodora," Brandon began hoarsely as they parked. "I'm sorry. I told you before that I've never been in love and don't know what it feels like. I only see you as a sister."
Theodora had said she would wait for him to fall in love with her, that she wanted to marry him.
"But now I have to break my promise. I don't think I can marry you," Brandon said quietly, fidgeting with his watch. "I'm sorry."
Theodora's eyes welled with tears. "Why? Is there someone else?"
Brandon thought of Bradley and rubbed his forehead. "Maybe."
Perhaps he truly was insane, disturbed in some way.
He seemed to have an unnatural possessiveness toward Bradley.
"It's that boy Bradley, isn't it?" Theodora choked out. "I'm so sorry. He called you last night. I had your phone and answered it. I deleted the call record because I was terrified. I'm sorry."
Brandon's expression changed to alarm as he grabbed his phone. "You're saying Bradley called me last night?"
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