Chapter 912 Brandon Isn't Into Gay Guys; He's Into Bradley
Ethan tossed the joint complaint letter from several departments onto the table. "See for yourself. Everyone else conducts business meetings professionally, but you? Bars, karaoke, private clubs—you think cutting corners is clever?"
Liam looked down guiltily, muttering under his breath. "I call it knowing your audience. I researched what the clients prefer. Besides, my project completion rate is excellent. They're just jealous of my success."
Ethan rubbed his temples, clearly frustrated. "And now you're openly hiring women who don't meet our recruitment requirements. You—"
Ethan's disapproval was obvious.
Liam bit his lip, trying to contain himself.
Jasmine sensed trouble brewing—Liam looked like he was about to get himself punched.
Sure enough, Liam used his most submissive tone to deliver his most dangerous words: "Mr. Douglas, isn't that a double standard? You made an exception when you hired Jasmine, giving her a platform to showcase her excellence. How can you be so sure I haven't found equally exceptional talent?"
The office fell silent.
Liam had put it delicately, but everyone knew when Ethan had kept Jasmine as his assistant, she hadn't met the educational requirements either. Yet her abilities had impressed everyone.
Initially, Liam had been skeptical about Jasmine too, but her performance had won him over. Now he believed in hiring for ability, not just credentials.
While education matters, it isn't everything.
Seeing Ethan about to lunge at Liam, Jasmine quickly stood up and grabbed his arm. "Actually... I think Liam has a point."
Ethan took a deep breath, his tone prideful. "My wife earned numerous scholarships at Stanford University and entered with the highest exam score in her class. She just doesn't have the diploma. How can you compare that to some cashier you found?"
Liam pulled out his phone, displaying a profile. "Selene Patel, yes, a cashier—but with outstanding academic records. She's from a small town and could have attended a top university if family circumstances hadn't forced her to drop out and work."
"And Maeve Harrington was offered early admission to Stanford. She's a language prodigy, fluent in at least five languages. That's why those con artists targeted her, forcing her to entertain foreign clients. She injured one while escaping."
Ethan cleared his throat. "With fighting skills like that, she needed your rescue?"
"Actually, I was standing there cheering her on when the guy hit me, and she stepped in to help," Liam admitted, scratching his head.
Jasmine couldn't help laughing. "So she rescued you?"
Liam smiled sheepishly. "Mutual salvation, you know? At least I called 911."
Jasmine gave Liam a thumbs-up, then turned to Ethan. "I think the women Liam hired are exceptional. Don't you agree?"
Her tone carried an unmistakable warning. Ethan could hardly disagree. "Yes, they seem excellent."
How could he say otherwise?
Liam winked gratefully at Jasmine before quickly slipping away.
Ethan sighed in frustration. "He's so unconventional, and everyone's complaining. You just keep spoiling him."
Jasmine smiled, picking up the complaint letter from the floor. "There's a simple solution—we could publicly redistribute Liam's bonus to everyone else."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "That's actually clever."
Jasmine leaned against Ethan's shoulder. "Am I terrible?"
Ethan nodded. "A little. But I like it."
Outside, the secretary knocked on the door.
"Mr. Douglas, Ms. Taylor from Powell Corporation is here to see you," the secretary said, entering without waiting for a response.
Seeing Jasmine, she lowered her head nervously. "Would you like to meet with her?"
Jasmine observed the new secretary with interest.
The attractive woman was impeccably dressed in exactly the style Ethan usually appreciated.
"Is the intercom just for decoration?" Ethan frowned. "Next time, call first."
The secretary looked down anxiously. "I'm sorry, Mr. Douglas. It's my first day, and I'm still learning."
Ethan was visibly annoyed. "HR provides at least seven days of training. You couldn't master using the phone in seven days? Focus on your work, not other things."
The secretary nervously wrung her hands before leaving.
As soon as the door closed, Jasmine gave Ethan a reproachful look. "You're completely clueless about subtlety. How could you speak to her so bluntly?"
"I swear, that's Brandon's secretary, not mine," Ethan said. "I'd rather work with Liam."
Jasmine laughed. "I believe you. You're so tone-deaf, only I could put up with you."
Ethan looked confused. "Jasmine, was that a compliment or an insult?"
Jasmine nodded seriously. "Definitely a compliment."
Maple Grove Hospital
Bradley was discharged, and Brandon packed up Bradley's belongings to take him home.
From admission to discharge, they hadn't exchanged a single word.
Brandon wanted to talk to Bradley, but Bradley kept staring out the window.
Brandon was nervous and afraid—terrified that if he looked away for even a moment, Bradley might jump from the building.
Shamelessly, Brandon moved into Bradley's home. Though Bradley told him to leave, he refused.
"Same-sex marriage is legal in Suncrest City. Should we go get our marriage certificate?" Brandon sat across from Bradley, carefully using a warm towel to wipe Bradley's ten fingers that protruded from his cast.
Bradley remained numb, lacking even the energy to curse at Brandon.
Brandon knew his past actions were despicable, but he was truly afraid now—afraid of losing Bradley.
"Brandon, You're only feeling this way out of pity. You should go." Bradley said hoarsely.
Brandon's hands froze for a moment as he looked at Bradley. "I was wrong. Please don't be like this. I understand my true feelings now."
Bradley stood up, exerting great effort to bring his tablet to the table.
Outside the window, the setting sun was beautiful, painting a picture of peaceful times.
Yet Brandon felt an inexplicable ache in his heart for the person before him.
For a moment, he felt as though he and Bradley no longer belonged to the same world.
It seemed that if he reached out, Bradley would vanish.
Bradley opened his computer and, with his uncoordinated fingers, searched for romantic adult films he had privately saved. "Disgusting, isn't it?" he asked.
Straight men couldn't stand these things—just seeing them triggered physical revulsion.
Brandon frowned and quickly moved to shut Bradley's computer.
Bradley laughed sarcastically.
Brandon's voice grew hoarse. "Bradley, I'm not gay. I just love you."
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