Chapter 9
Julian had just stepped out of Dominick’s office when his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and frowned, his expression tightening with barely concealed disgust
The ringtone continued to echo in the hallway, the sound grating on his nerves. After what felt like an eternity, he finally picked up, his tone smooth and friendly like always, a stark contrast to the contempt in his eyes. “Ms. Sullivan, how can I help you?
Brittany’s voice, overly sweet and dripping with affected charm, floated through the line. “Mr. Hale, hello I wanted to thank Mr. Vanderbilt for securing the lead role for me in the film
“He’s been such a huge help, and I’d love to show my gratitude by treating him to a meal. Could you pass that along?”
Julian’s eyebrows furrowed, a mix of irritation and something darker flaring in his chest. He had known she’d pull something like this. “Sorry. I’m afraid Mr. Vanderbil has been quite busy recently. Ms. Sullivan,” he replied, keeping his voice neutral, though the disapproval was unmistakable.
There was a brief silence on the other end. Brittany clearly disappointed but unwilling to let go. “When will Mr. Vanderbilt be free? I’m flexible- anytime works for me.”
Realizing she might have sounded too eager, Brittany quickly backtracked. “Not just me, Mr. Hale. My whole family–we all want to thank Mr. Vanderbilt for his generosity.”
Her desperation seeped through the phone, and it deepened Julian’s distaste. He knew all too well the kind of game Brittany was playing “Understood, Ms. Sullivan. I’ll pass your message along. If Mr. Vanderbilt finds the time, I will contact you.”
Hearing that Julian hadn’t completely shut the door on her request. Brittany hurriedly expressed her gratitude before ending the call.
Yet, the look of scom on Julian’s face remained unchanged. As expected, anyone associated with Paisley is cut from the same cloth. That entire family is all the same he thought with derision
Julian held little regard for Paisley, and even less for the Sullivan
livan family. Paisley may have been away from Harrowfell for a while, but now that she’s back, I believe her family has reconnected with her
In the grand, elegant living room of Sullivan Villa, Christina sat poised beside her daughter, a subtle gleam of expectation in her eyes. “So? Did he
Brittany’s mood soured, though she hid it behind a tight smile. “Mr. Hale said Mr. Vanderbilt was too busy right now to meet. But he promised to pass along my message. Hell get back to me
Her voice faltered just a bit, revealing the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. She had hoped for more. ‘I need to see him now, not later.
The reality was over the past few months, she had only seen Dominick twice. Once at a charity gala, the other at a party. Both times, he’d been surrounded by others, with barely a moment alone with her, let alone the chance for a meaningful conversation
“That’s not exactly a clear rejection, so there’s still hope,” Christina said, trying to soothe her daughter.
that. “Mom,
im, could we have
Brittany nodded slowly, a reluctant comfort selling in her chest. She had no other choice but to believe th misunderstood?”
“Misunderstood what?”
“Whether Mr. Vanderbilt has any interest in me…
Brittany didn’t want to admit it might be a misunderstanding, but the doubts gnawed at her. If he was interested in me, why hasn’t he made a move! Why hasn’t he called, asked to meet?
She had been waiting for months, hoping he’d reach out, but the phone never rang. Every time she made the effort to ask for a meeting, she was met with the same excuse that he was too busy,
And to make matters worse, she still didn’t have Dominick’s personal number. Every time she needed to get in touch with him, it was through. Julian, his assistant. It felt like a constant roadblock–always one step removed from the man she wanted to get close to
Christina furrowed her brows in thought, trying to reassure Brittany, “But if Mr. Vanderbilt wasn’t interested, why would he help you so much! Why would he go out of his way to support our business!”
They all knew the truth that with Sullivan Group’s modest capabilities, becoming a Vanderbilt Group partner was nothing short of a pipe dream.
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Chapter 9
Yet here they were–Vanderbilt Group had not only become their largest client but also the primary source of revenue for Sullivan Group. In other words, the Sullivan family was surviving solely on the orders provided by Vanderbilt Group
“There’s no such thing as unprovoked kindness or unsolicited support. Gregory Sullivan, Brittany’s foster father, finally spoke, calm but deliberate. “If Mr. Vanderbal is going out of his way to do all this, he must have a reason?
Both Christina and Brittany silently agreed with him. After all in their eyes, businessmen were notorious for being profit–driven. Historically, the Sullivan and Vanderbilt families had no connection whatsoever and the two families were worlds apart.
To them, the sodden generosity and attention from the Vanderbal family’s heir were inexplicable, unless there was a hidden motive.
And the Sullivan family, for all their aspirations, was well aware that their company had nothing of value that might interest Vanderbilt Group. Which left them with only one logical explanation–Brittany
As if coming to the same conclusion, Gregory and Christina both turned their gaze to Brittany. Their eyes lit up with hope, as though their adopted daughter embodied the key to the Sullivan family’s future
“Brittany, our family’s future is counting on you” Gregory said with a warm smile, his tone laced with affection and expectation.
Brittany’s cheeks flushed crimson. Any lingering hesitation she had melted away in an instant. Mr. Vanderbüt isn’t reaching out to me right now probably because he’s about to get married and doesn’t want to stir up any scandals beforehand.
But maybe, after his marriage, he’ll contact me again. That’s fine. I can wait.”
Seeing the smile return to Brittany’s face, Christina grabbed her hand and pulled her up
for some new clothes.
with enthusiasm
. “Come on, let’s go. I’ll take you shopping
“You never know when Mr. Vanderbilt might respond, and you can’t meet him without a stunning wardrobe ready
She pointed at Gregory, who had been observing quietly. “And everything’s on your father’s tab.”
Gregory nodded and chuckled, his indulgent lone unmistakable, “All right, all right, I’ll cover it. Go ahead”
Christina and Brittany, now arm in arm, exited the room with a shared excitement. Gregory watched them go, nodding in satisfaction as a sense of pride flickered in his gaze.
Yet, as they disappeared, a thought crossed his mind, unbidden and sharp. A beautiful face emerged in his memory–a face he hadn’t seen for a long time.
Paisley, my own daughter, is much prettier Gregory’s expression darkened, his brows furrowing deeply
But then came the bitter thought, one that soured his mood further. Too bad she’s so conniving. No sense of loyalty or decency. That one she’ll come crawling back when she’s hit rock bottom, begging me for help. And when she does…
He smirked and thought, 71l have Brittany help her out. Find her some small–time businessman to marry, and that’ll be the end of it
The kindergarten was filed with children’s laughter and chatter, an atmosphere of carefree joy and excitement.
Yet, in the midst of it all, Serena barely seemed to pay any attention during class this morning. She clutched the portrait she’d taken from Paisley’s studio, her small hands gripping it tightly.
Even during lunch, she hardly touched her food, her mind far away, anxiously waiting for the moment when the afternoon free time would arrive.
As soon as the bell rang signaling the start of playtime, Serena’s eyes lit up. She jumped to her feet, clutching the picture to her chest like a treasure, and ran straight toward the elementary school. She was determined to find Grayson and show him the portrait
She thought excitedly, Once he sees this, he’ll know I am his sister!
The playground was alive with the chatter and play of children, but Serena was on a mission. Her small legs worked furiously as she scanned the area, finally spotting Grayson near the little fountain.
“Hey, there” Serena’s eyes sparkled with delight as she dashed toward him. The drawing she held flapped noisily in the breeze, the crinkling sound accompanying her every step.
Grayson was seated by the fountain, engrossed in a book. At the sound of her voice, he instinctively looked up, only to see a tiny figure barreling toward him, calling his name excitedly.
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Chapter 9
He frowned, closing his book with a quiet sigh. Rising to his feet, he intended to leave before the small whirlwind reached him.
“Wait. I have something to show you.” Serena’s voice was sweet and high–pitched, with an almost innocent lilt. Yet there was something in her tone —a quiet insistence that made Grayson halt awkwardly, despite his discomfort.
He turned back, his expression stiff, irritation creeping into his gaze. “Tve told you already. I’m not your brother. Can’t you just leave me alone?”
Serena, out of breath from running, looked up at him with wide, pleading eyes. “You are you are….
She stopped, her tiny hands pressed against her knees as she tried to catch her breath. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she tried to steady herself after running
Grayson couldn’t help but notice the crinkled piece of paper she was clutching in her hands, the edge’s bene, but still holding the portrait of a child drawn on it
The sight of it caught his attention, but he didn’t say anything, Serena, still trying to regain her breath, continued speaking without hesitation, “T brought the drawing. The drawing is of you!
In Paisley’s art studio, there were countless paintings and sketches, but only one portrait of Grayson. That one had stayed in Serena’s mind, its details vivid
Serena glanced from the drawing to Grayson and back again. Yep, it’s him. It looks just like him. He is my brother.
“Look See! The picture proves it. I’m not lying. You’re my brother, Serena declared camestly, her breath finally steady. She stood upright and extended the drawing toward Grayson, her small hands clutching the wrinkled paper with determination.
But before Grayson could react, Serena’s body suddenly jerked forward, her balance lost. A sharp push from behind sent her tumbling to the ground
“You little brat. Why are you still bothering Sonny!” came an angry voice behind her.
AD
