Brandon nodded and reached out, giving Darden’s shoulder a firm, grateful pat. He understood the concern behind the words, and appreciated it.

They steered the conversation elsewhere, deliberately avoiding the subject. Not long after, Darden gathered his notebook and left, his footsteps fading down the corridor.

Alone again, Brandon reclined on the bed, the quiet pressing in around him. Beneath his calm exterior, a fragile thread of anticipation tightened around his thoughts. He understood Darden’s worries. Millie and Myron were coming together, most likely for work, nothing more. And yet hope had a way of slipping in where it didn’t belong.

He rolled onto his side, his gaze drifting toward the cabinet across the room. Inside, a wedding veil hung untouched, a relic from a year ago, heavy with memory.

“Good night,” Brandon murmured, his voice barely more than breath.

Morning arrived quickly. Millie and Myron reached the Watson Group early, the building still wrapped in its crisp, corporate quiet. After a brief meeting with Babette, they headed straight for Brandon’s office. He was already waiting.

At Eugene’s knock, the door opened, and Brandon saw Myron guide Millie inside. The sight drew a faint smile to his lips.

“You’re here,” Brandon said, his gaze settling on Millie.

She nodded in acknowledgment.

Brandon then turned to Myron. The two exchanged a brief nod, measured, professional, a mutual understanding passing without words.

Eugene closed the door behind them and withdrew. Knowing the sensitivity of the meeting, he and the others who had accompanied Millie and Myron remained outside, forming a quiet barrier against any interruption.

Millie paused, gathering her thoughts, then handed a document to Brandon. Years at the Watson Group had taught her its deep entanglement with MKK. Certain paths could not be taken without Watson’s consent — that reality was precisely why Myron had urged this meeting the night before.

“There may be an opportunity for us to work together,” Millie said.

Brandon accepted the document, flipping through the pages. A faint crease formed between his brows as he read.

She waited until he finished before continuing. “I’m deeply invested in the competition between MKK and SKR. I want MKK to win. Given the long-standing relationship between MKK and Watson Group, I believe there’s room for cooperation.” She held his gaze. “This is my request.”

Brandon placed the document back on the desk, his eyes lifting to meet hers. He understood exactly what she was asking.

After a moment’s consideration, he said, “This aligns with what Watson Group should be doing.” Then he inclined his head slightly toward Myron. “Since the rivalry between MKK and SKR escalated, Watson Group, Elliott Group, and Evans Group have all stood behind MKK.”

Millie met his gaze steadily. “I’m talking about more than standing behind them.”

Brandon’s brow tightened almost imperceptibly.

“I intend to win,” Millie said calmly, her tone unwavering.

“Why?” Brandon asked.

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