Chapter 172
Chapter 172:
The jab struck a nerve. Brandon’s annoyance showed as he motioned for Darden to put the bottle down. That only seemed to amuse Darden more.
“You’re upset?” Darden grinned, settling back with a look of mischief. “Don’t take it the wrong way. Honestly, I admire you. I wish I could say the same for myself,” he added, setting his glass aside and slumping into the couch. “You’ve done more than rescue your family’s business—you’ve actually made it stronger. And on the personal side, Millie would have gone through hell for you. Now you’re with Vivian, and, at least from what I heard, she seems genuinely good. Meanwhile, me…”
With shadows flickering across his features, Darden’s expression stayed hidden from view.
“I may have inherited the company, but there’s always another crisis knocking at the door. Alyssa and I have been together forever, yet now she can’t even stand to look at me—and nothing I say seems to matter. Sometimes I wish I had your kind of freedom.”
His voice lingered in the quiet, echoing faintly.
Brandon’s gaze dropped, tracing the slow orbit of melting ice in his glass.
Freedom? Was that really what his life looked like? Nothing could be further from the truth.
“So, tell me—what’s the deal with you, Millie, and Vivian?” Darden changed course, curiosity sharp in his tone. “I’ve seen some posts online, but it’s impossible to keep track of your story.”
“We’re going through a divorce, Millie and I,” Brandon replied.
“You’re kidding me!” The answer jolted Darden upright, the light finally revealing his stunned face.
“For Vivian? Are you serious?” Darden blurted out, his disbelief unmistakable.
Brandon raised his glass, taking a slow sip.
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A simple “Yes,” was his answer.
Darden shook his head, setting his own drama aside for the moment. “I don’t get it. You and Millie always seemed rock solid—looked happy, even. And Vivian… isn’t she terminally ill? I figured you were just being kind to her, nothing more. Plus, is Millie really fine with this?”
Brandon kept his eyes on the slow swirl of ice, not bothering to meet Darden’s gaze.
“She gave her consent,” Brandon replied. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on.net
“No way,” Darden said, springing to his feet and pacing the length of the room. Genuine confusion clouded his face.
“Are you telling me she’s just letting you go? I remember how she handled that PR disaster with that pretty executive from the vendor company—remember? You ignored the woman, but she kept trying to get close, even showed off in front of Millie. Next thing I knew, Millie made sure that woman knew her place. She was so angry with you after, she wouldn’t even talk to you for days,” Darden continued, lost in the memory.
The recollection hit Brandon hard, his jaw tightening.
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