Chapter 22

Chapter 22:
Charles answered with a knowing smile. “It works out for both sides.” Those words rang true.
Power struggles had become the Evans family’s daily routine. All three Evans brothers set their sights on the Evans Group, each one determined to seize control.
Only the one with the sharpest edge would claim victory in the end.
Their conversation drifted on a little longer. Charles promised he would keep Millie and Brandon’s soon-to-be divorce a secret, and then he excused himself to return to his business calls.
They would discuss details of her joining the show Heavenly Melody another time.
For a while, Millie stayed behind. The warmth of her coffee lingered in her hands as she watched the wind dance through the leaves outside.
Time slipped by until she heard footsteps drawing near.
First came the familiar outline. Brandon’s presence seemed to fill the room even before he spoke.
She recognized him instantly, so she slipped her mask back on and turned away, hoping to shield herself.
“Why did you go through with this?” Brandon’s voice broke the quiet before she could step away. His tone carried an unmistakable weight—the sort of confidence built through years of influence.
His cologne, Tom Ford Oud Wood, drifted over to her, mingling with a hint of smoke.
It was a scent she had come to associate with him alone.
He continued, “You have a gift for writing music. Your songs reveal real depth. Why put up obstacles for someone who’s running out of time?”
A hint of sadness welled up inside Millie when she heard his words.
With deliberate slowness, Millie faced Brandon. She noticed the subtle crease between his brows as he watched her. Check latest chapters at.net
A small question lingered on her lips. “You think I have talent?” She searched his eyes, barely above a whisper.
An uncertain look flickered in Brandon’s gaze.
“Of course you do,” said Brandon.
No one could argue with that.
Yet a soft laugh escaped Millie.
Talent? Was that what he saw in her?
Memories of their wedding night surfaced.
That evening, Brandon had struck a match, lit a cigarette, and let the smoke drift through their fresh, unfamiliar new house.
“Millie, I’m worried about Grandpa,” he said. “Your little hobby of songwriting will have to wait. Right now, I want you to help take care of my grandparents.” His words had floated in the air, detached and light, much like the cigarette smoke curling toward the ceiling.
She had offered a compromise. Balancing family and work seemed possible. Brandon had only frowned. “You don’t need to keep working where everyone can see you.”
She eventually gave in to his wishes.
Convincing herself that Derek’s declining health truly required her attention, she tried to set aside her doubts.
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