She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 406

Brandon looked them over, a smirk plastered on his face. 'So, Zoe ditched Andrew for a thirty-something Sebastian?'

In fairness, Sebastian might be older, divorced, and already have two kids, but he was still the Randolph heir. Marrying him would make Zoe the lady of the Randolph family, letting her keep that luxury lifestyle. When Zoe noticed Brandon staring, she quickly looked away, pulling her arm from Sebastian's.

Deep down, she knew Sebastian was the practical choice, yet shame still crept up on her, especially with all these Donovan family around.

The idea of Athena laughing at her for settling with an older man made her stomach churn; it was like an itch she couldn't scratch, irritating and constant.

Sebastian, oblivious to her discomfort, focused on Brandon. "Cat got your tongue?" he mocked. "Didn't you use that smooth talk of yours to chase Laney down, convincing her to marry you?"

Then, he added, "After Laney finally came to her senses and dumped you, didn't you cause that scene at her birthday party? All that talk about 'every dog has its day,' saying you would get your revenge on the Randolph family?" Sebastian loved to remind Brandon of that incident. Brandon's public humiliation of the Randolph family still stung. He had stood up to them, with neither the servility nor the hesitation they expected from someone beneath them.

The Randolph family had never forgotten that slight, and every time Sebastian saw Brandon, he wanted to grind him down.

Now, people nearby murmured among themselves, casting curious glances at Brandon.

The Randolph family was among Kitmore City's elite, controlling Randolph Group-a giant with its hands in everything from pharmaceuticals to food, even hospitals and toys. The business wasn't just wealthy; it was steady, one of the West End's top companies with room to grow.

And then there was Laney Randolph, the family's only daughter, a stunning, accomplished woman who turned heads everywhere she went. Plenty of men wanted her, but the Randolph family had strict standards, and no one had yet made the cut.

Brandon's Al company was growing, sure, but compared to the Randolph Group, it was still just getting started. Him aiming to marry someone like Laney sounded... too ambitious.

Brandon didn't rush to respond Sebastian's mockery. He calmly downed his glass of red wine, setting it back on the table with a quiet clink.

calmness. He spat, "Seven years have gone by, and here I am, heir to the Randolph family, right in front of you. Go

few

in a hurry to get knocked down-what's the rush? Are you afraid you

while you're already pushing thirty-something. Your parents are nearly sixty. Face it, they will be gone before me. Maybe

as Sebastian's face flushed with

so small. It wouldn't even be

While in those same seven years, the Randolph Group's value, production, profits-they've all been sliding. "Sure, my company's smaller now, but I'm climbing up from

a smirk, "So, why the rush? If anyone's feeling the pressure, it's you. Go ahead

out, "That's right! One is rising, the other is falling. We all know who will come out on

his teeth. "Trash is still

used to be a

back off from Laney,

now, you really think you're some kind of David

swnevernet

what you've got,

told you already-Brandon didn't trick or force me. We loved each other. Stop talking about him like that." With that, Laney stepped forward, graceful and striking, placing herself between Brandon and Sebastian. Her eyes held an apologetic, almost sorrowful look as they met Brandon's. "Laney?" the crowd murmured. "She is here

you back then, just trying to climb his way up-" "Mr. Randolph,"

maybe focus on your own life rather than wasting time provoking me. None of this will change a thing for you or the

he turned his gaze to Laney-cool and detached. "Laney, whatever we had ended a long time ago. You don't have to speak for me. I don't need anyone standing up for me-not even you." Low murmurs spread through the crowd. "The guy's got guts," someone whispered. "Donovan High-tech's been growing fast these past three years. Definitely

appeared, slipping his arm protectively around Laney's waist and shooting Brandon a challenging look. "Laney,

except make you

you. Laney is my fiancée. Don't even

engaged!" Laney snapped, pushing his hand away and stepping aside. "I only