Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 304

Chapter 304:

Without thinking, Bryan could easily imagine how Zola behaved in front of Brandon and Lydia. Zola felt a chill in her heart as she said, “If I had ever gone against Brandon, would I still be alive today?”

“If you’re uncomfortable helping Bryan, I won’t push you. But expecting us to understand, sympathize, or even thank you while you have your own agenda is a bit hypocritical,” Stella said. “You want to marry Bryan? You’re in love with him? There’s nothing wrong with that, but your mistake is pretending to be a victim to hide your selfish intentions, knowing he doesn’t love you. True love doesn’t expect anything in return.”

“Expect nothing in return?” Zola chuckled as if she had heard a joke. “Is it wrong to pursue the person I love?”

“Then is it wrong for Bryan to dislike someone he doesn’t love?” Stella muttered bluntly.

Zola was struck silent.

The dining room smelled good because of the delicious food on the table, and the faint scent of smoke drifted from Bryan’s cigarette. Sarcasm hung heavy in the air, accompanied by the growing mockery and disgust written all over Bryan’s face. All of this made Zola feel as if her heart was being sliced by a knife.

“You’re right,” she finally admitted. “But in rich families, people don’t always get to call their own shots. If you want to save Apex Group and take down Brandon, I’m the only one who can help.”

The ash on Bryan’s cigarette had piled up, and when he flicked it into the trash, it missed and landed on the floor instead. Slipping one hand into his pocket, Bryan got up, the chair letting out a loud creak.

“I’ll say it again: I’m done with Apex Group. If Brandon’s got what it takes, he can handle it himself,” he said.

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With that, he turned and left, his posture relaxed.

“Bryan, is it worth going through all this for a woman?”

Zola stood up abruptly, blocking his way. “Without Eileen, won’t you even look out for the Dawson family? What about Stella?”

“I don’t need him,” Stella quickly said. “I won’t be around much longer anyway, and I refuse to be a burden.”

“What about me?” Zola asked, feeling heartbroken once again. “I’ve stayed here for so many years with the Dawson family. I’ve endured everything for you!”

“Nobody forced you to stay.” Bryan dodged her touch, disgust dripping from his words.

Zola had been part of the Dawson family for close to two decades, intimately acquainted with every nook and cranny of the Dawson Mansion. But now, every corner felt unfamiliar, tainted by Bryan’s contempt.

It was inconceivable. She had given her all to Bryan. How had it all turned so sour?

“Fine, Bryan, mark my words! You’ll regret this day! And I’ll be waiting for the day you come crawling back!” With that, Zola stormed off, her bold proclamation reverberating through the sprawling villa.

Bryan remained unfazed until his phone chimed. His gaze fell upon the screen, his pupils dilating at the straightforward message: Leaving the country tomorrow.

Stella approached him, her tone cautious. “I know you blame me, but are you really not going to fight for Apex Group?”

as they caught the message on his phone. “She’s leaving? Is she unable to

phone, standing tall beneath the glow of the crystal chandelier. His eyes hinted at his disappointment. After a long pause, he

Then, he walked slowly.

with uneaten food. Stella trembled, almost as

a seat. The doctor said not

tears. “Bryan holds me responsible, even if he doesn’t voice it. If my own grandson harbors resentment toward me, how much more would

plans, regardless. Whether she cooperates or calls it quits, Bryan will comply

streamed down Stella’s cheeks

with the wind whistling through the towering skyscrapers. Under the streetlamp, Bryan’s exhales of smoke

of a woman moving

to go upstairs. Knocking on the door, he could see her. He couldn’t recall how long it had been since their last meeting or how many days and nights

his mind. Though it was deeply ingrained in his heart,

he retrieved his phone and dialed the familiar

voice, perhaps affected by the frigid weather, carried

you want?” she

voice carried

fingertips paling. The window acted as a barrier between

before uttering the words in haste, “I won’t meet you.

cheeks as she ended the call, the dimly lit

eyes fixated

with two gentle kicks

caressed

you understand how painful it is for me to see him? It’s not safe. We can’t meet. Mommy needs

the last two pieces of

fading light left Bryan in

world seemed to plunge into

for what felt like an eternity.

out of the corner of his eye. Bryan stubbed out his cigarette on the ground,

roar pierced the silence of the night as he hastily

of time before suddenly slamming on the brakes, causing the minivan that had been tailing

grabbed a baseball bat from the trunk, and yanked

of the men pleaded as Bryan opened the back door, revealing several burly men huddled together in

Bryan pressed the bat against the

man to his

do this. He wanted us to keep

lips curled. He aimed the bat at the man’s chest. “You’re with me,

lay on the ground, holding his hurt arm and howling, his cries

men, stunned into silence, saw Bryan under the streetlights, looking

listen to you,” the leader said, with the others nodding along

tossed the bat into the van. “I want to see