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?”

caught the message on his

beneath the glow of the crystal chandelier. His eyes hinted at his disappointment. After

Then, he walked slowly.

uneaten food. Stella trembled, almost as if she were going to

to her side, offering support. “Please take a seat.

holds me responsible, even if he doesn’t voice it. If my own grandson harbors resentment toward me, how much more would Eileen, who has no familial ties and has endured so much, hold against me? Tell me… What did she imply in the message

regardless. Whether she cooperates

Stella’s cheeks as she

the towering skyscrapers. Under the streetlamp, Bryan’s exhales of smoke were swiftly whisked away by the

outline of a woman moving around inside. It was late;

see her. He couldn’t recall how

was deeply ingrained in his

resist any longer, he retrieved his phone and dialed

for what felt like an eternity before she picked it up. Her voice, perhaps

you want?” she

Bryan replied, his voice

the phone, her fingertips paling. The window acted as a barrier

drew a deep breath before uttering the words in haste, “I won’t

her cheeks as she ended the call, the dimly

felt like an eternity, her eyes fixated on the window, before

with two gentle kicks from

tenderly caressed

little one, I’ve carried you for so long. Don’t you understand how painful it is for me to see him? It’s not safe. We can’t meet. Mommy needs to keep you

last two pieces of clothing and

fading light left

seemed to plunge into darkness

smoking the last cigarette from his pocket, he leaned against the lamppost for what felt like an

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

the silence of the night

the minivan that had been tailing him to stop abruptly, narrowly avoiding crashing into

car, grabbed a baseball bat from the trunk, and yanked a guy out of the van, smacking his arm with

please have mercy! We’re just following orders!” one of the men pleaded as Bryan opened the back door, revealing several burly men huddled together

Bryan pressed the bat against

could send the man to his maker. Terrified,

who instructed us to do this. He wanted us

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

ground, holding his hurt arm and howling,

burly men, stunned into silence, saw Bryan under the streetlights, looking like a grim

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

the van. “I want to see results