Chapter 119:
Still, the cold, unyielding part of him had never truly faded. Letting his three grandsons battle among themselves proved just how cutthroat he remained. Backing down just because Brandon’s name was mentioned would never fit his nature.
A short pause hung in the air before Napier finally asked, “What exactly are you getting at?”
Millie spoke gently. “You should actually be pleased, Mr. Evans, that someone finally has the nerve to stand up to the Watson Group.”
A bright smile lit up her face. “Mr. Evans, you encourage your grandsons to compete so the family stays strong. If you back down just because Brandon is involved, it’s only a matter of time before the Evans family loses its edge. Besides, the Evans Group is not so easily swayed. I’m sure you’ve already measured the risks and had them under control.”
A squint narrowed Napier’s gaze as he studied Millie, sizing her up again. There was something in her that reminded him of his proud eldest son.
Napier indeed had his own plans—plans that ran deeper than she realized, and his strategies were much harsher than she could imagine. The Watson family might seem unstoppable, but the Evans family wouldn’t be toppled so easily. If Brandon decided to press the issue, Napier was fully prepared to sacrifice Charles and offer an apology. He could always say he never knew Serena’s true identity was Millie.
If Charles proved himself and took the upper hand, Napier would gladly let him guide the Evans Group to new heights. Winning this gamble would send the Evans Group even higher. Losing, however, meant letting Charles take the fall and leaving him to face Brandon alone.
He was ready for that possibility and had already steeled himself to lose a grandson if needed.
Light poured across the room, and the rich scent of coffee gave the space a touch of elegance.
A few moments passed before Millie spoke again. “So, Mr. Evans, does this mean I’ve passed whatever test you set for me?”
Napier cast a look at Millie, a small chuckle escaping him. “I never really understood why you stayed with Brandon for as long as you did.”
Lаtєst chαptєrs in g𝗮l𝗻ov𝗲ls.ｃοm
A laugh slipped from Millie. “Well, I’ve walked away now.”
Napier’s years of experience meant he had already seen through the nature of Millie’s relationship with Brandon. Millie stood her ground, waiting for what Napier would say next, refusing to be brushed aside.
A quiet standoff hung in the air, neither one willing to show their hand.
It took a while, but Napier finally spoke up. “The only thing I’ll promise is not to interfere in the affairs between my three grandsons. The rest will play out as they are. Like you said, I’m letting them battle it out, and we’ll see who comes out on top.”
A genuine smile touched Millie’s lips. Her visit today had accomplished what she set out to do.
Charles had once explained that each of the three Evans brothers managed their own affairs, and that Oakley only managed to stir up trouble this time because he poisoned Napier’s mind against Charles.
Napier’s opinion shaped the actions of everyone else, so his stance mattered most. Now that he had promised to stay out of it, Charles finally had a clear path forward. That assurance was all Millie needed.
She exchanged a few last polite words with Napier and then reached for her mask. Just as she was about to leave, Napier’s voice came from behind her. “It’s a shame he left us so soon.”
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