Chapter 1256:

This string of results earned Luther’s approval steadily and visibly. Brad’s standing within the company rose rapidly, transforming him from a nominal future son-in-law into one of its key decision-makers. Rumors circulated among the staff that once he married Kari, real control of Havenridge Group would quietly pass into his hands. Some credited his luck, others praised his ability, and many admired Luther for choosing such a man for his daughter. In reality, that man was simply a pawn held in place by the chip — programmed never to betray Kari or Havenridge Group, ensuring the family’s security at any cost.

Brad had compiled detailed profiles on the company’s senior staff, but one name caught his attention. Through Phil’s quiet investigation, he uncovered something particularly useful.

The man was Sherwood Howe, director of Havenridge Group’s business division — five years older than Kari and once her senior at university. After graduation, he had stayed with the company and proven his worth year after year. For a brief period, he and Kari had been romantically involved.

Though talented, Sherwood’s modest background had never satisfied Luther — or Kari. Their involvement ended quickly, more a passing amusement on her part than anything serious. On the surface, they had long since cut ties. But Phil’s findings told a different story — Sherwood and Kari had met discreetly at a hotel more than thirty times, the most recent occasion falling shortly after Brad had turned her away. It was, in plain terms, a quiet affair, and Sherwood had participated with full awareness of exactly what it was.

Up𝘥𝖺𝗍e𝗌 𝖾𝘷ery 𝗐𝖾𝖾𝗄 𝗼n 𝗴a𝗹no𝘷е𝗹s.сom

Brad flicked his lighter once, twice, then finally brought it to life. As he drew a slow breath, the corner of his mouth lifted faintly.

At last, he had found his opening.

Once Brad decided that Sherwood would be the key to getting what he wanted, something about him began to shift — though not in any way that was immediately obvious.

Kari noticed it before anyone else did.

He stopped being so cold and businesslike, and somehow he always seemed to appear wherever she happened to be. Elegant lunches started arriving at precisely noon. After work, he would casually materialize near her office door. And whenever she stayed late, he would show up with a glass of warm milk, timed so perfectly it seemed planned down to the second.

The attention caught Kari off guard and left her quietly dazed. She convinced herself that her patience had finally worn down his cold exterior, that he was at last opening up to her. The thought made her heart swell. After all, how many women could turn down a man who had sacrificed so much and still carried himself with such quiet, effortless confidence?

What Kari didn’t realize was that nothing was accidental. Brad had timed every appearance with precision, positioning himself wherever she was supposed to be with Sherwood.

One afternoon in the meeting room, right in front of Sherwood, Brad casually rested his hand on the back of Kari’s chair and leaned in close — just close enough to appear intimate, yet fully controlled. It was exactly the effect he was aiming for.

Kari’s eyes lit up. She leaned instinctively toward him with a soft smile, the two of them looking perfectly at ease with each other without even seeming to try.

Sherwood’s grip on his pen tightened until his knuckles went white.

He had never witnessed that before, but he told himself it meant nothing. She was only using Brad. That was all.

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