Chapter 809:
“Brad.”
Frank strolled over and rested an elbow on the rail, his gaze dropping to where Rylie and Johnny stood in their matching outfits. His voice dripped with false concern.
“So, word got around to Miss Owen already? Didn’t take long for her to end up clinging to the Reids. That’s a sharp move, wouldn’t you say?”
Brad’s hand went still around the wine glass, the liquid within reflecting the shadow of his thoughtful eyes.
“Well, it’s just a dance. Hardly the sort of thing that matters.”
When Brad did not give him the reaction he wanted, Frank edged closer, his voice lowering with sly encouragement.
“Come on, Brad. Watching her with him can’t be easy. A woman like that should be right here with you. You know the family won’t appreciate what she’s doing out there in front of everyone.”
He let the words hang, studying the tension building on Brad’s features. Then he continued,
“You’ve always played it safe, always taken your time. But look where that’s landed us. After Everswell, so many people gone, and all anyone can talk about is your hesitation, your refusal to take risks. The military’s on hold, the stock’s tanking, and now even the woman you want most slips through your fingers. If we just sit by, are we really going to let everything our family built disappear overnight?”
Brad’s mouth twisted into a bitter grin.
“Seems like I’m the villain of the family now.”
Frank tried to read his expression, but there was something about the way Brad looked at him that sent a chill through his chest.
“Frank, it has come to my attention that there are numerous infiltrators in the military. How many of the radicals under your patronage are among them?”
The accusation made Frank’s eyes go wide, caught off guard by the sudden turn.
Discover endless worlds on gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s﹒𝚌o𝗺
“Radicals? What are you talking about?”
Brad set his empty glass on the tray of a passing server, then adjusted his suit jacket with practiced ease as he faced the railing.
“Who knows—maybe there’s already a traitor standing right next to me.”
Inside, Frank’s pulse hammered, but his face remained the picture of innocence.
“Surely you don’t think I’m involved? I just got back from overseas, I barely know what’s happening around here. I was only making a suggestion. The family is all we have left of our grandfather’s legacy. None of us wants to see that ruined.”
Kristen glided up, looping her arm through Frank’s.
“If you let Frank take charge of a few things, I’m sure he’d handle them brilliantly.”
Brad shot Frank a look, barely disguising the mockery in his voice.
“You?”
The single word landed like a slap, heavy with contempt.
Frank’s mask slipped, the forced smile vanishing as Brad walked away, his calm confidence slicing straight through Frank’s boldness.
Under his breath, Frank muttered, “Does he really believe he’s untouchable? If I hadn’t been raised abroad, does he honestly think he’d have built that empire on his own?”
.
.
.