Chasing the Unexpected

There was a long silence before Brandon’s hoarse voice came through the line. “Uncle Damon, I can’t make a choice. Valarie and the Sumner Group are both important to me.”

He wanted to help the Weirs but couldn’t bring himself to give up the Sumner Group.

In the past, Clark had the support of Cyrus and Cindy, so Brandon never stood a chance against him. Now, what he had always dreamed of was within reach. If he kept working hard, he could become the head of the company in a few years.

How could he give up now? But he also couldn’t bear to let Valarie go.

“There are many situations in life where you can’t have it both ways. In the future, you’ll face more difficult choices like this one. If your decisions affect many people, will you continue to hesitate?” Damon asked.

Brandon let out a bitter laugh. “I don’t know… Uncle Damon, what should I do?”

“Ask yourself,” Damon replied.

He could help Brandon this time but couldn’t shield him forever. Brandon had to learn to make decisions on his own.

At the bar…

Brandon hung up, set it down, and downed his drink, his eyes filled with pain.

He didn’t blame Damon–he only blamed himself for not being strong enough. If he had tried a little harder, he might not have found himself in this dilemma.

Was he really going to just watch Valarie marry someone else? He didn’t want to, nor did he dare imagine that possibility. All he could do was drink, one glass after another.

If he got drunk, maybe he wouldn’t have to struggle with the decision anymore.

Tonight, however, the alcohol felt like water–no matter how much he drank, he stayed painfully sober.

Zayn dropped Valarie off at her house and glanced at her. “Valarie, since I’m already here, why don’t I come in and meet your parents? I’ve prepared gifts for them.”

Valarie paused as she unbuckled her seatbelt, hesitating as her phone buzzed.

Seeing it was a message from Nyla, she turned off the screen and lowered her gaze. “It’s late. My parents might already be asleep. Let’s do it another time.”

Zayn smiled. “I wasn’t thinking. You’re right. You head in.”

“Okay, drive safely,” Valarie replied.

“Will do,” Zayn said.

Valarie opened the door and got out, standing at the gate and watching Zayn’s car drive away before turning to head inside.

Back in her bedroom, she opened the chat with Nyla.

Nyla: [Are you free anytime soon? Let’s meet up.]

After a moment’s thought, Valarie replied that she was free at noon the next day. She tossed her phone aside and grabbed her clothes to take a shower once they were done chatting.

The next day, around noon…

Valarie arrived a bit late due to traffic. She sat down across from Nyla, took a sip of water, and asked, ” What’s up, Nyla?”

Nyla pulled a card from her bag and handed it over. “This contains all my savings. It might not be enough to save the Weir Group, but it should help ease some of the pressure.”

Valarie glanced at it but didn’t take it. “Did Damon tell you?”

“When I saw you with Zayn yesterday, I sensed that you weren’t into him, so I asked Damon about Brandon pursuing you,” Nyla explained. This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - ©.

Valarie nodded. “The Weir Group is in bad shape. Even if we get funds, there’s no guarantee we can save it. What we need now are contracts.”

“At least it might help buy you some time to think about things with Zayn. Other than marrying you, Zayn also has the option of acquiring the Weir Group,” Nyla reminded.

Valarie smiled bitterly. “Of course, I know that. But right now, I don’t have any other choice.”

A couple of days ago, Zayn had taken her to meet his friends, but Brandon hadn’t come. While returning to the private room from the restroom, she had overheard one of the men asking Zayn if he was serious

about her.

Zayn’s response was, “Just having some fun for now.”