Love's Redemption

Over the years living in the Gildon estate, I'd come to understand Zack's character and temperament.

He always kept business and personal matters separate. If Chris made a bad decision or made a mistake, Zack would punish him just the same.

Given the latest reports I'd received, it seemed Chris was still aggressively poaching clients from my current company. He was trying to crush us entirely. I couldn't help but say, "It seems Zack's warning didn't work."

Conrad noticed the concern in my voice. "Is Chris still at it?"

"Yes, he's determined to destroy my company completely," I said in a trembling voice.

I couldn't stay calm anymore.

This affected not just my company but also our clients, and it was a heavy burden to bear.

"He's going too far. I'll talk to my dad about this," Conrad said angrily.

"I'll handle it. I have a birthday gift for Zack anyway. I'll see if he likes it," I said, and Conrad's eyes brightened.

He smiled warmly. "Great! Are you going today? We can go together."

Seeing his anticipation, I pressed my lips together. "Yes, today, but I'm bringing someone with me."

"Who?" Conrad's smile remained, "A friend?"

"Yeah, my boyfriend," I said, and Conrad's smile froze.

That moment of shock and heartbreak pained me as well.

I could tell he had feelings for me, and Bree had mentioned it too. It was better to let him face the truth now. I had to dispel any false hopes he had and help him move on.

After several seconds, he asked in a shaky voice, "Maddie... your boyfriend is..."Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

"Brandon Howell."

Conrad's expression darkened further. "Maddie..."

"Brother, I know what you're going to say, but I wouldn't joke about my happiness, nor would I act out of spite," I said, though it pained me to say it.

Conrad's handsome face was hurt. "But I can't believe you've moved on from Chris so quickly."

I almost wanted to laugh. If he knew this, why did he develop feelings for me?

No, Conrad's feelings for me likely started before he went abroad.

Maybe that was why he stayed away for years.

When I realized this, my chest tightened painfully. I turned away from him and said coldly, "Conrad, you're mistaken. I won't waste time on someone or feelings that aren't worth it."

After a pause, I added, "Besides, Brandon is better than Chris in every way. Why wouldn't I move on?"

I could feel Conrad's eyes on me, and my body was tense.

After a long silence, Conrad spoke again. "Fine. Even if you're over Chris, you've only known Brandon for a few days. Do you really know him well enough?"

Conrad was persuasive. He seemed genuinely concerned about me being with Brandon. Maybe he didn't want me to start a new relationship with anyone.

That way, even if I wasn't with him, he could still hold onto some hope.

But I couldn't give him that.

I scoffed. "Does knowing someone well matter? have known Chris for ten years. knew how long he took to pee, and the exact temperature he preferred for his showers. Can you know someone better than that? But what did it amount to?"

Saying this brought a sharp pain to my heart Loving Chris so deeply, to the point where I adored even the pets he liked, made me feel pathetic and heartbroken.

I truly loved Chris before, to the point of losing myself.

Maybe that was why his betrayal felt so final to me.

"Chris is an exception. Not all men are like him," Conrad said while placing his hand on my shoulder and turning me to face him.