chapter 6
1098 Words
Each and every one of them was fuming, their faces red with frustration, fists clenched as if they wanted to squeeze the life out of Bryan and toss him aside. The thought gnawed at them—this man, Bryan, had succeeded where they had all failed. Mr. Collins' appreciation for him would only grow, a realization that made their blood boil.
“So, my wife will participate and secure the investment deal from the Crestview Group,” Bryan said calmly, his voice carrying an air of quiet confidence.
Dylan scoffed, crossing his arms, his sneer dripping with disdain. “You, a poor man, never fail to amaze me. The casino debt is nothing compared to Crestview, and you think just because you managed to get that, you’ll land the investment too? Don’t get your hopes up.”
Fiona jumped in, her face twisting with a malicious grin. “Yeah, I bet he pulled some strings—probably sold an organ or two. You trash!”
Bryan’s eyes narrowed slightly, his lips curling into a mocking smile. “I managed to get the debt when none of you could. Are you scared I might pull off the Crestview investment too?”
“Shut the hell up, you useless man!” Dylan’s voice shook with irritation, his smirk faltering. “I’ll bet on it—you won’t get that investment.”
Bryan’s eyes glinted. “Really? Then how about you bet your current position?”
For a moment, Dylan's face flickered with doubt. His bravado slipped, he couldn't want to risk his position as the finance manager, but before he could back down, Mr. Collins leaned forward, his gaze piercing. “What’s the matter, Dylan? Afraid to bet?”
Dylan, visibly cornered, gritted his teeth. “No! How could I be scared of this lowlife?” He straightened his jacket as if to gather courage. “I’ll bet my position. And if he loses, he has to leave this family!”
Tracy's eyes widened, shock flashing across her face. She didn’t believe Bryan could even get close to Crestview, let alone secure an investment. Her mind raced, wondering how he had managed to retrieve the debt. Maybe he really did something desperate, something reckless. She wanted to stop him from agreeing to this bet, but Bryan was faster.
“Yes, I’ll leave the family if I fail,” he declared, his eyes steady as they locked onto Dylan’s.
“I’ll hold you to that bet,” Mr. Collins said, smirking, knowing this was the perfect opportunity to rid the family of Bryan.
Bryan glanced at Tracy, his expression softening. “Good night,” he said as he took her hand, leading her out of the room, leaving behind the storm of glares and whispers.
As they stepped outside, the night air hit them, cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the tension inside. Tracy looked up at Bryan, her eyes wide with admiration. “You were wonderful today,” she whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and disbelief.
Bryan smiled, squeezing her hand tightly. “I told you, everything I do is for us,” he said, a quiet promise lingering in his words.
As they drove home, Tracy couldn’t take her eyes off him. She still couldn’t believe what had happened. A teasing smile tugged at her lips. “Maybe we should make a baby tonight,” she said playfully.
Bryan chuckled, nodding. “Yeah, we should.”
A few minutes later, they pulled up to their house, only to see Tracy's mother, Mrs. James, standing at the gate, arms folded, her face a mask of displeasure. Tracy let out an exasperated sigh, bracing herself for another round of confrontation.
They both stepped out, walking toward her.
“Good evening, Mom. What are you doing here?” Tracy asked, trying to keep her tone neutral.
“Good evening, M—” Bryan started to greet her, only for Mrs. James to raise her hand, cutting him off sharply.
“Please, don’t use that filthy, stinking lowlife mouth to greet me,” she spat, her eyes narrowing at him. “You’re not even worth it.”
“Mom!” Tracy groaned, her frustration bubbling over. “Why are you like this?”
“Because he’s a worthless nobody! He’s endangering your life, meeting with Mason like that, and you didn’t even hesitate to follow him into danger!” Mrs. James' voice was filled with venom.
“Mom, he didn’t put me in danger! We met with Mason, and Bryan got the debt,” Tracy protested, her voice rising defensively.
“And that’s exactly why I’m here. You think this lowlife managed to get the debt on his own? No, it was Dustin. He helped him!”
The mention of Dustin’s name made Tracy’s stomach churn. She despised him. His wealth had made him arrogant, and he always mocked those less fortunate. Worse, he was a womanizer who took advantage of everyone.
“Mom, I didn’t ask you to involve Dustin!” Tracy snapped.
“You’re ungrateful!” Mrs. James’ face twisted with anger. “I saved you! Without Dustin, Mason would’ve killed you and this fool beside you. He made the necessary calls, not Bryan.”
Bryan found it almost amusing. He was the one who had called Mason’s boss. But he couldn’t resist poking a little. “Did Dustin say he helped?”
Mrs. James whirled around, glaring at him. “Look at this poor man, daring to speak. You’re shocked, aren’t you? Shocked that Dustin did what you could never do in a lifetime! He doesn’t need to tell me; I know he’s the only one capable of it!”
Tracy ran a hand through her hair, exasperated. “Mom, what are you saying?”
“I’m saying you should go and thank him. He’s waiting for you!” Mrs. James said, her tone demanding.
Tracy let out a bitter laugh. “I don’t want this. I didn’t ask for his help, and I know he’ll use it to take advantage of me!”
“You’re ungrateful!” Mrs. James shouted, her face reddening. “Your husband’s stupidity and Brain damage must have rubbed off on you too! Today, you proved yourself to your granfather and gained standing in the family, and it’s all thanks to Dustin’s help!”
Tracy looked at Bryan, her eyes full of resolve. “I’m not going, Mom. I can’t.”
Mrs. James' eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re asking for trouble! Dustin’s not someone you can keep waiting.”
- Writer
