The Stepbrother’s Hidden Desires

The banquet hall was already bustling with guests. As soon as they stepped inside, the first people they encountered were Christopher and the architect Matthew Harris.

Matthew had spent many years abroad and was unaware of many events that had happened in the country. He was chatting with Christopher when Thomas’s family arrived. Naturally, introductions were made.

“This is my old friend Christopher. He’s been living abroad for over ten years and only returned last year.”

Thomas smiled and responded, “A famous actor-who wouldn’t know him?”

Christopher, with a meaningful tone, said, “Just an ordinary actor, nothing compared to Mr. Green.”

Those who were familiar with the old rumors were watching closely, curious to see what kind of sparks might fly between them. However, they observed that both men were courteous and polite, with no hint of past grudges.

These powerful individuals had minds as deep as the ocean, not easily revealing anything to onlookers. Even Annabel’s demeanor toward Christopher was courteous yet subtly distant. If not for Holly’s knowledge, she might have assumed Annabel wasn’t well acquainted with him.

Holly sighed, “This young girl handles things very smoothly.”

Christopher turned his head meaningfully, watching Annabel. She was holding Thomas’s arm, occasionally chatting and laughing with him. Then she would turn and gracefully converse with a group of elders. The sight was somewhat jarring for Christopher. If Essem were still alive, what would she think upon seeing this? No matter how fierce her arguments with Thomas, she always maintained his dignity in public. Blood ties are indeed undeniable.

As the gathering progressed, the men grouped together to discuss politics and investments, while the women talked about fashion, jewelry, and skincare.

“Over a decade has passed in the blink of an eye, Brenna, you seem to grow younger every year while we all age.”

The speaker was Alexander’s mother, Mrs. Drummond. Brenna was wearing a light blue mermaid gown that accentuated her graceful figure, making her look much younger than her actual age.

The hall doors swung open, and a young couple walked in, arm in arm. They were the eldest son and daughter-in-law of the Masters Family.

Mrs. Drummond glanced at them, her tone somewhat sharp. “Ever since Jake got out of prison, the Masters Family has been very active. But the current situation is different from what it was ten years ago. I’m afraid there’s little Jake can do now.”

Elizabeth instinctively looked at Brenna, who appeared outwardly indifferent. She slightly turned her face away, her expression reflected in the glass wall showing clear disgust.

Elizabeth pondered the truth behind Jack’s drunken words.

She chatted and laughed with Brenna, evidently more intimate than with the other women present.

“I have a particularly good project coming up. Are you interested in participating?” These wealthy women often had private investments, and involving Brenna would ensure ample resources and connections.

“I’d love to, but I don’t understand much about business. Thomas is traditional and doesn’t like me doing business outside.”

Brenna gently swirled her wine glass, taking a small sip, and politely declined, her gaze showing a hint of pride.

Elizabeth scoffed internally. She had mixed feelings about Brenna, simultaneously trying to curry favor while feeling contempt and admiration. This woman, coming from a humble background, not only took another woman’s husband but now has a wealthy husband who adores her and a successful son. Her skills were indeed impressive.

Elizabeth smiled nonchalantly. “That’s true. Mr. Green probably doesn’t want you to suffer outside and protects you from everything.”

She glanced toward the center of the hall, then leaned closer to Brenna and whispered, “Is Mr. Green planning to groom Annabel as his successor?”

Brenna looked at Annabel with a gentle expression, as if she were her own daughter. “She just started college. It’s too early for that.”

“We’re close, so I’ll be frank. I overheard Bonnie talking to my mother-in-law. It sounded like she’s planning to transfer all her shares to Annabel.”

Bonnie holds 10% of Green’s Enterprises, and combined with the 10% Essem left to Annabel, Annabel would become the second-largest shareholder in the company. If she wanted to get involved, even Thomas would have to consider her opinion.

“The Green Family will eventually hand everything over to her.”

Brenna appeared nonchalant on the surface, but she felt a heavier shadow looming in her heart. On the day she married Thomas, Annabel stormed into the scene and splashed hot water on her face, saying, “When I grow up, the first thing I’ll do is kick you out!” Brenna still vividly remembered Annabel’s resentful and icy gaze. Later, Annabel started hanging out with a group of delinquents, skipping school, getting into fights, staying out late at night, and even getting involved in dangerous situations at bars. At that time, Brenna felt she was beyond help, and she believed Thomas would eventually give up on her. So, Brenna didn’t pay much attention to her. But looking at Annabel now, she felt a sense of being deceived by Annabel. When did she start changing into the person Thomas hoped she would become?

Elizabeth gently patted her hand and chuckled, “Your son is outstanding. He will surely be the pillar of Green’s Enterprises in the future.”

Brenna felt resentful. She had spent half a lifetime clinging to others. Was she going to watch her son live under Annabel’s influence in the future?

“What are you thinking about so deeply?”

Brenna snapped out of her thoughts as Thomas gently placed his hand on her waist. “Let’s go, I’ll introduce you to someone.”

The person was one of Thomas’s classmates from abroad. They conversed amicably as old friends do, and Brenna accompanied them gracefully throughout.

Meanwhile, Annabel was chatting with Matthew about something. Whatever she said made Matthew burst into laughter, indicating that the two were getting along well.

One of Thomas’s classmates asked, “Is the one chatting with Matthew your daughter? She seems very poised and elegant.”

Thomas remained modest in front of his old friend. “She’s just a freshman in college, still quite naive. But one thing about her, she’s been talkative since she was little.”

Brenna let out a soft snort inwardly. Talkative? Annabel hardly says a word to him throughout the year.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.