Brandon nodded. "Let them in. Bring them straight to my study."


    "Yes, sir," the butler replied.


    Five minutester, Brad and Jayden entered.


    Brandon nced up from his desk. "Take a seat. I have a document to finish."


    Brad nodded quickly. "Of course, Mr. Sumner. Take your time."


    Only afterpleting his work did Brandon close the file and walk over. "Mr. Snowden, Mr. Gilmour, what brings you here?"


    Brad leaned forward anxiously. "Mr. Sumner, I''m here for my daughter. You and Michelle are friends. I''m begging you please let this go just this once.


    "I swear, she''ll never appear in front of you or Ms. Weir again!"


    Brandon smiled. "Mr. Snowden, your daughter conspired with Stefan to kidnap Vrie. That''s a crime. Whether or not we''re friends is irrelevant. Do you expect me to go against the justice system?"


    "Mr. Sumner, if you could just convince Ms. Weir to issue a letter of leniency, the court would consider it when sentencing. Just for old times'' sake—"


    Brandon cut him off, his tone indifferent, "Mr. Snowden, I think you misunderstand something. Yes, I used to consider Michelle a friend. But when she plotted against my girlfriend, she made it clear she never saw me as one."


    Brad''s expression stiffened.


    He had only two children-Michelle from his wife and an illegitimate son from his affair with Lily.


    Now, both were in jail. If convicted, it would be a devastating blow to the Snowdens and hispany.


    His health had been deteriorating, and he''d been nning to gradually hand over thepany to Michelle. He never imagined she would pull such a reckless stunt at a time like this.


    Jayden, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, his tone cold. "Brandon, have you forgotten? Michelle once got injured saving you. And now, you''re just going to let her rot in prison?"


    Brandon chuckled. "Got injured saving me?"


    Jayden''s expression darkened. "What''s with that reaction? Are you seriously this ungrateful?"


    Without answering, Brandon took a


    document from his desk and handed it to Jayden. "She


    Orchestrated the entire thing hersel Her getting injured was her own doing. What does it have to do with me?"


    Jayden flipped through the pages, scowling as he read.


    He had never imagined Michelle''s so-called "heroic rescue" was nothing but a staged act. She had orchestrated the entire incident to make herself look like a selfless savior.


    Brandon''s voice was firm. "You''re in


    love with Michelle-that''s your


    business, Do whatever you want to help her. But I won''t forgive the person who tried to harm my


    girlfriend. If you have nothing else to say, leave. I have work to finish."


    Without another nce at them, he returned to his desk and opened another file.


    Brad and Jayden remained silent for a moment before finally standing and leaving.


    Outside the Sumner residence...


    Brad turned to Jayden. "Jayden, what do we do now? Is there really no way to save Michelle?"


    Jayden shook his head. "It''s best if you stop interfering. Brandon has made up his mind and won''t let her go."


    After reading that report, he himself


    no longer had any intention of helping Michelle. No matter how myon effort he put in or how well treated her, he would alwayse second to Brandon in her heart.


    In that case, there was no point in wasting his time on her anymore.