Kent wasn’t comfortable letting Brandon sign the contract alone—not because he doubted Brandon’s ability, but because this deal involved Sophia. He was worried Brandon might suddenly be ruled by his heart and agree to some unreasonable terms from Harvey Ferber. With Kent there, he could at least act as a buffer.
But Brandon was hardly the type to be easily persuaded. After a curt, “That won’t be necessary,” he picked up the contract from the table and strode towards the door.
Kent hurried after him, not wanting to be left behind.
“Mr. Crawley—”
Before Kent could finish, Brandon shot him a frosty glance. “Kent, remember your place.”
Kent, usually so obedient, straightened his back a little and met Brandon’s gaze. “My job is to be your right-hand man, to anticipate your needs and solve problems before they arise. For a major project like this, it’s my duty to accompany you. I hope you understand.”
As he spoke, Kent pressed the elevator button.
The executive elevator was still ascending from the lobby, but the standard elevator beside them chimed open.
Brandon walked straight into it.
Kent rushed to follow, but Brandon blocked his way with an outstretched arm.
“Kent, I know exactly what I’m doing.” Brandon’s voice was calm, almost icy. “A good assistant follows instructions. He doesn’t interfere with his boss’s decisions.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Brandon quickly jabbed the elevator’s close button.
The doors slid shut.
Kent made a move to force his way in, but Brandon’s glare stopped him cold. “If you so much as step inside, you can pack up your things and leave today.”
Kent’s hand froze above the button. He could only watch helplessly as the doors closed and the elevator began its descent.
He stayed rooted in place, staring at the numbers on the display as they ticked downward. His brow was furrowed so tightly it looked painful. He pulled out his phone, thumb hovering over the screen, hesitating.
Lynn, one of the assistants, happened to walk by. She saw Kent standing at the elevator, his face a picture of anxiety. “Kent, is everything alright?”
He glanced at her. “I’m fine.”
He started to walk away, then remembered how Brandon had asked her to look after Sophia and Theresa during a previous client meeting.
He stopped and turned to her. “Lynn, do you have Mrs. Crawley’s WhatsApp?”
Lynn nodded, puzzled. “Yes… why?”
“How well do you know her?” Kent pressed.
Lynn gave a nervous laugh. “Oh, Kent, you’re joking, right? I don’t really know Mrs. Crawley personally.”
“Could you do me a favor?” Kent asked. “Send her a message—just say Mr. Crawley—”
Before he could finish, the executive elevator doors slid open behind him.
Kent turned instinctively and saw Sophia and Theresa step out. He paused, uncertain, and glanced at Sophia.
Sophia, sensing his hesitation, quickly offered a reassuring smile. “I just needed to see Mr. Crawley about something. Is he in his office?”
“Mr. Crawley just stepped out,” Lynn replied quickly.
“Oh…” There was a trace of disappointment in Sophia’s voice, but also a hint of relief.
“Was it urgent?” Lynn asked. “Should I call him for you?”


Theresa’s face fell. “So why didn’t Daddy take me and Mommy with him?”
At that, Kent realized he might have said too much. He glanced at Sophia, flustered.
She gave him a gentle smile and turned to Theresa. “Because Daddy has something very important to take care of, sweetheart.”
“Oh.” Theresa seemed unsure if she understood, but nodded anyway.
Kent hurried to clarify, “Ms. Yearwood, please don’t misunderstand Mr. Crawley—”
“It’s alright, you don’t need to worry,” Sophia said, cutting him off with a gentle smile.
He looked like he wanted to say something more, but just then the elevator doors opened.
Without another word, Kent strode out with Theresa in his arms.

Kent’s plan had been to use Sophia and Theresa to intercept Brandon, but they were too late.
By the time they reached the parking garage, Brandon’s car was already gone.
Sophia saw the searching look in Kent’s eyes, the disappointment he couldn’t hide. She couldn’t help but ask, “Kent, is something wrong?”
He glanced at her, hesitating.
Torn between the company’s interests and Brandon’s warning, Kent was caught in a silent battle with himself.
“Are you hiding something from me?” Sophia asked softly. “Or is Brandon?”

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