Chapter 71

Brandon's face shifted instantly. "So, what now?"

I shot him a cold look. "What now? I should be asking you that. Where did all the company's money go?"

"Didn't you boast about landing those big contracts after taking over? How come there's not a single cent left?"

"And you drained our personal accounts too. What did you do with it? If you can't explain yourself today, pack your stuff and get out of my company, and take those useless people you brought with you!"

My words were sharp, and Brandon's face darkened, but he couldn't argue back.

"Did you transfer all my money and plan to divorce me after I die?"

My words struck a nerve, and Brandon jumped up. "Honey, what are you thinking? I would never do that!"

"Let me be straight with you. I invested all the money in another project, including our personal funds. That's why the accounts are empty. But if this project succeeds, the return could be ten percent. That's why I..."

"Only ten percent?" I scoffed. "Do you know how much we could make if we secure the overseas supply route? We could see returns of fifty percent."

"How can you be so foolish? Always getting distracted by small things and messing up the important ones?"

"And those useless people from your family, like Irene. When someone came to check the accounts, she didn't even give them a decent attitude. Can she still do her job or not? If not, there are plenty of others who can!"

"Honey, she's your aunt..."

"Your aunt, not mine. I don't have such a foolish aunt!" I snapped.

Brandon knew he was in the wrong and didn't dare to argue back, but his eyes were filled with resentment.

"Do you know that when I had lunch with Joanna today, she told me about this? I didn't even want to stay there. If you didn't want to secure this deal, you should have told me in advance. I wouldn't have been so embarrassed!"

Hearing this, Brandon panicked. "I do want it, of course I do. I just didn't expect..."

"You didn't expect Joanna to check the accounts, right?"

"So what do we do now? Can we still..."

"What can we do? I said all the good things I could today, and Joanna reluctantly agreed to give us another chance. She'll come back in a few days."

Brandon's eyes lit up. "Really, honey?"

I nodded begrudgingly. "Do you think I'd lie about this? Within two days, no matter what other projects you're investing in, pay the penalty fees, transfer the money back, including the money from our personal accounts."

"If you can't do that, then don't bother working anymore."

I gave Brandon an ultimatum and then went back to my room without looking at him.

Brandon sat on the couch, conflicted for a long time, before finally taking out his phone to make a call.

I didn't care who he was calling. I just wanted my money back!

But I knew this was only a small part of the money.

The real issue was the shares Brandon took from me and the mortgaged properties.

But I couldn't bring that up now, as it would make Brandon suspicious. I had to take it step by step.

I went back to my room, and suddenly, Travis called me.

I was startled and glanced at the door to make sure no one was around. Then I locked it and went to the bathroom to answer Travis's call.

"Mr. Franklin, why are you calling me out of the blue?"

Travis cleared his throat. "I'm sorry. I know things are risky for you right now, but this is the only time I have. I apologize."

"It's okay, just unexpected. You must have something important to tell me, right?"

"Yes, regarding what you mentioned before, I've found a solution. I'll introduce you to an investor. You can discuss the rest with him."

"An investor?" I hesitated. In my experience, businessmen are all about profit. Would someone really help me with something so thankless?

"Yes, he'll be back in the country in a few days. I'll send you the address. You can meet him then."

"Okay."

Although I had my doubts, I had no other options at the moment.

After hanging up, Travis quickly sent me a message with the address. It was a hotel, indicating that the person didn't have a permanent residence here.

Just then, I heard a knock on the door.

"Honey, why did you lock the door?"

I was startled, quickly deleted the call record, and wet my hands at the sink.

Then, while drying my hands, I opened the door for Brandon, my tone still cold. "What do you want?"

Brandon smiled at me. "Honey, why did you lock the door? I thought something was wrong."

I remained expressionless. "You're overthinking. I just didn't want to see you. Anything else? If not, I'm closing the door."

"Wait, wait!" Brandon reached out and blocked the door.

"Honey, I know I messed up this time. I didn't do it on purpose."

"From now on, I'll discuss everything with you, okay?"

I finally opened the door and looked at him. "Really?"

Brandon nodded pitifully. "Honey, this project was actually recommended by Earl. I agreed without thinking. I've already told Earl to pay the penalty fees, cancel the cooperation, and transfer the money back."

After saying that, he glanced at me nervously. "Honey, please don't be mad."

I sneered. "We'll see how you do."

He squeezed in and said, "Honey, let me give you a back massage!"

He started massaging my shoulders, working up a sweat.

I didn't say anything, and when he was exhausted, he looked at me. "Is this okay, honey?"

I reluctantly nodded. "It's okay. Go to sleep. We'll talk when you transfer the money back."

Brandon nodded and lay down.

I got up to pour a glass of warm water and added some sleeping pills.

When I returned, Brandon was still awake. He looked at my water and asked, "Honey, what's that?"

I replied coldly, "Don't you recognize water?"

He shook his head. "I don't recognize my wife's water."

Then, he grabbed my glass and drank it all.

"So this is what my wife's water tastes like. Sweet. You'll have to get another glass."

I turned away without expression, but a smile tugged at my lips.

I knew Brandon too well. Whenever he made me angry and wanted to make up, he would act like this to make me laugh.

So that glass of water was prepared for him, to make sure he drank it openly.

After confirming he drank it, I messaged Simon: "He drank it. Come over in an hour."