Return of the supreme Consortium heir

Chapter 3

Brandley arrived early at the guest house to meet with the maids. He was informed that his mother was already waiting for him in one of the rooms inside. Meeting Brandley at the guest house was to ensure that Jacob doesn't find out that she had agreed to help Brandley with the money he needed. She knew it was the least she could do to help Brandley considering how despicable Jacob treats him.

"Mom..." Brandley greeted as he opened the door.

"Oh, Brandley, I'm so sorry for what happened earlier," Stella apologized, her voice filled with concern.

"It's okay mom. I'm fine now," Brandley reassured her.

A heavy silence fell between them as Stella tenderly placed her hand on his face, her motherly love evident in the gentle touch. She couldn't help but notice the changes in him – a slightly darker complexion and a loss of muscle tone.

"I'm sorry, Brandley," she apologized once more, her sincerity palpable.

"Mom, I've told you over and over again. I'm fine. You're the one I should be worried about. How are you doing?" Brandley asked with sincerity. Even if his mother had tried faking happiness, he knew his mother wasn't happy as Jacob's wife. What he didn't understand was why his mother was enduring all of it. With all the money that Jacob has at his disposal, it was crystal clear that his mother was nothing but a maid in disguise.

"I'm fine Brandley." She replied.

"If you say so mom. So you asked me to meet up with you.' Brandley began, going straight to the reason he had come to the guest house in the first place.

"Yes Brandley. I'll give you the money but your step father must never find out." Stella instructed, her expression hardening. Brandley understood what she meant. If Jacob should find out, his mother would be in trouble.

"Don't worry mom. There's no way he'll find out." Brandley replied, a reassuring look in his eyes.

Stella, always one to delve deeper, couldn't resist probing further to understand why Brandley required such a significant sum of money.

"It's my girlfriend, Via," Brandley began, his voice tinged with sincerity. "She got into this stupid bet with her friends and threatened to end the relationship if I fail to meet up. You know how much I love Via."

Brandley's emotions were palpable as he conveyed the weight of the situation to his mother.

Stella couldn't help but smile, though inwardly conflicted. She wished she could advise Brandley to let Via go, but she knew he wouldn't heed her words, and it might lead to unnecessary arguments. All she wanted was to be a supportive mother to Brandley, without engaging in fruitless disputes over his choice of a partner.

With a warm smile, Stella transferred the money to Brandley's account, and his excitement was palpable as his face lit up with gratitude.

"Thank you so much, mom," Brandley expressed, his appreciation evident.

"You're welcome," Stella replied, returning his smile. Just as Brandley was about to leave, she called him back.

"Don't tell me you'll be taking Via out in a cab. Take my car, but be sure to return it in good shape," she insisted.

Brandley was deeply touched by his mother's kindness and couldn't resist giving her a warm embrace. "Thank you so much, mom," he greeted before heading towards the door.

"I love you, son," Stella called out, but Brandley was already outside. Moments later, the sound of her car's engine starting echoed through the guest house.

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Brandley arrived at Via's to meet her and her friends gathered together. Brandley greeted Via warmly, his smile betraying a hint of something different, catching Via's attention.

"Hello Via," Brandley said, his tone filled with warmth. Via couldn't help but notice the change in him. It was unlike his usual self.

"Hey, you're here? It's not yet Friday," Via responded, her surprise evident.

"Yes, Via, and I'm here to take you out on an amazing shopping spree. Go and get dressed," Brandley announced, his enthusiasm apparent.

Lucy, Tonia, and Isabel exchanged knowing glances, surprised by Brandley's unexpected gesture towards Via.

"Come on, Brandley. We all know you don't have the money for an amazing shopping spree," Isabel scoffed, with Tonia and Lucy nodding in agreement.

Brandley, determined to prove them wrong and convince Via of his sincerity, pulled out a car key and pressed the button. The unmistakable sound of a luxury car echoed outside. Isabel, Lucy, and Tonia were taken aback when they saw a sleek $500,000 Porsche Baton parked right outside.

The three of them exchanged bewildered glances, their minds racing to comprehend what was happening. It seemed inconceivable for Brandley to have suddenly become wealthy overnight. However, the sight of the car key in his hand dispelled their doubts. They knew he didn't have any affluent friends from whom he could have borrowed such an expensive car.

"Hey girls, I told you my boyfriend isn't poor. How does it feel now?" Via exclaimed mockingly, planting a kiss on Brandley's cheek. She then excused herself to get ready, returning a few minutes later looking stunning.

"So, girls, it's my turn for a shopping spree, and I'm off with my boyfriend. Take care of yourselves," Via declared with a triumphant expression before she and Brandley departed.

With a firm grip on Brandley's hand, Via led him towards the waiting car parked outside, ready for their shopping spree. Tonia, Lucy, and Isabel couldn't tear their eyes away as Brandley opened the car door for Via, dispelling any lingering doubts they had.

As Brandley ushered Via into the car, the trio watched in disbelief as it pulled away, gradually disappearing from view.

"Where are we going now?" Via inquired, fastening her seatbelt.

"I thought you wanted to go to Phoenix Mall?" Brandley responded, a swell of pride evident in his voice.

"Then Phoenix it is," Via affirmed, her smile radiant.