Chapter 463

Alexander wasn't making excuses; he was genuinely busy. It was the end of the year, after all. He was dealing with year-end financial statements, reports, and summaries from various branches, human resources management, and other pressing matters. He had a heavy workload.

This wasn't the only reason for his busyness. He could have worked more slowly, but he wanted to finish as soon as possible to spend time with his wife. In the past, he'd worked steadily, even if it meant working until New Year's Eve. Things were different now; he had someone he wanted to be with and prioritize.

He worked throughout the afternoon. After his last meeting, he checked the time and realized he'd worked overtime. He longed to go home. He walked to his office, signing documents his assistant handed him along the way.

As he opened the office door, someone rushed in, blocking him. "Mr. Russell, you should have some free time now, right?"

Alexander frowned, looking at Brandon. His expression clearly said, "No strangers allowed."

His secretary, seeing his expression, said cautiously, "Mr. Oakley said he had an appointment with you, Mr. Russell. He's been waiting for over three hours."

Brandon checked the time and corrected her, "That's right, honey! Three hours, forty-seven minutes, and twenty-eight seconds, to be exact!" He blew a kiss at the secretary, making her blush and avert her gaze.

Alexander's frown deepened.

"Stop harassing my secretary!" he said, entering his office. Brandon followed, "How's that harassment? I'm helping you water the flowers. Women are like flowers; they need tending. Look at yourself—stern and cold as an ice block. You'll make these flowers wither. Can you imagine how heartbreaking that would be?"

He didn't forget to subtly release pheromones, occasionally blowing kisses to seduce the unmarried female employees.

Brandon wasn't as handsome as Alexander, but his features were well-proportioned and pleasant. His ordinary features were somehow comforting and appealing. He possessed a pair of captivating almond-shaped eyes and, as the president of the Oakley Group, was the quintessential tall, rich, and handsome man—popular with women. Alexander closed the blinds to prevent Brandon from further harassing his employee. He signed the last document, gave instructions to his assistant, and picked up his coat, clearly preparing to leave.

"Hey, leaving? You must have time now!" Brandon followed closely, determined to find an opportunity to talk. "I don't have time. I'm going home!" Alexander headed for his private elevator.

Brandon slipped in. "Why the rush? Going home is boring! You're not a seven-year-old who has to obey his mother. You haven't eaten, have you? Neither have I. Let's have dinner—my treat. What do you say?"

"No need. I'll eat at home." Alexander remained cold and uninterested.

"Nothing good at home. We haven't seen each other in ages. Let's have a drink!"

The elevator reached the parking garage. Alexander exited, but Brandon followed.

"No!" Alexander opened his car door and got in. Brandon followed. Edward, the driver, was surprised to see another passenger. "Mr. Russell?"

"I'm going home, not to a bar," Alexander emphasized, looking at Brandon.

Brandon nodded. "I know! I'm following you home!"

"I didn't prepare dinner."

Brandon gritted his teeth. "It's okay. I'm not hungry. You said you don't have time, fine. I'll talk to you in the car. Is that okay?"