Chapter 465

"You don't know her," Alexander said.

Brandon almost swore. "What the heck! Someone I don't know?! It's like he didn't answer!"

He reasoned that if she was unknown to him, she probably wasn't from a wealthy or famous family. He might not know every eligible bachelor, but he knew all the eligible ladies in their social circle. He wasn't bragging, but he could list them all, noting their characteristics: who was beautiful, bad-tempered, or talented.

Alexander's statement implied she wasn't one of those ladies. What was her background, then? A peasant? No way! The Russells were influential and wealthy. They wouldn't allow him to marry a peasant.

"Even if I don't know her, she must have a name, right? And would your family allow you to marry a peasant? Don't tell me you fell for Cinderella! Wake up! That's a fairytale for innocent girls. Don't tell me you believe in that kind of love!" Alexander's cold gaze silenced Brandon's outburst. After a moment's quiet, Brandon persisted, "Let's put my wayward sister aside. Consider your family and business. Would they accept an ordinary girl marrying into the Russells?"

"She's not ordinary," Alexander said. "She's special, unique, the one and only!" He continued before Brandon could retort, "Besides, I don't need marriage to maintain the business. And I'm the one marrying her; I don't need anyone's permission." Brandon thought about announcing it live: "Come, everyone! Look at this extinct species!" But he refrained, considering his sister and Alexander's position. He never imagined the CEO Alexander could be so naive in love.

"That's not it," Brandon argued. "Our status and surroundings don't allow us to do as we please. You need to consider external factors. Reality will hit you eventually. Even if you like her, facing pressure" Alexander coldly interrupted, "Does it concern you?"

The rebuke silenced Brandon. He had behaved like a gossipmonger, and he knew it. He fell silent, watching the scenery blur past the car window.

He frantically searched his mind for a possible candidate for "Ms. Russell," but came up empty. He glanced at Alexander, who stared straight ahead, seemingly unaffected by their conversation. He seemed to be anticipating something.

A realization dawned on Brandon. Alexander had rushed home from work, refusing dinner and drinks, insisting on home-cooked food. Could it be?

"Are you already living with the woman you want to marry?!"

Alexander neither confirmed nor denied it, but his expression told Brandon the truth. "Damn it. I never knew you were like this, bro!"

Alexander's sharp gaze almost incinerated him. Brandon shrank back, stammering, "It slipped out! I just didn't expect an old bachelor like you to live with someone. I'm just curious! Drive faster, Edward! I need to see this woman!"