Chapter 137
Standing before Bree Technology, Bryan gazed at the now well-established company, his heart filled with both awe and unease.
"Who would’ve thought that the plain little duckling from back then could achieve all this?" Bryan couldn’t help but worry. "Will Aubree even want to see me? And if she does, will she still trust me?"
For a fleeting moment, Bryan’s eyes glazed over as he recalled the simple, unassuming girl from three years ago who always stood behind him, gazing up at his back.
She used to say, "Bryan, you’re amazing! Running such a huge company! Can I study finance when I grow up? Then I could help you at your company."
She also said, "Bryan, I heard Dad started from scratch, and you are already a successful young man. If I, as your little sister, build my business empire one day, will people mention me alongside you and Dad when they talk about our family?"
But now… Bryan’s throat went dry as he thought, a bitter ache rising within him.
True to his word, Ronald had relieved Bryan of his position as chairman. When his father told him about Playzy streamers inducing minors to spend money, Bryan, being a businessman himself, knew all too well that if they couldn’t handle it properly, Playzy could collapse.
Bryan let out a sigh.
He understood his father’s intentions. I don’t want to hurt Aubree again, Bryan thought. But this matter had to be dealt with. I’ll return to the Wilson family first. As for everything else, there’ll always be a way.
With these thoughts in mind, Bryan agreed when Ronald asked him to talk to Aubree.
Vincent soon came over and told Bryan to go in.
Hearing this, Bryan hurried to follow Vincent’s lead.
Vincent said, "Who would’ve thought the young boss of the Wilson Group would visit our company in person? Mr. Wilson, you must be here to discuss some Playzy collaborations with Ms. Miller, right?"
Hearing this, Bryan shifted uncomfortably and replied, "Sort of."
Vincent then said, "You’re too modest, Mr. Wilson. Partnering with Wilson Group is our privilege, though that’s just my personal opinion. The final decision rests with Ms. Miller. It is her office. Please go right in."
Vincent assumed Bryan was just like those other company bosses sniffing around Playzy for a piece of the pie now that it was booming, coming to Aubree to discuss a partnership.
He couldn’t help but feel smug, thinking, "This job just keeps getting better. With the Turner Group backing us, even the Wilson Group is now actively seeking us out for collaboration."
But Bryan was filled with a bitterness too profound for words.
Collaboration? Bryan thought bitterly. Even if I were genuinely here to discuss a partnership, even if it were the Wilson Group, she still wouldn’t agree.
Truth be told, when his father told him to take Aubree back home, he didn’t hold out much hope. The only real possibility is that Aubree can’t bear to see her life’s work destroyed and, for the sake of Playzy’s hidden crisis, may relent and go home with me, Bryan thought.
Vincent held the door open and motioned for him to enter.
Inside, Aubree sat at her desk, her computer screen displaying Playzy’s recent analytics dashboard.
"Aubree," Bryan called out. "Playzy’s been thriving lately. As your brother, I’m so proud of how far you’ve come."
Aubree turned to look at him, her expression laced with disgust. "Proud? Are you serious? I remember back then, every time I outshone Carmen, you’d get angry and call me pretentious, like I was just trying to steal the spotlight. Honestly, I always thought that you’d never let me surpass her in your eyes."
Bryan’s mind screamed, No, it’s not like that!
He wanted to explain, but every excuse sounded hollow and pathetic, even to his ears.
The truth was, he was afraid—afraid that if Aubree grew beyond his reach, it would only make his past mistakes even more unbearable.
Bryan hung his head in defeat. "I… As your brother, of course, I want you to be better."
Aubree scoffed, her voice dripping with contempt. "'Brother'? That’s a title you don’t deserve in front of me, Bryan. Get to the point, what do you want today?"