Chapter 15
Braelynn quickly demonstrated her talent and acumen in business.
She combined her understanding of the local market with the resources and information provided by Alexander, and redefined the direction of the business. No longer confined to the narrow field of the original branch, she set her sights on several niche markets with greater potential and. profit margins.
She also took the initiative to reach out to some of her old contacts. Although most people either pitied her for having ‘fallen‘ to this point or avoided her altogether, there were still one or two who believed in her abilities and were willing to offer limited help or information.
Alexander was responsible for putting these plans and resources into action. He was highly efficient, flexible, and even a bit ruthless in his methods, quickly making headway in the local scene.
One focused on internal affairs, the other on external matters, and their cooperation became increasingly seamless.
Occasionally, they needed to attend certain important events together.
Once, at a small local business networking event, someone noticed Braelynn’s striking appearance and apparent lack of strong backing, and tried to take advantage of her under the pretense of a toast.
Alexander didn’t even wait for Braelynn to react. He stepped forward, brushed the man’s hand away, his gaze cold enough to freeze, and said something in a low voice using the local slang.
The man’s expression changed instantly. He shot Alexander a resentful look and slunk away in embarrassment.
Chapter 15
“What did he say to you?” Braelynn asked curiously afterward.
Alexander’s face was expressionless: “Nothing much. I just told him that my wife doesn’t like to be disturbed.”
He used the words “my wife,” with an unmistakable sense of possession. Braelynn’s heart skipped a beat for no reason.
As their cooperation deepened, the financial pressure grew. Although Alexander had said he would find a solution, Braelynn knew it wouldn’t be easy.
That day, after hesitating for a long time, she finally took out a jewelry box she had brought with her. Inside were some valuable pieces of jewelry and a luxury watch she had bought in the past–her entire private
collection.
“These… should be worth some money.” She pushed the box toward Alexander. “It might not be enough, but at least it can help us get through this emergency.”
Alexander looked at the open jewelry box, filled with glittering valuables. He was silent for a few seconds, then reached out, closed the box, and pushed it back to her.
“Put it away.” His voice was firm and left no room for argument. “We’re not at the point where you need to use these things.”
“But…”
“I said, I’ll handle the money.” Alexander interrupted her, looking at her with deep eyes. “These things are your last line of security. Keep them safe.”
He paused, his tone softening slightly but still resolute: “Trust me.”
Looking into his eyes, filled with heavy confidence and responsibility,
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Braelynn was momentarily speechless. She quietly took back the jewelry box, but her heart felt full, warm, and swelling.
A few days later, Alexander told her that a large part of the funding problem had been resolved.
She only found out later that he had taken a huge risk, using his already small share of the future revenue rights from the dock warehouse as collateral to secure an urgently needed loan from a private lender with a complicated background.
He shouldered the risk himself, but left the relatively safe shares and the bulk of the profits to her.
When Braelynn found out, she approached him with mixed feelings: “You didn’t have to do this. We could have shared the risk together.”
Alexander was wiping a tool and didn’t even look up: “How? Sell your jewelry? Or go to Zachary?”
When he mentioned Zachary’s name, there was a barely noticeable hint of sarcasm in his tone.
Braelynn was at a loss for words.
Alexander put down the tool, looked up at her with sharp eyes: “Since we’ve chosen this path, don’t think about turning back, and don’t think about relying on anyone else. I can handle it. You just focus on your work. When we make money, pay me back double.”
His words were still blunt, even a bit harsh, but they were like a shot of adrenaline, dispelling the last traces of hesitation and unease in Braelynn’s heart.
Looking at his resolute profile, she suddenly realized with clarity that perhaps this man before her was truly the one worth standing side by side with in her new life.
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- Chapter 15.
As night deepened, the two of them were still in the office, discussing the next steps over maps and plans.
The sea breeze drifted in through the window, carrying a salty, humid.
scent.
Alexander got up to close the window. When he turned back, he saw that Braclynn, exhausted from days of hard work, had faint dark circles under her eyes, yet she was still forcing herself to study the data.
He was silent for a moment, then walked to a small fridge in the corner, took out two cans of iced coffee, and tossed one to her.
“If you’re tired, take a break. There’s no need to rush right now.” His voice sounded especially deep in the quiet night.
Braelynn caught the coffee, the cold touch instantly refreshing her. She shook her head: “It’s fine. The sooner we sort things out, the sooner we can get started.
Alexander didn’t insist. He simply placed his own unopened can of coffee next to her, then pulled over a chair, sat down across from her, and picked up another document to read.
Under the light, the two of them worked separately, occasionally exchanging a few words. The atmosphere was quiet but not awkward; instead, there was a reassuring sense of fighting side by side.
From time to time, Braelynn would look up and see Alexander’s focused profile and slightly furrowed brows.
In that moment, she suddenly felt certain that this time, she had truly made the right choice.
Perhaps, in this lifetime, she really could have a different life–and a different partner.
Chapter In
