Chapter 162: Come To Collect his debt
Since Levi’s bombshell, Brett wanted to hold unto the belief that Levi was clutching unto straws to keep the Van Doren Group all to himself. But he knew instinctively that it was the truth, Brandon was his. He did not need Sutton’s revelation to confirm it. Her words just pressed down on Brett like a physical burden, confirming his worst fears.
The acceptance that he was Brandon’s father, a truth concealed for so long, left him feeling strangely hollowed out. The anger that had propelled him to Sutton’s apartment had dissipated, replaced by a dull ache of disappointment and a profound sense of weariness.
He sat in home in a daze in the back seat as he was driven, the city lights blurring into an indistinguishable stream of color. He had lost. He had been so close to seizing control of Sterling Enterprises, to finally escaping Levi’s shadow, but it had all crumbled to dust. The carefully laid plans, the years of scheming, all for nothing.
It irked him to remember Levi’s smug face, he must have felt so satisfied to have shot down his ambition. As he pulled into the driveway of his secluded mansion, he noticed a familiar car parked near the entrance. A cold dread settled in his stomach. He recognized the sleek, dark sedan; it belonged to Marcus Thorne, there was a sinking feeling knowing what was waiting for him on the other side of the door.
Brett entered the house, his troubled mind expecting the worst knowing what he had done. But he was propelled forward by the force of defeat. He found Marcus Thorne waiting for him at the bar, his expression jovial. Brett did not relax because he knew under the cheerful face was a madman. Marcus sat in one of the leather armchairs, a glass of whiskey in his hand, his eyes fixed on Brett.
"Brett," Marcus greeted him, his voice smooth and deceptively charming. "I was wondering when you would show up, I always knew you were a man of great taste." He said as he raised the tumbler in his hand.
Brett forced a weak smile, trying to mask his anxiety.
"Marcus," he said, his voice carefully neutral. "I was not expecting you, not today at least."
"Really?" Marcus raised an eyebrow, his gaze unwavering. "I would have thought you would be expecting me. After... recent events, no?"