Chapter 4 Admire You Very Much

Brennen hadn't anticipated crossing paths with Emilee's closest friend in such an unexpected locale.

Given the influential standing of the Lewis clan in Enceridge and the presumed affluence of Emilee's friend's family, it made sense for her to make an appearance here.

"I ventured here with the intention of..." Brennen began, but his words were swiftly intercepted by Clare.

Assessing his laid-back attire, she swiftly concluded that he must be present to drop off sustenance for the staff. "Your dealings here are of no concern to me. But heed my caution! Emilee happens to be my dearest friend. You're the one who left her expecting. If that child sees the light of day, you'd better step up and take responsibility. Otherwise, you won't find an easy escape from my scrutiny!"

Brennen retorted, visibly irritated, "She already terminated the pregnancy! What responsibility am I supposed to shoulder?"

Clare, upon learning of this, erupted in anger and seized Brennen's collar. "Who fed you that lie about an abortion? She's holding onto that pregnancy and intends to bring the child into the world!"

Brennen stood dumbfounded at the revelation.

Damn it!

She didn't go through with the abortion?

Witnessing Brennen's expression, Clare ground her teeth in furious determination.

She aggressively strode in her high heels toward Brennen's feet.

Yet, to her astonishment, Brennen deftly sidestepped her advance, almost as if he had foreseen the attempt.

"Ouch!"

Clare winced in pain as her foot missed its mark and hit the floor hard.

Glaring fiercely at Brennen, she declared, "We're far from done!"

Brennen observed Clare's departure, appreciating the allure of her well-defined waist and pert buttocks that swayed provocatively with each step.

However, her temper was a bit too fiery.

In Brennen's thoughts, the lingering concern was Emilee's decision not to go through with the abortion.

Returning to the auction venue, Brennen barely had a chance to sit before a group of individuals arrogantly entered, taking front-row seats with an air of superiority.

Archie sent over a stylish assistant named Brenna White to Brennen.

Mask on, Brennen pointed toward the newcomers and inquired, "Who are they?"

Brenna, adjusting her glasses, pointed to a man with an oversized head, remarking, "That's Jackson Patel, hailing from the wealthiest family in Enceridge-the Patels. They're our formidable rivals today."

The Patel family?

Brennen's eyes gleamed with interest.

Emilee was expected to tie the knot with the fat heir from the Patel family, a man with a tumultuous personal life.

Today, Brennen had gleaned ample details about him.

The Patels were keen on securing a pivotal project in the new district, aiming to collaborate with the Lewises to extricate them from their current quagmire.

Considering this, if Brennen clinched the project, wouldn't it disrupt the collaboration between the Patels and the Lewises? Emilee might be spared from entering the Patel family, at least for the time being.

If he secretly assisted the Lewis family once more, Emilee wouldn't be tethered to the need to appease anyone.

Brennen's sentiments toward Emilee had taken a peculiar turn.

Perhaps, he just couldn't bear the thought of a stunning woman tethering herself to an unsightly, corpulent man.

At least, that was what Brennen believed.

The preceding monotonous proceedings had drawn to a close, giving way to the eagerly awaited bidding session.

However, in a surprising twist, Jackson rose from his seat at the outset, scanned the assembly, and proclaimed, "Ladies and gentlemen, the Patel family asserts its claim on the new district project. Anyone daring to contest us will confront consequences, and I trust you comprehend the gravity of that!"

With an air of dominance, Jackson cast a disdainful and menacing gaze across the room.

Met with silence from the audience, he sat back down and crossed his arms, exuding confidence.

"We're securing the new district project for a cool five hundred million!" he declared, hoisting the bidding paddle.

Yet, in that critical moment, a voice shattered the silence.

"Six hundred million," declared the bidder, Brennen.

All eyes instantly honed in on him.

"What the hell? Who's this man? Challenging the Patel family? Is he asking for trouble?"

"This individual doesn't seem to be a local in Enceridge!"

"No wonder he's so brazen! Snatching the Patel family's interests like that!"

"He's thrown a wrench into the Patel family's plans, and they won't let him off the hook!"

The murmurs in the crowd reached a crescendo.

Jackson smacked the armrest, rising to his feet and glaring furiously at Brennen. "Are you deliberately stirring up trouble?"

Brennen brushed off Jackson's ire. "Highest bidder wins. Any qualms with that?"

Hostility flared in Jackson's eyes. "Didn't you hear me? The Patel family is claiming this project!"

Brennen nonchalantly shrugged. "I heard, but is it any of my concern?"

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, with murmurs questioning the identity of this audacious contender.

He was openly challenging the Patel family!

Jackson's countenance contorted. "We're upping the ante to seven hundred million!"

Brennen's expression remained impassive. "Bidding happens once. No rounds of back-and-forth."

In response, Jackson jabbed a finger at Brennen's nose, his face twisted with rage.

"In Enceridge, my word is the law! Seven hundred million! This project is the Patel family's!"

Brennen elevated the bid, declaring, "Then I counter with eight hundred."

Jackson pounded his fist on the table, exclaiming, "Damn it! Trying to compete with the Patel family in Enceridge? Are you courting trouble?"

With an air of nonchalance, Brennen crossed his legs. "Is the Patel family truly that formidable?"

A collective gasp swept through the venue.

Who was this individual?

After all, he dared to challenge the influential Patel family in the heart of Enceridge.

Undeterred, Jackson lunged aggressively at Brennen, seizing his shoulder. "I'll raise it to nine hundred million! In Enceridge, the Patel family reigns supreme! Whatever we desire, no one can snatch away! If you don't value your life, keep upping that bid!"

Unfazed, Brennen flashed a grin at Jackson. "One billion!"

Chaos erupted in the bidding venue.

In response, Jackson seized Brennen's collar, delivering a resounding pat to his face. "Believe it or not, I'll toss you into a mixer, grind you up, and pound you into the foundation!"

Brennen maintained his grin, but in the blink of an eye, he struck. A forceful punch sent Jackson's head reeling, and he was sent airborne. Brennen seized a chair and unleashed a ferocious assault, causing blood to spatter on impact.

His actions were swift and resolute, devoid of hesitation.

After flinging the chair aside, Brennen nonchalantly cleaned his ear. "Any objections from the gallery?"

Not a soul dared to utter a word.

Brennen produced a card and passed it to Brenna, who promptly handed it to the event organizer.

As transactions were settled, the venue erupted into animated discussions.

Meanwhile, Jackson, now a disheveled figure with bloodied resolve, ground his teeth. "Launch an investigation! Uncover the identity of that individual! I'll tear him apart into a thousand pieces!"

Undeterred, Brennen strolled toward the room where Archie awaited.

The aftermath, he entrusted to Brenna.

Inside the room, Clare massaged her ankle, nursing both her physical discomfort and lingering resentment toward Brennen.

"Grandpa, who's this 'big shot' you're talking about? Why does he warrant a personal meeting?" Clare inquired, her curiosity tinged with frustration.

Archie, sipping his tea, replied cryptically, "I can't reveal much for now, Clare. When he arrives, mind your words. I haven't fully gauged his temperament yet."

Unsatisfied, Clare rolled her eyes. The Wards, an unseen affluent force in Enceridge, harbored an inherent pride. Now, she found herself having to suppress it before someone she had never met before. Clare was both intrigued and eager to catch a glimpse of this elusive "big shot."

A man entered the room, announcing, "Sir, the bidding has concluded."

Archie nodded, prompting Clare to casually ask, "Did the Patel family secure the bid?"

"No," came the response. "Someone else emerged victorious."

Clare was left stunned.

"What did you just say?" Clare exclaimed.

"The Patel family didn't secure the bid; someone else won it," came the response.

Clare snapped back to reality. "Oh my! The Patel family had this project in the bag, and now someone else swooped in and snatched it away! Who's foolish enough to claim the spoils from the Patel family? Do they have a death wish or something?"

Archie chuckled and said, "Clare, this is the person we've been waiting for."

Eyes widened, Clare exclaimed, "Wow! That's amazing! Wait a minute! If the Patel family doesn't clinch the bid, does that mean their collaboration with the Lewis family is on hold? Will the Lewis family still be in jeopardy? Oh no! I need to relay this news to Emmie!"

Clare exclaimed, grabbing her mobile phone. "Grandpa, I'm dialing Emilee. If that big shot shows up, make sure to inform me! I absolutely must see what he looks like!"

Archie nodded in agreement.

As Clare stepped out, she collided with Brennen, who was rounding the corner, engrossed in a phone call updating his father about the situation.

Brennen lowered his head, and found himself locking eyes with Clare.

Clare wasted no time in unleashing her ire. "Are you blind? Can't you see where you're going, stinky delivery guy?"

With that, she strutted away, leaving Brennen with a brooding expression.

He concluded his call and entered the room.

Archie promptly rose to greet him. "Mr. Roberts."

Brennen, pointing toward the door, inquired, "I just saw that girl walk out from here. Who is she to you?"

Archie hurriedly explained, "She's Clare, my unmarried and spirited granddaughter. She holds you in high regard and has long wished to meet you, Mr. Roberts!"