?Chapter 1031:

    Reading his response eased Brenna’s mind. She knew that Ethan wasn’t lying, so she let the matter go.

    Annualpany gatherings usually unfolded in a predictable fashion. The chairman and the CEO would give their speeches, achievements for the year were recapped, and high-performing staff members would receive their awards. Brenna never looked forward to these formalities. Even while handing out trophies to staff members, she kept her expression calm, treating it as just another task.

    The next day, as Brenna arrived at herpany, she encountered Alec at the lobby entrance.

    With an uneasy look, Alec blocked her way to stop her.

    “Brenna, Gracie is back again. Aren’t you afraid she’ll take Ethan away from you? Yesterday, she wouldn’t stop following Ethan and even got in his car. Doesn’t that bother you? Honestly, I’d be worried if I were you.”

    Brenna had her doubts about Alec’s intentions. This made the fourth time he hade to her with the same gossipy tone, always sharing news meant to upset her.

    “I already know that. Ethan left in a different car, didn’t he? Gracie got a ride from Neville, so I don’t see any problem with that,” replied Brenna, her gaze steady on Alec.

    A hint of panic shed in Alec’s eyes before he forced augh. “So you found out? Word is, Gracie is divorced now and might be making a move on Mr. Mitchell. You should watch out. Guys like Mr. Mitchell—sessful, loyal, principled, and well-off—don’te around every day. Any woman would want him. If you’re not careful, Gracie might just steal him from you.”

    “Alright, I understand.” Brenna gave a short nod, signaling that she wanted to end the conversation, and stepped past him toward the elevators.

    Just then, a voice called out, “Ms. Harper!” The familiar click of heels echoed as Gracie walked over and stopped beside Brenna. She wore a bright, confident smile, looking nothing like the heartbroken woman Brenna remembered from their earlier encounters. Gracie seemed like apletely new person now.

    “I have some news. I’ll be working here from now on. Want to grab lunch together today?” Gracie spoke as if she didn’t know that she and Brenna were rivals in love.

    Brenna kept her tone t. “Have you sorted out all the Wilson Group’s problems already?”

    Her tone was cool, as if it were a trivial matter that wouldn’t affect Gracie at all. The smile faded from Gracie’s face, and her resentment toward Brenna simmered beneath the surface. This was a sore spot for her; she had lost nearly everything and was drowning in debt because of the matter. The only way to get by was to work for the Mitchell Group at a modest sry. Without this job, she wouldn’t even be able to make a living.

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    Gracie said, “We had to dere bankruptcy. My uncle is handling whatever’s left of the Wilson Group. Now, I’m officially starting as vice president here at the Mitchell Group. I hope we’ll get along well from now on.”

    Brenna forced a faint smile. “Is that so? Sounds like good news. Let’s have lunch together.”

    Watching from a distance, Alec observed the two women chatting and shook his head. Under his breath, he grumbled, “They act so friendly, but everyone knows they’re rivals in love. So hypocritical.”

    Heading back to the security office, Alec dialed Rosie.

    Brenna and Gracie stepped into the elevator side by side. With a routine air, Brenna asked about the Wilson Group’s downfall. She was taken aback when Gracie revealed that her father had been murdered right then and there.

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