Chapter 71

Patrick and his friends often bet on whether Brian’s new girlfriend would be the one, but anyone who took that bet was destined to lose. The man was living the single life—and loving it.

Brian was outwardly courteous, but in reality, he never truly warmed up to anyone. Patrick, knowing him well, knew Brian didn't like most people. Brian played the part, his impeccable manners compelling him to make small talk and appear with the right people, but he cared little for the social scene. It was all a means to an end.

Emily, Brian's latest girlfriend and a rising star in the entertainment industry, approached them. She was stunning—as expected—and popular, both within their circles and the broader entertainment community. This, of course, was thanks to Brian. As heir to the country's largest entertainment company, he could easily make anyone a star; he'd done it many times. Perhaps that explained his many girlfriends. Why settle down when there was an endless stream of young women seeking fortune and fame?

Did this dynamic explain why he didn't take any of them seriously? Patrick didn't know. He knew Brian doted on each girlfriend, but once his feelings cooled, there was no turning back from a breakup. The city's countless magazines and gossip columns readily confirmed this. Perhaps the challenge kept the women coming.

Patrick shrugged, sipping his drink. He wouldn't give them any room to compromise.

"Brian! I'm sorry I'm late," Emily said gently. Catching sight of the bracelet in Brian's hand, she visibly paled. It was almost comical how fixated she was on that thin, silver bracelet, ignoring the diamond bracelet and ruby necklace—jewelry Brian had purchased for her—worth close to ten million. But that small silver bracelet was taboo. He wouldn't even let her touch it. Once, when she'd tried, he'd stared coldly and said, "Believe it or not, but if you dare, you won't be able to use your hands anymore." His sharp eyes were filled with ruthlessness. Patrick recalled the painfully awkward event; Emily had been so scared she froze. Brian had then ordered more drinks and doted on her as usual, as if he hadn't just threatened her. It was one of the more entertaining nights Patrick had experienced. Maybe tonight would be exceptional, too. But as he thought it, Brian tucked the bracelet back into his pocket. What did this small, child-sized bracelet mean to him? Patrick had known Brian for fifteen years and still didn't know.

After Emily sat down, her gaze fell on Jason, who was nearby. She was taken aback. "That is… Mr. Reed, right? Mr. Reed?" She'd only seen him from afar and wasn't certain. Moreover, Jason seemed very intimate with another woman. Wasn't Mr. Reed known to be cold to women?

"Yes, it's Jason," Patrick replied, smiling. He then said to Brian, "Why don't we bet on whether Jason will leave with that woman? What do you think?"

"There's no need to bet," Brian said.

"Why not?"

Brian didn't answer, his gaze fixed on Jason. When Patrick looked, Jason had already moved away from the woman unnoticed. The woman seemed to want to approach him again, but hesitated after Jason apparently said something. Then, Jason left without another word.

Outside the club, Terrence greeted Jason respectfully: "Mr. Reed."

"Let's go." Jason got into the car.

Did he come to prove something? Jason wasn't sure. He'd spent time with old friends and business associates, chatted with several women, and fended off the advances of others. It was clear he wouldn't accept just any woman. When he'd held the striking woman who'd approached him and smelled her perfume, he'd been taken aback. Yes, she was beautiful, wealthy, and cultured, but she hadn't stood a chance. As she drew near, he'd been thinking of the faint soapy fragrance of another woman.