Chapter 170 Sibling Rivalry

“How can you say such a thing?” said Nick to the boy. “Aren’t our dads familiar with each other?”

“Shut up!” said Brandon. He tried his best to sound scary but no adult would ever be threatened by the squeaky shrill of a skinny nine year old.

“Maybe the boy is right. After all, you’re here for business so why don’t we get on with it?”

“Good idea,” said Bella.

Nick took a one-hundred dollar bill from his wallet and gave it to Bella. “Here is the taxi fee plus your return fare.”

“Thanks,” said Bella and put it away in her pocket.

“Why don’t you go upstairs to check the new stuff? The camera in the locker besides the door.”

She shot a quick glance at the boy.

“Don’t worry about him. I’ll take care of Brandon,” said Nick. This was something Bella did not want to consider.

She held tightly the hand of Brandon and said, “No, I’ll take Brandon with me.”

Nick glanced at her with his arms folded across his chest, “You don’t trust me?”

“No, I don’t,” she replied firmly.

“Contrary to what you may believe, I’m not the kind of person that would mistreat a child,” said Nick.

Brandon sneered at Nick. He didn’t like being called a child.

“Then how come the boy doesn’t like you?” asked Bella.

“It’s just that we started on the wrong foot. That’s why he ought to stay here and work things out with me for a better understanding.”

“You got to understand that Brandon has nothing to work out with you. He’s coming upstairs with me.”

Nick turned angrily to the boy.

“YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HIDING BEHIND A WOMAN!”

Bella immediately stepped between Brandon and Nick.

“I don’t know why you’re bearing a grudge against Brandon. Even if his dad wronged yours for some reason, you shouldn’t pick on him. It’s not his fault. You should feel ashamed for acting in such an awful manner.”

Upon hearing those words Nick’s face darkened.

“Do you really believe he is only a child?” he said pointing his finger at Brandon. “Don’t blame me for not telling you, when the truth comes out.”

“I don’t care who is he or where he comes from. No matter a prince or a beggar, he is still a child. I found him and I’m responsible for his safety.”

“All right, then. Let’s get down to business. You may take him upstairs with you but he must keep his hands off my products!”

“Too late, Mister,” said Bella. She took the kid from the hand and walked away to the opposite direction.

“Hey! Where do you think you’re going? You’re working for me!”

“Not any longer. I’ll wire back the money you’ve paid.” 

“It’s my fault giving you such a chance. I should have known that you would blow everything up!”

“I just don't want to work for people with issues,” said Bella.

“If I’m a man with issues, what can you tell us about Charles Williams, your boss? If there ever was a man with issues, it’s none other that him. Everyone knows that Charles Williams is married but still has an extramarital affair. In my book that counts as indecent behavior.”

Bella turned pale upon hearing these words. She turned round slowly and asked him, “How did you know that I work in the Williams Group?”

“I checked the IP of the emails you sent me and guess what I found? The Williams Group! Only an idiot like you would not have foreseen such a detail.”

Bella lowered her head and laughed as if she was laughing at herself. She raised his head and looked at Nick. She said to him helplessly, “Yes. I work there. I don’t have a choice. I don’t want to work there, but I have to.”

Her voice was full of helplessness.

“If you walk away from me, I will give you a negative review, which I will share on all my social media. This will ruin your reputation in the design circles.”

The boy was standing right beside her. He could feel her hand trembling with fear. He knew very well that Nick wasn’t joking. If Bella were to walk away, this would be tantamount to professional suicide.

“Why don’t you go upstairs to do your job and I’ll wait for you here. I’m not afraid of him,” he said firmly.

“Are you sure?” asked Bella, looking down at him.

“There are many problems between us need that to be sorted out. Might as well do it now.”

Bella was surprised with these words, “Brandon…”

“Why don’t you listen to the kid and hurry up?” said Nick impatiently.

“But…”

“Be rest assured,” said Brandon. “I will be fine. It’s better to make things clear between us.” He looked up at Bella and his gray eyes flashed with unspeakable gentleness. 

“You trust me, don’t you?”

Bella shook her head. Why did Brandon sound so much like Charles?

His adult-like behavior very amusing but very inexplicable. Where did it all come from and what was the strange connection between the two of them?

“All right, I will go to work now. Let me know if he bothers you. And you…” she said turning to Nick, “You had better treat him well no matter the grudge you have against him.”

“Just hurry up and get on with the job,” he said.

“Our first and last job together…” said Bella.

The moment Bella left them alone there was a sudden change in the air around them. This shift of energy betrayed the deep confrontation between the two brothers.

“Did you receive my gift?” asked the child.

“I did. What a pity to lose such a good horse.”

“Well, shit happens.”

“How about the gunfight? Of course, I suffered more losses than you did that night but I do hope that you enjoyed it.”

“It was splendid,” said the child.

His icy cold features were a mask of hatred.