Chapter 406 

Group!” 

– 

=3 

Brandon just chuckled. “In seven years, I’ve gone from nothing to owning a company. While in those same seven years, the Randolph Group’s value, production, profits–they’ve all been sliding. 

“Sure, my company’s smaller now, but I’m climbing up from the bottom while you’re slipping down from the top. One day, we’ll meet–and I’ll be the one looking down.” 

He leaned in, adding with a smirk, “So, why the rush? If anyone’s feeling the pressure, it’s you. Go ahead and stress yourself out over it.” 

The crowd murmured, with someone even calling out, “That’s right! One is rising, the other is falling. We all know who will come out on top.” 

Sebastian gritted his teeth. “Trash is still trash, no matter how you spin it.” 

“You used to be a nobody reaching for the stars and wouldn’t back off from Laney,” Sebastian sneered. “And now, you really think you’re some kind of David taking on Goliath? With what you’ve got, you’ll be-” 

“Enough!” A woman’s voice suddenly broke the tension. Her tone was shaky but determined. “I’ve told you already- Brandon didn’t trick or force me. We loved each other. Stop talking about him like that.” 

With that, Laney stepped forward, graceful and striking, placing herself between Brandon and Sebastian. Her eyes held an apologetic, almost sorrowful look as they met Brandon’s. 

“Laney?” the crowd murmured. “She is here too, and as beautiful as ever.” 

Sebastian’s expression twisted, a mix of anger and frustration. “Why are you still defending him? This guy doesn’t deserve you, Laney! He used you back then, just trying to climb his way up-” 

the 

“Mr. Randolph,” Brandon interjected calmly, his gaze steady. “Someday, I will surpass the Randolph family. When that happens, you won’t have the luxury of mocking me. 

“Until then, maybe focus on your own life rather than wasting time provoking me. None of this will change a thing for you or the Randolph family.” 

Then, he turned his gaze to Laney–cool and detached. “Laney, whatever we had ended a long time ago. You don’t have to speak for me. I don’t need anyone standing up for me–not even you.” 

Low murmurs spread through the crowd. “The guy’s got guts,” someone whispered. “Donovan High–tech’s been growing fast these past three years. Definitely someone to watch.” 

Laney’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked at him. “I’m sorry, Brandon. For everything. If I could… I would make it up to you.” 

But before she could say more, a well–dressed young man appeared, slipping his arm protectively around Laney’s waist and shooting Brandon a challenging look. “Laney, don’t apologize to him,” he said, voice tense. 

“He didn’t do anything for you except make you look like a fool. You owe him nothing.” 

“Brandon, I’m warning you. Laney is my fiancée. Don’t even think about-” 

“We’re not engaged!” Laney snapped, pushing his hand away and stepping aside. “I only agreed to date you, not to be engaged.” 

The crowd murmured, catching on to the tension and sensing that Laney might still have feelings for Brandon. 

The young man noticed too and burst out, “Laney, you can’t seriously still be hung up on this guy! He’s not good enough for you. I’m the one who truly loves you–I’m your best choice.” 

14:23 Sat, Nov 23 A ki 

Chapter 406 

Sebastian jumped in, shooting Brandon a warning look. “If you try anything with Laney, I swear I will- 

80% 

“No need to worry,” Brandon cut in, his tone steady. “I already have a girlfriend, and I’m not about to betray her. 

Sebastian paused, then burst into laughter. “A girlfriend? You? Who would date someone like you? Let me guess–she is poor and stuck–up too? 

“Or maybe she is foolish enough to think you will actually surpass the Randolph family someday and make her rich?” 

Unlike Sebastian, Laney looked stunned. Her face went pale, and her voice shook. “Brandon, you… you have a girlfriend? You told me once you wouldn’t date until you’d made something of yourself. Were you lying to me back then?” 

Before Brandon could reply, a calm, clear voice rang out. “He was not lying to you. I am his girlfriend. I love him and will be loyal to him.” 

All eyes turned to the source of the voice, and an impressed murmur swept through the crowd. “Wow. She looks beautiful, elegant, and sharp–a real stunner.”