When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 42

Gina laced her fingers together, a playful glint in her eyes as she teased him.

Brody, though, didn’t crack a smile. His tone dropped lower, all warmth drained away. “I’m asking, why does it have to be her?”

Gina didn’t even pause. “I made a promise to Ms. Stewart. I keep my word.”

He arched a brow, unimpressed. “Gina, I’ve done my homework. You’re not exactly known for being sentimental.”

Brody slid the agreement off the table, his gentleness vanishing in an instant.

Everyone knew about Gina’s reputation in the business world. She was ruthless, always looking for an angle, never afraid to poach talent or swoop in on someone else’s deal. There were no lines she wouldn’t cross.

Sensing the tension rising, Gina checked her watch. “Sorry, I really have something else I need to get to…”

Brody didn’t let her off the hook. “A few of your current projects have clients deeply tied to Garland Inc. I could pull every string. I’d sacrifice all of Garland Inc.’s profits for this year, even next year, just to make sure your company is gone in twelve months.”

He stared at his hands, twisting his fingers, his face unreadable. His voice softened, almost gentle, but there was nothing comforting about it.

Gina, halfway out of her chair, froze.

She felt the blood drain from her cheeks and sat back down, a little straighter this time.

She knew Brody wasn’t bluffing. If he went to war with Garland Inc. on the line, she’d lose—no question.

But wasn’t Garland Inc. always what mattered most to him?

“Mr. Garland, what are you doing…?”

“Why?”

Gina tried to smooth things over, but Brody’s eyes cut through her. The curiosity was gone, replaced by a cold, razor-sharp edge.

She swallowed, nerves jangling. There was no use hiding anything now. She spilled everything.

From the very beginning, Gina had never wanted to partner with Garland Inc. Sure, working with a powerhouse like them looked good, but the profits were slim.

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