Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

"No," I replied.

"I actually agree. He doesn't look like a big boss at all. In terms of physique and demeanor, he can't compare to me," Xander said as he puffed out his chest and struck a pose.

"I heard that the company was started because he invested money. Is that true?" I asked.

"Yep. He's the actual shareholder. As for me..." Xander smirked. "I may look the part, and everyone calls me Mr. Roulder, but I'm just a high-level employee, just like you and Mr. Howell." His self-deprecation was oddly friendly.

"Then why doesn't he manage the company himself?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Are you serious?" Xander scoffed. "He's got money and owns plenty of companies. He doesn't have time to manage them all personally."

I glanced back at the private room. Was the short, plump man really that wealthy?

After years of living among the wealthy in the Gildon family, I'd never heard of the Howells.

"You don't believe me?" It was as if Xander could read my thoughts. "That's because you haven't seen much."

I was speechless.

"The man inside, Stephen Howell, is the grandson of Henry Howell, the coal magnate from Ardinia. Don't be fooled by his somewhat old-fashioned appearance. He's actually just in his early 30s.

"With the slowing down of the coal industry, the Howell family's descendants have branched out into other industries. Although Mr. Stephen may not look impressive, he's quite capable here." Xander tapped his head.

His explanation cleared up my confusion.

Still, I couldn't resist teasing, "It seems like Ardinia's people are expanding their reach here. His ambitions are quite broad."

"Wherever there's money, that's where he'll reach. Mr. Stephen also has international interests." Xander shook his head. "You didn't expect that, did you?"

"No, I didn't." I pursed my lips. "Mr. Roulder, I didn't expect the boss behind you to be someone else. I thought..."

"What did you think?" Xander asked while smiling.

I thought about Brandon's humble status and decided not to mention it.

Brandon, sharing the Howell surname, was far more impressive in terms of appearance and knowledge compared to Stephen. However, in terms of wealth, Stephen outshone him by a wide margin.

"It's nothing. Let's go in. We wouldn't want Mr. Stephen to get annoyed and kick us out." I tried to lighten the mood as I headed back to the private room.

However, Xander blocked my path. "Ms. Crown, you're not thinking that Mr. Howell's surname means..."

"No," I cut him off while smiling. "Brandon is just Brandon."

"Brandon is a potential asset," Xander said just before I entered the room.

As we pushed open the door, we saw Brandon and Stephen sitting in silence. They weren't speaking but they both looked as though they had just finished a standoff.

My heart skipped a beat. Had Brandon and Stephen had a disagreement?

But it seemed too early for that, considering they had just met.

Seeing the tension, I decided to break the ice. "Mr. Stephen, I'm sorry."

"It's fine. Please, sit," Stephen said in an approachable manner, which didn't quite fit his hidden billionaire status.

Xander followed in and said, "I've just briefed Ms. Crown about you, Mr. Stephen."

I was speechless.

I was speechless indeed. Xander had clearly just revealed that I had been inquiring about Stephen.

Before I could give Xander an

annoyed look he continued to

explain to Stephen with a smile, "Mr.

Stephen, you should know that Ms.

Crown has been wanting to learn about you for a while. She's asked me several times, eager to get a glimpse of your esteemed self."

I remained silent.

"Is that so?" Brandon asked.

His question made my heart skip a beat and made Xander chuckle.

"Yes, Mr. Howell. If you don't belie

you can ask Ms. Crown."

novels.net

Xander's intelligence was genuinely concerning.

"Let's order food. Ms. Crown must be hungry by now." Brandon took over the conversation.

Xander looked at Stephen, who gave a slight nod before he rang the bell to call for the food.

Their actions confirmed that Stephen was indeed the big boss.

However, why had Xander been so attentive and even somewhat ingratiating towards Brandon?

I thought about it as I ate and still felt that something was off.