Chapter 205
Chapter 205:
Wesley’s face hardened as he cast a sharp glance at Davion and declared, “Though Brenden is a Saunders, he isn’t an outsider. He’s my cousin.” His words made his support unmistakable.
Davion didn’t dare challenge Wesley outright, but noticing Brenden’s silence, he pressed further. “I heard you were shipped off to Afluena, Brenden. What did you do to mess up p>
Howard Moss, unafraid of Brenden though wary of Wesley, chimed in quickly, “Brenden’s quite the playboy, probably too busy chasing women to care about work. No wonder Wesley, who doesn’t tolerate incompetence, sent him packing in frustration p>
A young woman from a distant branch of the Moss family snickered, adding, “I heard that place is grimy. Brenden must have endured a lot there p>
After a few more taunts, Davion turned to Wesley, his voice laced with mockery. “Wesley, Brenden has never been good for anything. Only you would waste time on a leech like him p>
Their blatant ridicule, coupled with subtle attempts to drive a wedge between Brenden and Wesley, struck Brenden hard. Though he was usually thick-skinned, the cruel words cut deeply. Aware of his own shortcomings, he stayed quiet, not wanting to burden Wesley further.
Most of the younger Moss family members were present, and seeing Brenden bow his head only made them look down on him all the more, as if he were nothing more than a pitiful fool.
𝖳𝗵e be𝘀𝗍 𝗿𝗲ad𝗶n𝗴 e𝗑𝗉𝗲rіе𝗇с𝖾 𝗈𝘯
Just then, Brenden’s father, Graham Moss, approached.
He merely frowned at the harsh taunts. To him, Brenden was a source of shame, and he made no effort to defend him.
Brenden looked at him, a flicker of hope in his eyes, as if he wanted to speak. But Graham’s glare was filled with contempt. “You’re a disgrace. Get out of my sight p>
Brenden’s eyes reddened, his hands balling into fists.
The sting of his father’s disgust cut far deeper than any other wound.
Wesley, who had remained silent, stepped forward in a few swift strides, positioning himself protectively in front of Brenden and fixing Davion with a chilling stare. “To me, Brenden is worth more than you will ever be.” Davion’s smug grin faltered.
Wesley continued, “Brenden is diligent and competent. He wasn’t sent to Afluena for any failure. My company started a new project there, and he was chosen to lead the well-digging team.” His icy gaze swept the room. “He’s more capable than any of you here p>
Though Wesley’s tone was even, his look made everyone feel like they were being seen as trash. Their faces darkened, but no one dared retort.
Wesley’s authority within the family was unquestioned; even if he insulted them outright, they would stay silent.
Brenden swelled with pride at Wesley’s public praise. His tears vanished, and he stood taller. “I’m so thankful to Wesley for sending me to Afluena. The ground there is tough as rock, but I still managed to dig a well!” His face glowed with newfound confidence as he added, “And going to Afluena helped me grow. There’s even a great girl who’s secretly in love with me p>
Nearby, Alden Moss’s mouth twitched at Brenden’s smugness. How could someone as useless as Brenden still have Wesley’s backing? The thought sparked envy.
Unaware of the brewing resentment, Brenden continued boasting about Gabriela’s devotion, oblivious to Wesley’s expression darkening like an approaching storm.
Billy watched Brenden with a mix of pity and exasperation. This foolish man. If he didn’t stop, Wesley might assign him another grueling project.
As Brenden rambled, he suddenly noticed Wesley had stepped aside, which touched him deeply. Wesley had not only defended him but also given him the stage to shine. Wesley was truly kind to him, and Brenden silently promised to repay him someday.