Chapter 232

Howard's POV

"From my perspective." I finally broke the silence. "Brian's actions were reasonable."

The expression on Philip's face transformed instantly from hopeful to disbelieving. That flash of expectation in his eyes made me inwardly shake my head-he had naively assumed I would automatically side with him simply because we were both successful men. This mindset of dividing into camps without any critical thinking mirrored exactly how he treated his son.

"He anticipated potential consequences and prepared appropriate countermeasures," I continued analytically. "That's actually intelligent thinking."

The business world is like a battlefield, and I've always admired those who can see several moves ahead. Even in a child, this strategic thinking deserves recognition. If Brian hadn't been involved in hurting Annie,this kind of intelligence should have been nurtured rather than suppressed.Lucy likely possessed similar potential, though she had chosen silence over expression.

Philip impatiently tried to counter:"But-"

"There is no 'but," Brian calmly interrupted him, reminding me of myself as a child-learning composure and restraint far too early.

I studied this child, fascinated by his contradictions. So intelligent yet trapped in his own schemes, so young yet playing like a seasoned chess

master. His words to Philip were cutting: "Philip, whenever there's a problem,you automatically believe anything Sarah tells you. You don't even think."

Brian paused. "That's why you lost your wife, why your company's stock is plummeting... all of this is simply the price of your stupidity."

Philip's complexion changed immediately. His nostrils flared slightly. and his eyes flashed with rage. His fists clenched and unclenched at his sides.like a bull ready to charge. This was an investor ruled by emotions-a perfect example of what not to be. I'd seen too many like him in the business world. all eventually becoming someone else's prey.

"He's not entirely wrong," I said calmly. "As the CEO of an investment firm. you should maintain better emotional control."

My voice carried no emotional coloring: "If you act impulsively based on Sarah's one-sided account, how can shareholders trust you won't make equally rash decisions when the market fluctuates?"

That statement clearly hit a nerve. In the business world, having your decision-making abilities questioned is far more lethal than having your morals questioned.

Philip's Adam's apple bobbed as he visibly restrained his anger. It was interesting how he simultaneously displayed his fragile emotional control while trying to prove his decision-making was flawless.

Brian's gaze kept darting toward Annie, with a longing that reminded me of Lucy when she first came to my home-wanting to approach yet fearing rejection, wanting to leave yet reluctant to go. His inner world was probably more complex than anyone else's in this room.

"I should go," he finally said, his tone carrying a maturity that made my chest tighten.

"Would you like me to drive you?" The offer left my mouth before I could consider it, surprising even myself. Perhaps it was because I saw reflections of myself in him, or because Lucy had taught me to care about children's feelings.

"No need." he replied, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "I can get back by myself."

I walked him to the door and watched as he got into the car and departed.

When I returned to the living room, Philip was staring at Annie with an almost accusatory gaze. That arrogance reminded me of my first impression of him-a man accustomed to others accommodating him.

"When I was talking to Brian earlier," he said in a somber tone, "why didn't you have any reaction?"

Annie's gaze was calm as still water. "What reaction did you expect me to have?"

"Any reaction would be better than this indifference," Philip's voice grew sharp, accusafory. "Your attitude makes me wonder if you've been orchestrating everything from behind the scenes all along."

Absurd. I almost laughed at his assumption. In his world, women either submitted or schemed. He seemed incapable of imagining that Annie had simply transcended his control and embraced her authentic self.

I was about to interject when Annie spoke first.

"Philip," Annie's lips curled into a cold smile, "you're like an unvaccinated

rabid dog. desperate to bite anyone within reach."

Her voice dripped with sarcasm: "You thinkI orchestrated all this? I should be flattered that you believe I would waste my energy on you."

She shook her head slightly. "You're simply not worth the effort."

I silently withdrew my prepared response. Annie's reply was more perfect than anything I could have formulated-sharp and precise,striking directly at the core. This fearlessness, this willingness to confront challenges head-on, was one of the qualities I found most attractive about her.

Philip opened his mouth to counter but found himself speechless. His eyes widened slightly, lips pressed into a thin line, clearly unprepared for Annie to hit back so directly. His stunned expression made the corners of my lips turn up involuntarily. Annie's strength was exactly what I admired most-she was no longer a victim at others' mercy, but a force capable of dancing with the storm.

Philip's expression shifted from shock to anger. "You've changed, Annie.After leaving me, you've become harsh and cold."

"No," Annie calmly corrected him. "I've just stopped being afraid to speak the truth."

She glanced around the living room, seemingly tired of this meaningless confrontation. "You two can continue this conversation. I need to go upstairs to finish some work."

"I'll join you soon," I responded, hoping she could read the support in my eyes.

After Annie left, the air seemed to grow heavier. Philip stood there, his

expression a mixture of disbelief and irritation. The once-mighty investment elite now appeared somewhat pathetic.

"What else do you want to say?" I asked, my voice devoid of emotion."Continue fabricating more ridiculous accusations?"

Philip's jaw tightened. "Howard, you don't understand what you've gotten yourself into. Annie is far from as innocent as she appears."

This blind confidence reminded me of investors who stubbornly cling to their positions even as the market crashes around them. They always refuse to accept reality until it's too late.

"Let me tell you what I see: a father who struck his child based on his mistress's word. then tried to use 'paternal authority' to cover his mistake."

"That was discipline!" Philip raised his voice, his face flushing."Every father has the right to-"

"Damage a child's eardrum?" I interrupted calmly. "I didn't realize that in your world, this is called 'discipline.' In my world, it's called 'abuse."

Philip's lips pressed into a thin line, clearly lacking a reasonable counter-argument. He had probably never imagined being challenged so directly-Wall Street's darling, successful investor, people usually only complimented him rather than exposing him.