She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 427 Brandon walked through the backyard, basket in hand, absentmindedly picking vegetables while relentless thoughts ran through his mind.

"Ask my family for money? I'd rather die than do that," he thought, wincing at the idea. "Borrow from Matthew Graham? The humiliation would be unbearable." After mentally weighing his options, he knew his only valuable asset was the company shares he had on hand. But with the business thriving, he knew selling them now would be a significant long-term loss.

"Brandon, your basket's overflowing with tomatoes!" Josie called from the kitchen window, laughing. "We'll never eat all those!" Snapping back to reality, Brandon looked down, sheepishly realizing he had indeed filled his basket with tomatoes. "They looked so fresh today, and I couldn't resist. If we don't finish them tonight, we'll have them tomorrow," he said, clearing his throat. Quickly gathering a few more chili peppers, he returned to the kitchen, still deep in thought.

Brandon wondered if he could sell shares to someone who would leave him in control, regardless of how many shares they held. 'Tommy Giggs,' he thought, a ncoming to mind.

As the major shareholder holding fifty percent, Tommy never interfered with operations. Brandon trusted him to respect the company's autonomy, even with more shares.

Putting down the basket of vegetables he picked, Brandon went to his study with a renewed sense of purpose, closed the door slightly, and dialed Tommy's number.

The study was far enough from the kitchen, and with everyone preoccupied with dinner preparations, he was sure no one would hear him.

"Mr. Giggs," Brandon began, "I needed funds immediately and wanted to transfer sof my shares to you. Would you consider helpingout?" Tommy chuckled. "The company's doing incredibly well. The value of your shares will keep rising. Won't you regret selling them now?" Brandon forced a smile. "I knew that, but I had no other options at the moment. I'll be taking a loss, but I'd rather my shares go to you than someone on the outside." Tommy Giggs said, "Alright then, how much do you need?" "Forty million dollars," Brandon said. But before he could hear Tommy's reply, someone grabbed his phone from behind.

"Mr. Giggs, we have resolved the matter," Zayn announced confidently. "So, Brandon won't be selling his shares anymore." After Zayn hung up the call, Brandon sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Zayn, you know it's not nice to eavesdrop." Zayn leaned back with a smirk. "Eavesdrop? I was just walking by, and the door was left open. Besides, we're family. What's the harm in overhearing your phone conversations?" Brandon adjusted his glasses, feigning indifference. "Zayn, you've changed since joining the entertainment industry." Zayn shrugged with a chuckle. "So, what's going on? Why do you suddenly need forty million in cash?" "It's company-related. Nothing for you to worry about," Brandon said dismissively.

But Zayn's gaze sharpened. "Is this about Lindsay Dudley?" Brandon's pulse quickened, and he quickly refuted, "No, it has nothing to do with her. Stop digging, I won't answer." "Lindsay is one of your top executives and has been with the company from the start. If she's leaving for Aeloria, I assyou'd want to give her a proper severance," Zayn said matter-of-factly.

"If you don't tellnow, I'll find out what's going on myself," he continued, looking determined.

Knowing Zayn's character, Brandon gave in. "Alright, I'll tell you, but keep it between us." Zayn nodded. "Alright, I promise you." Brandon explained his plan to buy back shares from Lindsay and two other senior staff at a premium. "Tommy would be the ideal person to sell the shares to. I trust him," he said.

Zayn shook his head and said, "You built this company from the ground up. Even if Tommy's reliable, you need to retain a controlling share." "I'll lend you the money. Payback whenever you're ready. Even if it means you can only return it when you're eighty," Zayn added with a playful grin.

Brandon looked at him, eyebrows raised. "Doesn't your security company have its expenses, too? Where would you even get that kind of cash?" Zayn grinned. "Did you forget? I'm a big nnow. Between acting gigs and endorsements, I'm making plenty. I'm doing just fine." Brandon was speechless, a mix of astonishment and mild envy. "Alright then, I'll make sure it's worth your while." "But you're not doing anything shady to get this money, right?" Brandon teased, lifting an eyebrow.

"Do I look like someone who would go that far?" Zayn replied, feigning innocence.

"Who knows? But I'll make sure you won't regret your decision today," Brandon joked, waving him off.

"One more thing," Zayn added. "With three top experts leaving Donovan High-Tech, won't that be a problem for the company?" "Not really," Brandon replied. "I've built a strong team over the past year, even hired lan Kincaid from Kitmore University this summer." lan had been Brandon's junior in college. After finishing his graduate studies abroad, he returned to the country and attended a recruitment fair at Kitmore University, where he ran into Athena. Upon learning that she was the CEO's sister, he joined Donovan High-Tech without hesitation and convinced several talented peers to join him. Brandon knew that despite Lindsay and the other two experts' departure, his company had no shortage of talented and professional individuals. The team he had built since the beginning was solid and capable enough to weather any challenges. Zayn nodded in approval. "Alright then. The funds will be ready in a week. Just sit tight and wait for my good news." With thoughts swirling in his mind, Zayn noticed Tina in the yard, fussing over Josie as he made his way downstairs. "Wow, so you're Maria's little sister? You look like a real-life doll! Can I have a hug?" He quickened his pace and saw Tina kneeling in front of Josie. With a playful smile, she hugged Josie gently, rubbing her cheek against the little girl's head. "You're just too adorable. I really want to take you hwith me." Josie looked up, confused. "But I already have a home, so you can't takeaway." Tina laughed, ruffling Josie's hair. "Alright, I'll let you stay here. I'll just cvisit you and Dolli instead." Zayn cleared his throat as he walked over to Tina. "Miss Tate, it's great to see you. I need to speak with you." Straightening up, Tina felt flustered, wondering if Zayn had caught her being overly playful. "Zayn, don't tellyou're finally ready to accept the role of Victor?" Expecting another refusal, she braced herself. However, to her surprise, Zayn didn't say no. He stayed silent, his expression thoughtful.

"You're actually considering it?" Tina stammered, her eyes widening.

"Let's discuss it in the car," Zayn replied, nodding toward the SUV in the driveway to ensure their conversation stayed private.

Barely containing her excitement, Tina beamed, "Of course! You can nyour terms if you're in for the role!" Zayn led her to the SUV and invited her in, "After you, Miss Tate."

After a few minutes of discussion, Tina stepped out with a wide grin. Taking out her mobile phone, shen immediately called the director, Mr. Clifford Stone. Zayn couldn't hear what Tina was saying to the director on the phone, so he settled back into the car, waiting patiently for her to finish the conversation. Moments later, she slid back into the

car, flashing Zayn a triumphant thumbs-up. "The producer had agreed to your terms! You will get the highest pay ever offered in the industry, a fifteen percent profit share from the production, and an advance payment upon signing the contract. If you're happy with that, we can draft the contract immediately and have it ready for you to sign tomorrow."

As one of the industry's top celebrities, Zayn had projects lined up for him nonstop. So when he willingly agreed to take on a production, Tina was determined not to miss this golden opportunity. Tina was concerned that any delay in signing the contract could give other productions the chance to pull him away. Zayn gave a slight nod. "Sounds good. Let's sign the contract tomorrow." Brimming with excitement, Tina practically skipped off like a child with a bag of candy, eager to share the good news with Maria.

Zayn then called his manager, Horace. "Horace, I need shigh-paying endorsements lined up-ideally, ones with upfront payments. Can you make that happen?"