Vincent arrived at the office about two hours after Vernon left. He went up and texted Maria not to leave because he wanted to check on something. He knew it was wrong to be doubtful of his little brother. After all, Vernon never hurt him and didn't seem to be planning on taking over the Gray family.
'Though, if he wants his share, I can split all of my businesses and inheritance with him in half. It's also his right, after all….'
Vincent knew everything was alright, and he shouldn't doubt his little brother. To make it even worse, he was doubtful of him just because his mother said so.
She was probably the last person you wanted to hear her opinion about Vernon— because Vincent also acknowledged that his mom never truly took care of Vernon after he was around four to five years old.
Vincent waited until the elevator door slid open, saw Maria standing beside her desk, and bowed respectfully, "Mr. Vincent Gray, do you need me to do anything?"
"Come to my office," Vincent said. He entered his office room, and Maria followed him from behind.
Vincent sat on his seat and pulled the drawer open to check on his official stamp.
He pressed his thumb on the stamp and realized it had been used recently because the ink was still wet.
"Did my little brother come to the office just now?" Vincent asked.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"About two hours ago, yes," Maria answered properly. "He came with a document, asking to be stamped and signed with your signature, just like what you texted me before."
"Hm…" Vincent nodded. It was exactly what Vernon told him as well. He just wanted to come here to ask for a signature and stamp for that small project of theirs.
"Did you read the documents thoroughly?" Vincent asked again.
"Yes, I read it fast, but I make sure to get every point in that contract that needs to be signed. There is nothing wrong with the contract, Sir. In fact, I feel like Vernon Phoenix Gray is trying to give our company more profit with that project," Maria explained. She was an experienced secretary, so she knew how to read fast but thoroughly. She was convinced that Vernon had no ill intention.
Yet, she also had this expectation that Vernon had a personality similar to Mr. Vaughn Gray in his young and single life.
So she was expecting something might happen sooner or later in this office and possibly to the whole Gray family.
"May I know why you need this confirmation, Sir? Is something wrong?" Maria asked, thinking she could give Vincent a hint or two.
Vincent sighed and tapped the desk with his finger, "I trust my little brother. But there is something in me that start suspecting him. It's an unfounded suspicion that he might be onto something, possibly planning to ruin the Gray family."
"So I thought, he must've changed one thing or two inside this new contract that would give him a chance to exploit many things using my name," Vincent explained. "But my fear is unfounded. Vernon is taking this small project very seriously, and I'm here accusing him of scheming against me."
"About the document. Mr. Phoenix Gray didn't seem happy about me reading it," Maria said, trying to hint to her boss to stay alert no matter what.
But after she heard his response, she knew that it was too far gone for Vincent;
"It's understandable that he got mad. Because he must've felt that I didn't trust him enough, even telling you to look at the contract thoroughly before giving signature."
Maria went silent and then bowed her head, "If that's all that you want, I want to leave now, Mr. Gray."
"Hm, thank you, Maria. You can leave now," Vincent said.
Vincent got up after a while as well. He wanted to make up for his suspicion towards his little brother but didn't know how.
He was returning to the mansion when Vernon sent the scanned copy of the document that was signed by Maria today to his email.
—
Vernon Phoenix Gray: Big brother! Here's the scanned copy. Check it out, and if you don't agree with anything, just let me know, and I'll change it.
Vernon Phoenix Gray: File sent.
—
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmVincent decided to read the document, and once he read everything on his way home. He felt even more ridiculous. Because it was exactly what he expected from his little brother.
It was honest and very detailed on what he needed and that— Vincent's company would allow him to use a few resources.
It was minuscule for his scale. Vernon could just ask this directly to Vincent, and he would basically hand those stuff to Vernon with no question.
But it was just his cute little brother. Even if he had grown up now, he still maintained his honesty.
Thus, Vincent decided to call his little brother, and the call was connected after a few beeps;
—
"Hi, big brother! Did you read the file I sent you?" Vernon asked. His tone was excited as always.
"Yes, I did," Vincent replied. "You don't need my signature just for these. It's a resource you can take as long as you ask me for it."
"But it's still your company's asset, big brother. I can't just take it without permission!" Vernon reasoned. "But at least I got the legal permission now. I'll make sure that our project will be doing great!"
Vincent smiled bitterly. Vernon was so excited about this, while he was the one who got all suspicious of him without reason.
"You're already doing more than what I expected, Vernon. Just continue with the project. I am more than pleased because you have so much dedication."
"Of course, why would I disappoint my big brother? I'll make sure to make you proud!" Vernon claimed.
—
They discussed a few more things before hanging up the call, and Vincent headed to his house— a mansion where he, Chloe, and their daughter lived for ten years.