Marrying the Man in the Dark

Chapter 1178 Accidental Mishap

Damien sighed in defeat and stomped downstairs. Guess what he found? Colin and Mandy were locked in a heated confrontation, their voices rising in anger. The air crackled with tension, threatening to erupt into a full-blown brawl.

Colin's face looked like it was gonna explode. "There's no freakin' way I can explain this! Lennon already thinks I'm a walking red flag. He must have thought I was out screwing around when he heard you answer my phone! Now I'm screwed! Thanks a lot!"

"Dude, I told you it was a complete accident! Plus, you're single, right? So what's the big deal even if you did hook up with someone?" Mandy retorted, grabbing a pillow and practically strangling it. "He's just bitter because he can't get laid himself. Who does he think he is, your love dictator? That's messed up!"

Colin's face went from red to redder. "I'm not single! I'm married! Married to Lucy!" he practically yelled.

Mandy stopped dead in her tracks, jaw on the floor. "Wait. Did... did you already fall for Lucy?"

Colin's outburst was uncharacteristic, and Mandy couldn't help but piece together the puzzle.

Why else would Colin be so worked up about this matter? He wouldn't be so bothered and stressed about his marriage to Lucy if he didn't have feelings for her.

Mandy's words were a reality check for Colin. The realization hit him like a slap in the face. The flush that had dominated his features moments ago drained away, replaced by a somber expression.

A bit awkwardly, he turned his head. "Who said I liked Lucy?"

Mandy pouted. "Hmph! Deny all you want! I've known it for a while now. You like Lucy, don't you?"

Colin gave a slight, awkward cough. "You misunderstood."

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned to leave but then saw Damien standing by the stair railing.

A faint hint of awkwardness crossed Colin's face before he turned and walked away.

Mandy shrugged and glanced up at Damien. "Your brother isn't very forthcoming, is he?"

Damien leaned his tall, lanky frame against the railing, his eyes unreadable. "Some things are better left unsaid. They only inflict pain."

Mandy rolled her eyes and sauntered over, plunking herself down beside Damien. "You knew all along, didn't you?"

Damien remained silent.

The woman's curiosity piqued. She propped her chin on the carved mahogany railing, her elbow nudging Damien playfully. "There's only one Lucy. So, who are you siding with? Oh boy, this is a tough one."

Mandy seemed to relish the drama. "One is your best friend, someone you've shared thick and thin with over the years. The other is your half-brother, whom you haven't seen in ages. Oh dear, what a dilemma!"noveldrama

Damien met her gaze with a stoic expression. "That's why I'm not choosing either."

Mandy's eyebrows arched in surprise. "Huh? Aren't you concerned?"

"I'm more concerned about you," the man's dark eyes met hers with a hint of intensity. "I've heard you've been liquidating the Tanner family assets lately. Are you planning to make a clean break?"

Mandy bit her lip, a sudden wave of doubt washing over her.

The truth was, she'd been quietly digging into the Tanner family's stake in the company. Five years ago, with Charisa critically ill and Cherise, the rightful heir, still unborn, Charisa had entrusted Mandy with her shares, making her the CEO of Tanner Group.

Five years later, Charisa was gone, and Cherise had patched things up with Damien. While Mandy had done a stellar job running the company, it was, after all, the Tanner's business. She couldn't hold onto it forever.

About a month ago, Mandy started working on various fronts to understand the intricate web of interests surrounding the Tanner family before handing everything over to Cherise.

Once she had a clear picture, she planned to hand everything over to Cherise. And she figured it was about time she took a break herself. But these were just her plans; she hadn't shared them with anyone.