Freya awkwardly withdrew her hand, but the man firmly grabbed it, not giving her a chance to struggle.

These little actions between them were seen by everyone, sweet and affectionate, truly resembling a happily married couple.

Mr. Austin nodded knowingly and looked at Arthur, saying, "It's settled then. Arthur, go to the ancestral hall and reflect on yourself. After you repent, return to the company and arrange your work."

"Dad, since Bradley is returning to the company, what about Ethan?" Lydia knew they couldn't stop this, but she wouldn't allow Bradley to threaten their position.

"Ethan is useless, not cut out for business. Let him learn from James under my wing, maybe he can make something of himself."

At the mention of Ethan, the old master's face grew dark.

It seemed like this family was full of hopeless cases.

Previously, James and Ethan were sent abroad for further studies together, but Ethan kept finding excuses to avoid it.

Now, three years had passed, and while James had become competent on his own, Ethan remained stagnant, causing trouble in bars every day.

As for Jinny, she was no better. This family was crooked from top to bottom, and he had given up hope on her.

"Oh right, where's James?" It was only at this moment that the old master realized James hadn't appeared.

"Dad, James suddenly received a call from the company about an important matter and left half an hour ago," Susan said gently, her face proud when talking about her son.

Lydia scoffed coldly, "What important matter could there be at this late hour? He probably went out to have fun, using work as an excuse."

Her words were filled with sarcasm, and before Brian could react, the old master slammed the table in anger.

"I am well aware of James’s character, there's no need for others to exaggerate!" After speaking, the old man turned to look at Arthur, furrowing his brows, "As a man, if you can't even manage your own family well, how can you manage the entire company? Arthur, I see you've been too tired lately. Why don't you step down from the position of CEO for a while and let Bradley temporarily take over."

"Dad…"

As soon as Arthur uttered these words, he was left speechless, his eyes widening like bells and his voice trembling.

"Dad, you can't do this. I've been managing the company's affairs for the past seven years. Suddenly changing leadership will not only cause speculation and unrest among the employees, but also, Bradley hasn't worked for seven years and is completely unfamiliar with the company's internal affairs. I refuse to hand over the CEO position to him."

Bradley raised an eyebrow. His dark, cold eyes were filled with mocking laughter as he said. "Arthur, don't forget, those old employees in the company used to work under me. I've been in the CEO position longer than you have."

This retort left Arthur speechless. Quietly, he clenched his fists in frustration.

"If you're unwilling, then show me your strength and let me see where your advantage lies!" Mr. Austin had made up his mind and looked coldly at Arthur. "Don't think I don't know the current situation of the company. I know you've lost several projects recently. Arthur, if you want to hold a high position, you need to achieve something. If you don't have the ability, let someone capable take over. The company can't afford your antics."

With that, Mr. Austin looked at Bradley again. "Prepare yourself in these days. When your brother repents, return to the company."

"Yes, Dad!"

Bradley nodded respectfully. Returning to the company was the first step in his plan. The next would be his revenge!

"Alright, it's late already. Arthur, Lydia, and Jinny, go to the temple and reflect on yourselves. As for the second and third sons, all of you, go back and rest."

After Mr. Austin finished speaking, he went upstairs. Bradley didn't linger either, carrying Freya into the elevator.

Due to his mobility issues, Mr. Austin had renovated this villa seven years ago, specifically installing an elevator for Bradley's convenience.

Over the years, Mr. Austin's favoritism and indulgence toward Bradley had made others jealous.

Not only did Arthur suspect his identity, even Brian couldn't figure out why a foster son could receive such love even more than to his own biological sons.

But compared to Arthur's stubborn methods, Brian was relatively gentle and kind. All his hopes were pinned on James. He would never directly confronted Bradley.

He just hoped James could bring honor to their family and provide a good future for his son. They didn't ask for anything else.

Watching his eldest brother's family leave in a sorry state, Brian turned to Susan. Holding her hand, they went back to rest.

Upstairs in the room.

Bradley carried Freya to the bed. He quietly examining her for a few seconds, and then his lips curled up into a smile.

"Is your birthday on the seventh of July?"

Hearing this, Freya looked up at him, only to find him smiling as if he wanted to devour her.

Feeling her heart pounding, she involuntarily moved back, then nodded.

Bradley furrowed his brows, reached out and pulled her back to him, "In a month's time, it will be the seventh of July. Tell me what birthday gift you want, I will fulfill all your wishes."

Freya was stunned.

Since her mother's death, she hadn't celebrated her birthday. Now, her birthday was a day of remembrance and hatred for her.

The fact that this man wanted to give her a birthday gift made her feel pleasantly surprised.

"No need, I don't celebrate my birthday anymore." She shook her head, using her nails to conceal her emotions.

She didn't want anything, she just wanted to avenge her mother.

That was the birthday gift she desired the most.

"You don't celebrate your birthday because you don't have anyone to accompany you. But now you have me. I can accompany you through every birthday again." Bradley suddenly grabbed her hand and placed it over his heart, while his deep, narrow eyes gazing at her, "Freya, regardless of whether we have a cooperative agreement or not, you can fully utilize our relationship to become the best tool for your revenge."

Freya was stunned.

What did he mean?

Blinking in confusion, she asked, "You want me to use you?"

The man smiled gently, reaching out to pinch her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes, "No, I want you to treat me as family. We are both wounded hedgehogs who need to keep warm and comfort each other."

Freya looked at him, feeling a warm current surging through her heart. In that moment, she unexpectedly felt a sense of security from this man's embrace.

"Bradley, I…"

Before she could finish her sentence, the man's rough fingertip suddenly covered her lips, rubbing back and forth a few times, "I like it when you call me Bradley, Freya..."

At the mention of "Freya," his voice was so deep that it seemed to be surging with electricity, leaving Freya dumbfounded.

"Tell me, what gift do you want, I will fulfill all your requests. Don't rush, take your time to think, and tell me when you've decided."