Chapter 464 464

"Care to explain?" Vincent said. His tone was light, as if this whole thing was just a passing topic he couldn't be careless about.

But Vincent was unique in that way. He always seemed to be aloof and gentle. Even though he was actually the worst monster in the room.

Vincent darted his smile towards Vernon, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. His eyes were dark. They bore malicious intentions, ready to kill Vernon in a split second if the accusation was true.

Honestly, Vernon could definitely crush his Big bro in a real fistfight. In fact, he was one hundred percent sure that he could stomp him quickly.

But he was playing a long game here and wouldn't allow his plans to get ruined.

Thus, he masked his shocked expression with a quick answer, "I just-- I don't know what this old hag is doing, accusing me of something so unspeakable. I think this dying bitch is trying to make us fight, Big bro."

Vincent was entertained by Vernon's alibi, and it made sense too. Of course, everyone would be shocked when they got accused of hiding Mrs. Gray.

So, Vincent gave Secretary Maria-- who looked calm and composed-- a side eye and asked, "Do you plan to make us fight, Maria?"

"Not quite, Sir," Secretary Maria replied without much emotion. "I just think that your little brother is the most probable suspect to hide Chloe."

"And why so?" Vincent inquired further.

"Yesterday, Vernon suddenly left your office after you showed the video of you beating Chloe. He asked me where the bathroom was, and his face was red with fury as if he wanted to kill you for showing the video. If he's a true Gray man, shouldn't he also like the same thing as you do, Sir?" Maria questioned. She kept staring at Vernon with her cold eyes, reading every inch of his expression to catch him off guard. "And if I remember correctly, Vernon was so close with Chloe when he was young, right? Chloe was his world, and it's obvious that he'd want her to be his world once more."

'Fuck, that dying bitch is so dangerous!' Vernon cursed in his head. He didn't expect her to pick up so easily. Her words were the truth, and he was surely fucked if she could convince Vincent.

"Hmm, makes sense," Vincent said. He started to get interested in the theory. He was convinced that his Little bro wouldn't backstab him like that. They were family, and no family would hurt each other.

But it was entertaining to see how Vernon would handle this. He wanted to see how his usually-brash little brother handled this in a controlled way.

"What do you think, Vernon?" Vincent asked.

Vernon took a deep breath to calm himself down and shrugged, "I think that's just a load of bullshit."

Vernon leaned on his chair and tried to make it as casual as possible, "I mean, it's true that Chloe was my world when I was small, because she was the one who took care of me."

"But I've been out of New York for ten years straight, and returned because I want to strengthen my business here. Why would I complicate myself by taking Big sis Chloe in? It's not logical, Big bro. Why would I put myself in such terrible danger against you?"

"It's possible that you still love her," Maria accused. Her cold eyes wavered a bit as she was surprised at how calm Vernon could be against such a heavy accusation. "Surely you will do anything for your loved one."

"And surely you're an idiot," Vernon retorted. "I've been with so many women in the past, do you think Chloe stands out against the rest of the women I've dated?" Vernon turned his head towards his Big brother and asked, "Do you think Chloe is the most beautiful woman on earth, Big bro?"

Vincent smiled, "Surely not. I let her stay with me because I pity her. She's an ugly freak who's lucky enough to bear my daughter, of course I have to treat her with a little dignity at least."

Vernon clenched his fists under the desk. His patience was thin, but he persevered for Chloe and Mackie's sake.

"See? Even my Big bro admitted that she's not even beautiful. I've dated actresses, supermodels, even a princess from a small country. Do you think I will settle for someone like her?"

Vernon's words were casual yet very clear. He made it clear that he was a man of high taste, and Chloe was far from that.

Vincent nodded approvingly, "Yeah, you're right, Vernon. I know that you won't make my mistake by marrying a lowly woman like Chloe. I know you can settle with so much more."

"And for you, Maria--" Vincent said, his voice carrying annoyance. "--You don't know a thing about him, so stop trying to act like you can read people's mind. He's my family, and I know him much better than anyone else."

Secretary Maria bit her lower lip and lowered her head respectfully, "Please forgive me for speaking my mind, Mr. Phoenix Gray. I'm just trying to help my boss to find his wife."

Vernon waved his hand carelessly, "Yeah-yeah, just make sure you won't try to accuse me again in the future, or I might ask my Big brother to fire you. Surely he'll listen to me more than a random old woman, right, Big bro?"

"Certainly," Vincent nodded. He was pleased with the way Vernon handled a baseless accusation. It showed that he had the quality of Gray men, a strong mental fortitude and unwavering belief that they were in the right.

'He's so much like me, no matter how many times I say it, I can't help to get fascinated,' Vincent thought. He held Vincent dear in his hand, thinking he could treat his Little bro as an obedient pet as long as he kept him in check. 'Surely he doesn't mind if I beat Chloe to pulp. I bet he will do the same to his wife in the future.'