Chapter 332 Brandenâs Cat
In a remote estate in Casier. Triston was in high spirits today. He had organized a wine tasting event and brought out his long-cherished wines for the occasion.
What excited him even more was Brandenâs presence. He had initially thought that Branden wouldnât come, but to his surprise, he did.
âBranden, howâs this wine? Pretty good, right?â
This wine came from a vineyard in Veridonia and had been stored for thirty years. It was quite rare, and Triston had spared no expense to treat Branden. People outside saw Triston as a notorious playboy, always living it up and never getting down to serious business.
He neglected the familyâs business and instead hung out with women, and purchased islands and vineyards. This was in stark contrast to Branden, who had been attending high-level meetings at the Duncan Corporation since he was eight.
However, only Branden knew that Triston, in reality, was quite cunning. Despite his carefree image, every time he took action, he made a significant profit.
To consistently make money in every business deal was no small feat, and Tristonâs exceptional performance showed his remarkable business talent.
The Lambertsâ situation was more complicated than the Duncansâ, as Triston had an older brother, Michael. Michael had been groomed as the Lambertsâ successor since childhood, diligently preparing for over a decade.
If Triston got too involved in business, there was a possibility that the Lamberts might choose a different successor for their future interests.
Tristonâs choice of a dissolute lifestyle was also for his brotherâs benefit. Combined with his naturally carefree personality, he felt even more at ease in this way. As for the judgments of society, Triston didnât care about that at all.
Branden tilted his head back and downed the wine in his glass in one gulp. The warm yellow light highlighted his perfect jawline, making him look so handsome that it took oneâs breath away.
Triston could tell from Brandenâs expression that he was very satisfied with the wine.
In Casierâs high society, here was always this puzzling question. In theory, someone like Branden, with his personality, should have become friends with Michael, the Lambertsâ successor.
However, Branden didnât interact much with Michael, and their limited contact was mostly due to Triston, who appeared a dandy.
Triston confidently approached Branden, wearing a friendly smile. â Branden, I saved some of this wine for you. Iâll ask someone to deliver it to your place, how about that?â
Without even looking, Branden could tell what was on Tristonâs mind. âGo ahead, what do you want?â
Upon hearing this, Triston couldnât help but laugh happily. âYou know me the best!â he said. Then he continued, âBranden, do you know what the Winfreds are up to now?
I received word that the Winfreds have allied with the Swanns!â
Like the Lamberts, the Swanns had been doing well in Casierâs business scene. However, with the presence of the Duncans, it was challenging for the Lamberts to expand further.
To break through, they had to venture into Oceanvile, an area the Duncans hadnât explored much.
Two years ago, Michael had extended the Lambertsâ business there. If the Winfreds were really cooperating with the Swanns, they needed to be prepared. It wasnât that the Lamberts were afraid of the Swanns. It was just that the Swanns were different now.
The current leader of the Swanns was Catherine, whom Branden had openly acknowledged as his fiancée. The Lamberts couldnât risk damaging their long-standing relationship with the Duncans for the sake of any profit in Oceanvile.
That was why Michael contacted Triston to gather information. If the Swanns were serious about collaborating with the Winfreds, then the Lamberts needed to prepare in advance. Just three minutes ago, Branden had received a message.
Erick had been placed in Seanâs place by Catherine. Even though the Winfreds and the Swanns didnât know yet, it was just a matter of time before it became known. Branden slowly stood up and gave his answer.
âCatherine wonât collaborate with the Winfreds!â
Given Catherineâs personality, since the Winfreds had deceived her once, she wouldnât give them another chance. Triston paused for a moment, then realized what Branden meant.
Branden was referring to Catherine, not the Swanns. That meant that there was indeed a collaboration between the Swanns and the Winfreds, but the one in charge was Korbin, not Catherine.
As long as it wasnât Catherine getting involved, it had nothing to do with the Duncans. So, whether the Winfreds could join forces with the Swanns depended on whether the Lamberts would agree to it.
Even though the Swanns and the Lamberts were both prestigious among Casierâs four noble families, if the Lamberts decided to target the Swanns, the Swanns wouldnât be able to handle it.
Branden prepared to leave, his eyes falling on the strawberries Triston had prepared for guests. The fresh strawberries were big, red, and extremely tempting. This basket of strawberries had just been won at an auction in an island countryâs market, and it was incredibly sweet.
Recalling the last time Catherine ate strawberries and made a face because they were a bit sour, Branden said with a serious tone, âAdd these to the delivery and send them to my apartment.â
Triston followed Brandenâs gaze towards the strawberries on the table and quickly nodded. âDonât worry, Iâll arrange later!â
Considering the big favor Branden had just done, sending some strawberries was only fair. Although these strawberries were expensive, Brandenâs help made the cost worthwhile.
After Branden left, someone nearby became curious and approached Triston to ask, âI never saw Mr. Duncan eat a single strawberry during the whole event. Why did he ask to take some with him as he left?â
Branden hadnât eaten anything throughout the wine-tasting event. It seemed strange that he would want to take some strawberries with him as he left.
The person asking this question was trying to find out Brandenâs preferences. Countless people wished they had the chance to meet Branden, but it was nearly impossible.
If they could discover what Branden liked, it would be seen as quite an achievement. Triston understood this guyâs intentions and gave him a disdainful look, saying, âThis isnât for him, itâs clearly for his cat!â
The guy was stunned. Branden had a pet cat?
He hadnât heard about this. Indeed, even giving such fancy fruit to a cat revealed that this was a world of super-rich elites beyond the understanding of regular folks.
Triston also stared at the plate of strawberries, contemplating. Right now, the only thing he was grateful for was that Catherine hadnât agreed to cooperate with the Winfreds.
However, because Branden had a strong liking for Catherine, if she tried to persuade him, he might have shifted his focus and caused trouble for the Lamberts. The Lamberts would be in big trouble if thatâs the case.