Chapter 77:Brother 

Fletcher Caldwell’s jaw clenched, his Adam’s apple bobbing. Lucian’s voice was even, almost instructional. “You understand.Now, acknowledge that.” 

Fletcher’s scalp tingled. He lowered his usually proud head.“Yes…“He was a defeated general, his broad shoulders slumped under a cloud of gloom. 

Lucian, satisfied with Fletcher’s submission, departed. 

Willow walked beside Lucian.“Dr. Caldwell, 

thank you for rescuing 

me.” 

Lily added, “Dr. Caldwell is amazing!“Her small face was still awestruck; this was the first time she’d seen Fletcher so thoroughly defeated.To Lily, Lucian was a being on a higher plane of existence than Fletcher. 

“Call me what you used to,” Lucian said, disliking the formal address.It felt like they were strangers. Yet Willow had once been SO trusting, SO dependent on him… 

Willow smiled.“I used to call you ‘brother‘!” Why couldn’t she call him that anymore?Dr. Caldwell was like a god, aloof and unapproachable. 

Lucian, in his wheelchair, his dark eyes deep, seemed lost in thought, 

Lily piped up,“Then what should I call Mommy’s… teacher?” 

Lucian.” 

Willow put a hand on Lily’s shoulder.“You can call him Uncle 

Lucian blinked his long lashes.A downgrade in his familial status… not bad. 

“By rejecting Fletcher, you’ve also lost the chance to attend the Innovation Tech Summit,” Lucian said. While the summit mostly invited business leaders, Willow’s competition win didn’t qualify her.Accepting an invitation from a university would tie her to that institution. Lucian’s fingertip traced the armrest of his wheelchair.“I happen to have…” 

“I have an invitation to the Summit! The organizers invited me directly!” Willow exclaimed. He cared for her so much, he’d even anticipated the drawbacks of her rejecting Fletcher.Her admiration for him deepened.. 

“The Summit staff already contacted you?” Lucian asked, puzzled. 

Willow shook her head.“Mr. Shane Sterling gave me the official invitation.“She produced the 

invitation. 

Lucian glanced at it.It was legitimate, a direct invitation from the organizers.He’d been planning 

‘ to… 

His assistant, trailing behind, discreetly pocketed the invitation he was about to offer.Lucian mused on Willow’s address for Shane.“Mr. Sterling.“Good. It showed a lack of familiarity. 

“Get in the car,” Lucian said. 

Willow didn’t know where he was taking them, but she trusted him implicitly.She and Lily got into the black sedan. 

In the restaurant’s private room, a waiter approached Fletcher.“Mr. Caldwell, Ms. James left with Mr. Caldwell in his car.” 

11:49 

< Chowler // Brother 

Fletcher sat at the head of the table, his gaze fixed on the chaotic scene His brows furrowed. Lucian and Willow were that close?lle’d never seen them interact before. 

But then he realized: Lucian valued talent, that’s why he was helping, Willow And Lucian was traditional Even though Willow was divorced from him, Lily carried Caldwell blood.He was simply taking care of his niece’s mother, 

Fletcher called someone. “Follow Uncle Lucian’s car. I want to know where he’s taking Ms. James.” 

“Mr. Caldwell,” 

Sterling, who had left, returned after seeing the car.Seeing Fletcher alone, he asked, “Where’d Dr. 

(Aldwell go? And Willow?Did she leave with him?” 

Serena’s tone was strange.“Are Willow and your uncle close? He was really defending her just 

now!” 

Fletcher sat, a chilling aura surrounding him.He closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, then reopened them, his dark eyes like glacial pools.“Why aren’t you gone yet?” 

Sterling flinched.“Mr. Caldwell, I really need that Summit ticket.Ohm Tech wants to buy our company, but I need to find a better deal at the Summit.” 

Fletcher knew Sterling’s game.Jiang Sheng Tech’s profits had been declining, and new trade regulations had cut off their exports. Ohm Tech wanted to buy them cheaply. Sterling hoped to find a company at the Summit who would pay more. 

“Serena and her brother will join me at the Summit welcome banquet next week.” Sterling’s eyes widened.Serena couldn’t hide her excitement.“I hate those events! Just so you know, I’m not wearing a dress!” 

“Suit yourself.” He didn’t care what Serena wore. 

Willow was still defying him.He’d show her: Rejecting him meant punishment.An invitation she couldn’t get was easily obtainable for others.He’d help the James family.When they thrived, Willow would finally see she should have accepted him. 

The car was silent. Lucian was taciturn; Willow didn’t dare disturb him. His mind was always working; he might be making a breakthrough. 

Suddenly, the assistant spoke through the intercom.“Sir, we’re being followed.It’s likely Fletcher Caldwell’s men.”