Chapter 343 Silent Apology
Chapter 347 Charles Might Steal Rachel
Before Charles could climb high enough, Rachel had already experienced tremendous changes in her life—marrying into the Lancaster Family, leaving in sorrow, then rising at an astonishing speed to become a business legend.
By her side appeared a man like Brandon, powerful and dazzling, as if born to stand shoulder to shoulder with her.
Charles watched from afar, watching her rise from the ashes, watching her shine brilliantly, watching her stand side by side with Brandon, a perfect match made in heaven.
Charles knew his one-sided crush, this solo performance lasting over ten years, had to come to an end.
The dream that was out of reach in his youth remained out of reach in adulthood.
Some people are destined to be just a fleeting glimpse in life, a light illuminating the path ahead, but impossible to hold in one's arms.
He never possessed her, but he was grateful for the precious memories of their brief time together when she was down.
Charles looked down again at Rachel's name on the invitation, then at the cooperation agreement on his desk that he had just signed, providing key technical support for Original Aspiration's IPO.
He smiled bitterly.
Perhaps this was fate's best arrangement.
With the seed of kindness she had unknowingly planted years ago, he had struggled to grow, finally gaining the ability to speak with her as an equal, and finally able to provide some small assistance in his own way at this important moment in her life.
As for those feelings he kept deep in his heart, let them remain frozen in that moment from his youth.
Like the calligraphy copybook he treasured, beautiful, pure, untainted by dust.
He picked up his pen and solemnly circled the wedding date on his calendar.
Then he dialed the intercom, his voice having regained its usual composure: "Nina, help me prepare a gift for Ms. York and Mr. Saunders' wedding. No budget limit. Requirements: low-key, precious, and genuinely beneficial to Ms. York's career or life. Also, reply to Ms. York that Charles will definitely attend on time and wishes the couple a lifetime of happiness."
After hanging up, Charles carefully placed the invitation in the deepest part of his drawer, together with the yellowed photocopy of the calligraphy copybook.
Outside the window, the city lights grew even more brilliant.
Charles knew that when the sun rose tomorrow, he would still be the same Charles fighting in the business world.
He would continue moving forward, and perhaps someday he would meet his own destiny.
And Rachel would forever be the warmest, brightest page in his memory, the starting point of his youthful struggles, and the distant figure he now silently blessed.
For some people, just meeting them is already fortunate. Being able to watch her be happy was perhaps also a kind of fulfillment.
His secret love began with her silent kindness and ended with her grand happiness—having a beginning and an end was good enough.
On the wedding day, at City A's most exclusive coastal estate.
The sky was crystal blue, the seawater clear and beautiful.
The sea breeze was gentle, carrying a salty yet fresh scent, brushing through every carefully decorated corner of the estate.
This wedding had attracted attention from the very beginning of its preparation.
This wedding, combining the brilliance of business rising star Rachel and political newcomer Brandon, had already become the focus of the entire city with its grand scale and exquisite taste.
Rachel's wedding dress was hand-sewn by a haute couture master over hundreds of hours, with embroidery on the train flowing like a river of stars.
The food and drinks at the wedding far exceeded the standards of ordinary aristocratic weddings, from vintage champagne supplied by Carmel Desert to wedding delicacies created by three top restaurant chefs working together.
Every detail showcased understated luxury and precise taste.
The few top media reporters allowed entry held their breath recording everything, and no one dared call this just an ordinary wedding—it was rather a silent declaration of resources, connections, and taste.
The reporters carrying cameras all showed excited looks in their eyes, believing that after today, this wedding of the century would definitely go viral online.
The reason was simple: it was too wealthy!
A long red carpet wound from the estate entrance to the seaside ceremony area, with tight but courteous security on both sides.
One expensive limited-edition car after another drove in, with business tycoons, political dignitaries, fashion authorities, and cultural celebrities arriving in an endless stream, encompassing almost half of City A's prominent figures.
Rachel's mother Elodie, accompanied by Joy and Hestia, had tears in her eyes but was full of comfort; chief bridesmaid Amy wore a light purple gown personally designed by Rachel, her beautiful face showing both blessing and a faint sadness of impending departure; Graham, sitting low-key among the guests, raised his glass in a distant toast, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
He also saw Amy, the innocent person implicated by him, and a trace of sympathy flashed through his heart, but he immediately hardened his resolve.
Everyone must pay the price for their crimes. Amy's only misfortune was that her parents Yale and Anna were guilty.
If not for Amy's clear stance, Graham might have dealt with her along the way during his revenge.
Let the devils go to hell—as for where Graham would go after death, he didn't care.
Graham smiled and took a sip of wine, and no one knew what he was thinking.
Although Brandon had no immediate family present, the presence of several heavyweight political and business seniors, mentors, and close friends carried significant weight.
His capable subordinates transformed into the most vigilant guardians, ensuring everything proceeded normally, with no enemies seeking revenge.
The ceremony was held under a white flower arch facing the sea.
When the solemn music for the wedding ceremony began, all guests stood and watched.
Brandon stood at the ceremony platform, his posture upright as a pine, his usually deep eyes now filled only with tenderness and anticipation, locked tightly on the other end of the red carpet.
Rachel walked slowly on Elodie's arm, sunlight coating her in radiance. Her face beneath the veil was serene and breathtaking, the happy smile at the corner of her mouth and the starlight-like brilliance in her eyes making everything else pale in comparison.
Arthur seriously scattered flower petals, his young face full of solemnity.
When Rachel's hand was solemnly placed in Brandon's palm, the moment they smiled at each other seemed to shut out the world.
The officiant's speech was full of praise.
When exchanging vows, Brandon gazed at Rachel, his deep voice clearly penetrating the sea breeze to reach her ears: "Rachel, you are the most beautiful existence beyond all my plans. I promise to protect you, support you, and love you until the end of my life."
Rachel's eyes shimmered with tears, but her smile was as bright as the morning sun: "Brandon, you made me believe in love and the future. I promise, whether on smooth paths or through thorns, to hold your hand tightly and never let go."
Simple vows, every word sincere.
After exchanging rings, at the announcement of "the groom may kiss the bride," Brandon gently lifted the veil and reverently placed a kiss.
In an instant, applause, cheers, blessings, and the sound of waves merged into one, and helicopters above began showering flower petals.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds changed into casual formal wear to toast the guests.
Blessings rose one after another—business partners praised the powerful alliance, political friends anticipated their soaring together, and close friends and family were genuinely happy for this couple who had weathered storms.
Charles arrived as promised, presenting a gift of great strategic value for Original Aspiration's overseas expansion, his eyes clear and calm when raising his glass in congratulation.
Rachel appreciated this outstanding partner and thanked him with a smile.
Brandon stared at Charles, wary in his heart of this potential rival for Rachel, his smile deepening as he toasted on Rachel's behalf.
Charles sensed Brandon's hostility and returned a simple smile.
But he thought to himself, if Brandon dared to let Rachel down, Charles would definitely try to compete for her.
If Brandon dared to become another Sebastian, he could go die like Sebastian!
Amy and Rachel embraced tightly, tears streaming down: "Rachel, you must be happy forever."
Rachel's eyes also reddened as she softly replied: "You too, no matter where in the world you are."