All Chapters of Better Brother, Better Life: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

"If you're going to play favorites like this, I won't acknowledge Vanessa as my sister-in-law. In fact, I'm going to tell Grandpa about your nasty business with her! When that happens, you're going to get the punishment of a lifetime! Are you scared yet?" Dahlia texted.Connor pinched the bridge of his nose.Vanessa noticed this and asked, "What's wrong?""It's Dahlia.""Oh, her," Vanessa said, her smile gentle. "It's no wonder you're so annoyed. She's at that age where she's a handful. Just humor her a little."Connor softened, and he tapped away on the keyboard. "Stop messing around. Focus on something productive instead of fooling around all day, and work on that temper of yours. Have you forgotten about Grandpa lecturing you?"Dahlia's mouth twitched with irritation. "What's with the dad vibes? Do all old guys love preaching like this? That night at Russell Manor, you knew better than anyone at that table that I was framing Phoebe, but you still sided with me, didn't you? I h

Jared was deep in thought when he suddenly spotted a familiar figure heading straight toward him. His brows instantly furrowed in displeasure.Phoebe had pre-ordered two coffees through an app. However, one was still being made when she arrived. She was waiting for it to be done when she sensed someone's gaze on her.As she glanced over, Jared said, "There's no need for apologies."Phoebe was baffled. What apology? And to whom? Was he expecting her to apologize to him?When she didn't respond, he looked away, saying nothing more. Yesterday, he'd been puzzled by why she had torn into him like a rabid dog. Usually, she would've considered his status and tried to curry favor with him. She would never have dared to clash with him.The fact that her attitude had shifted so quickly was probably because Connor had warned her. Why else would she go out of her way to track his schedule and show up there?Jared had to admit that Phoebe sure listened to Connor. If they were a loving couple,

Alexandra realized that the alum in the meeting room was an old acquaintance. The familiarity was one-sided, though. Alexandra knew Vanessa, but Vanessa didn't know her.Kenneth opened the door, and Alexandra stepped inside.Vanessa glanced over at the sound and fixed her gaze on Alexandra. She didn't stand to greet her. Instead, she simply gave a slight nod as a greeting.Alexandra sat across from her, signaling Kenneth with her eyes to make introductions."Ms. Cooper, this is Vanessa Somner, an honors graduate from Alden College's computer science program and a PhD holder from a prestigious institution in Maeveria. We were classmates in college, and she's actually your alum, too. She's five years your senior," he said.During college, Vanessa's grades had been above average. She'd written an impressive thesis, scoring an offer from a prestigious college abroad. That had earned her a spot as an outstanding graduate.She was also stunning, and she'd been the woman of all the male

Vanessa's phone was still buzzing. She composed herself and answered the call. "Hi, Professor Dupont. What's up?"There was nothing out of place with her tone. She had always been good at concealing her emotions. It was the mark of someone strong."Vanessa, you're a lifesaver! You only just went to see Ms. Cooper, but she already sent me an email saying that she can collaborate with us! And she said it'll only take half a month—that's two weeks earlier than I expected!"Vanessa froze. Then, she said, "I was just doing my job. I want the project to proceed smoothly, too.""Still, it's thanks to you that things have turned out like this. I spoke to Ms. Cooper for ages yesterday, but she turned me down without hesitation. She made it sound like there was no room for negotiation, too. But look at how she changed her attitude when you went to see her! You're definitely a huge contributor to this project."Harry continued, "I've already told the team about this, and everyone's excited.

Alexandra was speechless after hearing Phoebe's words. She sighed and said, "Phoebe, you're really blind to everyone and everything else when you love someone. The only reason our friendship still exists is probably that I've been your loyal slave from the start. I've been devoted and unwavering."Alexandra's family was a mess of drama, leaving her with no illusions about love. Because of that, she'd never been able to grasp Phoebe's feelings for Connor. That didn't bother her, though. She didn't need love. Money and her friendship with Phoebe were all she cared about.As for being Phoebe's "slave"… Well, Alexandra believed that Phoebe was worth it. Thus, she was happy to stick around.Phoebe said, "I'll go back in a few days to get the things."Alexandra exclaimed, "You had better! That's a ton of money!"Phoebe looked at her sincerely. "Thanks for always being there for me. Having you around lately has helped me move on so quickly."This experience had shattered Phoebe's illusi