Regret Came Too Late

Jordan wanted to see Grace.

Grace instinctively reached for her phone, wanting to call Ethan. But the moment she pulled it out, one of the bodyguards gently pushed her hand down.

His tone remained polite as he said, "Mr. Henderson Senior won't harm you. He just wants to have a few words with you."

She had no choice but to put her phone away. Even as she got into the car, her mind was racing. She had a good idea why Jordan wanted to see her.

Jordan was a man who had weathered countless storms. Back when he still held power, his reputation alone commanded deep respect. Even now, in retirement, plenty of people still jumped at the chance to see him.

But in this circle, there were still many who'd never had the privilege of meeting him face-to-face.

...

Grace stepped into the Henderson Residence, a place that was rich with old- world charm. The property had been in the family for ages. Locals liked to say that back in the day, even prominent politicians used to drop by on their way to the capitol.

In Druville, no amount of money could buy a house here. Every property in this neighborhood was owned by influential figures.

As the heavy iron gates swung open, Grace caught sight of multiple guards patrolling the grounds.

The car continued down the private road for another ten minutes before finally stopping in front of the main house.

"Ms. Lambert, this way, please," the bodyguard said, still perfectly polite. He never looked down on her as if he hadn't heard any of the gossip circulating about her.

After stepping out of the car, Grace was led through the grand front hall and up to a study on the second floor.

The study spanned nearly two thousand square feet, and rich dark rosewood was used throughout, filling the space with a subtle, earthy fragrance. At its center stood a desk crafted from a rare type of wood that was priceless and impossible to find on the market.

It was an intimidating space. But when Grace saw Jordan standing behind the desk, calmly painting, she oddly felt more composed.

The door shut quietly behind her, leaving only the two of them in the room.

down his brush and rinsed his hands

a respectful nod and greeted, "Mr.

as he took his time, meticulously

didn't rush to ask why she had been summoned. She simply stood there, calm and

set the towel aside and got straight to the point. "Ethan is the son I

of the younger generations of the Hendersons, even collectively, came

replied, "Indeed. Mr. Henderson truly is exceptional-a powerhouse

once-over before saying, "There's no need for flattery,

damp with sweat and quickly raised her head. "Mr. Henderson Senior, I understand what you're

she added, "I'm staying in Palm Bay on Mr. Yule's instruction. Mr. Henderson's insomnia was becoming a real issue; it was affecting his health. I happen to have a unique physical condition that seems to help him

it's ever been. There's never been anything inappropriate between us. You're welcome to ask

polite, her

taking a sip. He then said, "T

a slow sip of tea, then gently set the cup down before he continued, "If he hadn't chosen to let go of what happened two years ago, I

referring to

spine. She froze slightly, forcing herself to stay calm. Without knowing the full truth,

heart already belongs to someone else. In our family, he's the only one who's ever loved

it was true. The

knew Ethan loved Eleanor. And Eleanor's death was tied to Grace.

about Ethan's upbringing-thare

what happened, he had

Senior, I understand. If I ever cross a line with Mr. Henderson, I'll

someone disappear without a trace. For the sake of survival, she added a lie she knew he'd

with someone else. I may have been distant

he's not the one for

little surprised to see how well Grace understood

away and saying, "If

out a sharp breath of relief. Only then did