Regret Came Too Late

Grace finally received word from the station, saying that Edric would be held for ten days. She let out a breath of relief.

That bought her a little time, at least. She could use the ten days to figure out her next move.

If she really couldn't win Nelson over, then she would have to consider another route-persuading the other senior executives. Together, their shares added up to a significant portion.

But right now, none of them had much faith in her and Liam, unless they could completely turn around the issue with that plot of land. If they could solve the mess cleanly, it would give everyone a sense of reassurance and a reason to believe that, under her and Liam's leadership, the company might actually have a future.

Ethan had heard about the situation, but he refused to give a clear answer. Grace had already sent gifts. Still, there was no response from him. She was completely on the back foot right now.

No matter how she turned it over in her head, everything circled back to that plot of land.

She tried calling Tim, but there was no answer either. Out of options, she sent him a text. "Mr. Bennett, does Mr. Henderson like his gift or not?"

Tim stood silently at Ethan's side. If he had known in advance that was the "gift" Grace had prepared, he would have stopped it. But now? It just became awkward for everyone involved.

The problem was that Ethan was too impossible to read. After that day, he had been eerily calm, and nobody could tell if he was mad or not.

Tim had expected Ethan to blow up or to give Grace hell, but nothing happened. He went to work as usual, reviewing documents like always-completely unfazed. After a while, Tim decided to speak up. "Ms. Lambert just called, Mr. Henderson. She's asking if you're pleased with the gift."

Ethan didn't even pause. He just gave a soft laugh.

Tim felt a chill crawl up his spine. When someone like Ethan laughed, it usually meant he was beyond furious. He clammed up right away, praying that Grace would survive whatever came next for her.

Grace sent him a few more texts, yet no matter what she sent, Tim didn't reply to her. She waited until 9:00 pm, but Tim never reached out.

she received a message from

God knew what stories were

for bed. What's

remember I'm your

Just when she braced for Ed to start

Obisidian. People are saying you're with

the news would reach Ed this fast. It scared her so much that

her. Afraid he might spiral, she scrambled to text him back, explaining everything as quickly and clearly as she could. Then, he sent back

to know. Do you think I

been too swamped lately. She considered breaking up

fix things because every time he unraveled, it would ruin her body and mind

She couldn't bring herself to type those three

Then, the

next message came. "I

let you go. I miss you, and I want to see you every single

hurting right now."

as a sharp pang of guilt hit her chest. Every word felt like it pierced straight

instinct to soften the moment their partner crumbled in front

"I miss you too, but I've been really busy. Once it all settles, you can be

her surprise, he gave in right away.

kind who caved to gentleness, not force.