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.

Just then, she received a message

promised to help fend off the women swarming around Ethan, but God knew what stories were going around now. The second she

getting ready for bed. What's

I'm

chest, and for a second, she actually shuddered. Just when she braced for Ed to start getting dramatic,

rumors at The Obisidian. People are saying you're with Ethan Henderson.

It scared her so much that she jumped to her feet. She tried

spiral, she scrambled to text him back, explaining everything as quickly and clearly as she could. Then, he sent back a single

know. Do you think

didn't say a word. She had simply been too swamped lately. She considered breaking up

things because every time he

lowered her gaze. She couldn't bring herself to type those

Then, the

next message came. "I

without you. I know you're always thinking about leaving, but still can't let you go. I miss you, and I want to see you every single day.

hurting right now."

hit her chest. Every

soften the moment their partner crumbled in front of them. Besides, Ed hadn't really done anything

too, but I've been really busy. Once it all

he gave in right away. "Okay. I trust

to gentleness, not force. And this time, she even smiled