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.

Ethan directly. Just then, she received a message from

swarming around Ethan, but God knew what stories were going around now. The second she saw Ed's message, guilt hit her like a

ready for bed.

remember I'm

chest, and for a second, she actually shuddered. Just when

are saying you're with Ethan Henderson.

would reach Ed this fast. It scared her so much that she jumped to

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

the last one to know. Do you think I

swamped lately. She considered breaking up again, but the memory of him by that

also didn't have the energy to fix things because every time he unraveled, it would ruin her body

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

Then, the

next message came. "I

I know you're always thinking about leaving, but still can't let you go. I miss you,

hurting right now."

lashes fluttered as a sharp pang of guilt hit her

moment their partner crumbled in front of them. Besides, Ed hadn't

texting a new reply. "I miss you too, but I've been really

in

caved to gentleness, not force. And this time, she even smiled and sent him a heart