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.

then, she received a message from Ed, asking what she was doing at

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

ready for bed.

I'm

shuddered. Just when she braced for

heard some rumors at The Obisidian. People are saying you're with

her so much that she jumped

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

know. Do you think I

up again, but the memory of him by that cliff... She couldn't bring herself to

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

her gaze. She couldn't bring herself to type

Then, the

next message came. "I

be 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. You have no idea how

hurting right now."

a sharp pang of guilt hit her chest. Every word

women were born with that instinct to soften the moment their partner crumbled in front of them. Besides, Ed hadn't really done anything

lip, texting a new reply. "I miss you too, but I've been really busy. Once it all settles, you can

surprise, he gave in right

melted immediately. She had always been the kind who caved to gentleness, not force. And this