733
Chapter 11
The day Whitmore Industries‘ bankruptcy hit the front page, I was on Nathaniel’s estate watching the moonrise.
When my lawyer called, I figured it was Damien trying to muscle in on the prime assets.]].
Even bankrupt, Whitmore still had enough valuable pieces to make any businessman salivate.]]
But my lawyer had different news.]
“Miss Whitmore, we just heard from Mr. Hawthorne’s team. He’s willing to give up all rights to Whitmore stock–no strings attached. Including those hundred–million–dollar real estate developments.”
I paused. “What does he want?”
“He just wants one meeting. Face to face.”
The day we met, Damien showed up in a tailored suit, still devastatingly handsome but way too thin.]
He was wearing that silver bracelet I’d given him years ago on his wrist. I thought Helena would’ve trashed that thing by now.
His eyes were red–rimmed and wild, staring at me without blinking. “I fucking knew you weren’t dead. I knew it. Aurelia, you’re too stubborn to just disappear like that.“]
I tried to step back, but he caught my wrist in a death grip–like he was scared I’d disappear if he let go.
His voice was shaking. “Baby, I figured it all out. Helena’s suicide attempt was
was total bullshit. The heart condition, all of it was fake. I was blind as shit. I fucked up everything.“|
“I’ve been looking for you for a whole goddamn year. Every single day felt like torture, thinking if you just came back, I’d do anything–anything–to make it right.“]]
I yanked my hand free, my expression ice–cold. “Your guilt trip is too late.”
He gripped my shoulders so tight it hurt. “No, it’s not! I get it now–I know it! I’ll transfer half of Hawthorne Corp to you today. I threw Helena’s ass in prison. Whatever you want, it’s yours. Just please forgive me.“[]
I shook my head. “None of that shit is what I wanted. When I needed you to trust me, you believed her instead. When I was begging for help, you were too busy playing her knight. While I was bleeding out on that table, you were holding her hand.“]
All the color drained from his face. His mouth moved but nothing came out.]
“You really think saying sorry now erases all the tears I cried? You think it heals the scars you carved into my heart?“[]
Seeing the pain in his eyes almost made me laugh. “Damien, you never got it. I didn’t want your money or guilt gifts. All I wanted–in two lifetimes–was for you to pick me. Just once.”
He pulled me against his chest, tears streaming down his cheeks. “I’m sorry, I’m so fucking sorry. One more chance, please. I’m begging you.”
I shoved him away and smiled coldly.]
Chapter 11
“Another chance? I gave you a thousand chances. You threw them all away.“]
“And now? Now it’s my turn to walk away, Damien.“[]
*2
Mutiake–You Still
