Nathan replied with a simple “Okay.” I was about to use work as an excuse to end the call, my finger hovering over the hang–up button, when he hesitated.


    Finally, Nathan spoke softly, his voice gentle, “Victoria, once I’m done here, I’lle to Shaville to see you.”


    My heart sank. After everything Nathan had been through, I really thought he should put all his energy into his career.


    Not everyone’s business can stay strong after a crisis–most people never fully recover.


    Thest time I saw Nathan, he’d lost weight, looking so worn out from all the pressure that it was hard to imagine.


    “Let’s talk about it when things settle down at yourpany,” I said, not wanting to shut him down right away<i>. </i>Right now, he needs to keep his emotions steady to get through this.


    “Alright, I’ll reach out again. You might need to make a trip back to Hachester when you get a chance,” Nathan said gently.


    “Yeah, I’ll go back,” I replied, then hung up.


    I mapped out what to do with my money–some would go into gold, some into stocks, and some into buying property.


    After crunching the numbers, I realized I could put up to 700 million into Nathan’spany, but that was really pushing my limit.


    I wasn’t about to put all my eggs in one basket or risk getting myself into financial trouble. This way, I’d be ying it safe.


    Ryan seemed to be getting more rebellious by the day. He was throwing a dinner tonight, and he’d invited both me and Edward.


    I didn’t know about it until I showed up and saw Edward sitting in the private room–it startled me.


    Edward nced up at me, his face nk as he looked back down at his phone.


    Ryan had stepped out to make a call, and when he came back and saw me, a smile lit up his eyes.


    I grabbed his arm and dragged him outside. Ryan shot me a pitiful, aggrieved look.


    Lowering my voice, I asked, “What are you up <i>to</i>?”


    Ryan replied, “I just want to talk things out face–to–face, so Uncle Edward doesn’t end up locking you up again.”


    “You know about that?” I blinked in surprise.


    Ryan nodded. “Yeah, I talked to Uncle Edward today. He said he’d apologize to you in a bit.”


    My eyes widened. Edward was actually going to apologize to me? I really didn’t expect that–I don’t think I deserve it.


    “I’m sorry, Vic. I haven’t always been the most attentive. I didn’t realize what you were dealing with, but now that I know, I promise I’ll make sure this gets resolved for you,” Ryan said, sounding genuinely guilty.


    09:10 Fri, 29 Aug <b>0 </b>


    I smiled at him. “I’m not mad. Your uncle was just trying to protect me. From where he’sing from, I get it.”


    “Either way, keeping you locked up in his vi overnight just wasn’t okay,” Ryan said, his voice low.


    My eyes flickered. Ryan was actually standing up for me–he really was taking responsibility.


    “Okay, sure,” I said, then followed him back into the private room.


    Edward had always given off this distant, icy vibe that made me uneasy just seeing him.


    89%


    But this time, when he saw Ryan and me walk in, his tone was softer than usual as he said, “Ms. Murphy, I was in the wrong


    before. I apologize.”


    I gave a dry, awkwardugh. “Mr. Jennings, there’s really no need for that.”


    Edward nced at Ryan and asked, “So, you really want to be with her?”


    Ryan nodded. “I do, but she’s not ready for it yet. I’ll wait.”


    I turned to look at Ryan. When ites to rtionships, he’s not the kind of guy who pushes people.


    Edward’s brow furrowed. “You’ll have to talk to your grandfather yourself. I’m not going to speak for you.”


    Ryan’s face went stiff, and he muttered, “Uncle Edward, can’t you say something nice for me? You know how Grandpa is.”


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