Chapter 21 Time To Apologize
I stood at the gates of my grandfather’s estate, waiting for the guards to let me in!
“Mr. Henry, the old man said you’re not allowed in,” one of the security men told me with a shrug..
I took a deep breath. “Tell him I found Jasmine“%
They exchanged glances. One of them pulled out a walkie–talkie and spoke into it. A long pause. Then the gate slowly creaked open.
The only reason he’d let me in was her.
I walked in, past the perfectly trimmed hedges and the stone lion statues guarding the porch.
The butler didn’t even greet me. He just stepped aside as I entered the main room.!!
Grandfather was in his armchair cigar in one hand, a folded newspaper in the other. He didn’t even look up.
“You’re doing too much, old man, I muttered as I stood in front of him!
He finally raised his eyes. “You’re here. Start talking. The only reason you got past my gates is because of Jasmine.”
I nodded. “She’s alive. She’s in New York City.”
His brows furrowed. “And?
“She’s married. To a man named Silas Larkin.
The room fell silent.
Grandfather sat upright. “Silas Larkin?“)
-Yeah”
His eyes darkened “I knew his grandmother, Rose Larkin. We were.. close friends once
I blinked. “Seriously?”
He stood, moving toward the liquor cabinet “If what you’re saying is true, I can get you an audience. Rose still respects me. But you better hope Jasmine is ready to leave that man and come back with you.”
“She married him three weeks ago. Private ceremony. No press. No photos. But legal.” I said quietly
He poured himself a drink “You’re a damn fool, Henry. Letting a girl like Jasmine go. But maybe, just maybe, you still have a chance.” “I need one.” I whispered.
I call Rose. She owes me a favor
He turned to face me again. “I’ll c
I watched him as he dialed her number.
“Rose,” he said warmly. “It’s been a while… Yes, I’m still breathing. Listen, my grandson, Henry, he needs to see you and your family. Today, It’s important. No, don’t ask. Just know it involves Jasmine”
He paused, then smiled.
“Good. I’ll tell him to head your way
He hung up and looked at me. “You’ve got your entry Don’t waste it.”
Thank you” I said sincerely. “And if I bring her back, would you consider giving me my kids?”
He narrowed his eyes. “The sextuplets?“8
A long silence.
Then he nodded. “You get Jasmine back, and I’ll release them to you. But don’t think about asking to become CEO until you’re back with her. That’s the condition.
My jaw clenched. I nodded again. “Understood.“8
I left the estate with a heavy heart. Everything was riding on this now!!
Back home, I pulled out my laptop and started booking my flight.
“Planning a secret vacation without me?” Bianca’s voice floated behind me as she leaned over my shoulder!
I didn’t even turn. T’m going to New York,”
“Without me?” she asked, voice sharp. “Why?”
“To apologize to my wife,” I said calmly X
Bianca scoffed. “What wife? The same one who served you divorce papers? The same one you cheated on with me?“%
“Just let me do this, Blanca“}
She crossed her arms. “You’re only doing this because you’re greedy and scared of losing the company. If you didn’t need the CEO seat, you wouldn’t be crawling back to a woman you never even loved.”
I stood, facing her now. “I never said I didn’t love Jasmine.“!
Bianca’s expression twisted. “Since when?”
“Since the day she walked out and never looked back,” I said. “Since in
I realized the house feels empty without her laughter. Since I opened that divorce letter and couldn’t breathe. Since I saw her name beside another man’s and it felt like my chest had been ripped open,
L
She laughed bitterly. “Wow. Beautiful speech. You practicing for her?”
“Blanca-”
“What about me, Henry?” she interrupted, her voice cracking. “What do you take me for? Some toy you used and tossed aside? You think I don’t have feelings?”
“I never asked you to love me,” I said flatly. “You knew what this was.”
“No,” she whispered. “I thought I could become something more
“You can’t”
Blanca’s eyes flamed with hurt. “You’ll regret this.”
“I already regret a lot of things.” I murmured.
She grabbed her purse. “You want your little perfect family back? Go ahead. But you’re not getting rid of me that easy. “Bianca-
“No,” she snapped, heading for the door. “You think this ends here? You don’t know me. Henry ”
She slammed the door behind her.
I stood in the silence she left behind, my mind already spinning.
There was no turning back now. If I didn’t fix things with Jasmine… I’d lose everything.
My kids.
My position.
My soul.!!
I closed my eyes, breathing deeply, praying she would at least hear me out.
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