Chapter 9
Harlan let out a cold laugh:]
“That’s assuming you still have a company.”
“Oh, forgot to mention–all your contracts are now under Johnson Holdings. Even your business partners jumped ship.“]
“Plus, what you and Lillian did is all over social media. Howard Corp’s stock has tanked, your business is dead, and you’re broke. Actually, worse than broke–you’re billions in debt. Can’t even afford a damn public defender. Hell, if I were you, I’d want to stay behind bars.”
“No way. With Rachel backing me, they wouldn’t–1
Kevin’s face fell as reality hit him. He stared at me like I’d ripped his heart out:[]
“Rachel… why?
Took him long enough to figure it out
All these years, Kevin played CEO while I did the actual work. Built relationships, closed deals, earned trust. Those major clients? They were my friends, not his
And Harlan’s overseas empire had money to burn–they just needed someone to crack the domestic market. With me vouching for them, it was a no–brainer.
Besides, I’d built Howard Corp from nothing. I knew exactly where to strike
Remember when we started out? you and Harlan were competing for market share. I chose you because I loved you. Worked myself to death closing deals–no sleep for days, drank until I had bleeding ulcers.”
“And how did you rena
did you repay me? Cheated. Got my daughter and mother killed. You’re a shit partner, Kevin. Time for an upgrade.“]
His voice cracked:
“Rachel, I screwed up. After Sophie was born, you weren’t the same happy girl I fell for. Lillian reminded me of the old you–my little ray of sunshine…”
I laughed bitterly:]
“Gee, wonder why I stopped being your sunshine?”
“Maybe because raising a kid is fucking exhausting, and you never helped once. You were always chasing the next big move for the company, too damn proud to ask for help–so it was all on me, Got hospitalized from stress, and you accused me of cheating “1
“I was killing myself for your company and your ego, while juggling everything at home and managing your insecurities. I was drowning, Kevin. Couldn’t remember what happiness felt like.”
“Actually, that’s not true. Sophie and Mom made me happy. And thanks to you, they’re gone forever.”
“So yeah, maybe I should’ve left you to freeze to death that winter.”
I turned away, taking Harlan’s arm as we walked out.
Harlan was our college classmate. He’d asked me out once, but I was too obsessed with Kevin to notice anyone else.
Turns out he’d been waiting all this time.
A few days later, news broke that Kevin had killed himself in prison.]
1 was
my corner office–officially Johnson Holdings‘ new VP of American Operations–staring out at the Manhattan skyline. Felt absolutely nothing.
Harlan walked in with his suitcase:
“Rachel, I’m heading back to France. If you want, you can have my position. Just come with me.
I waved him off.
“We’re good as friends, Harlan. Business partners. That’s enough.”
Thanks for booking me up with the legal team. I’ll make Johnson Holdings the biggest name on Wall Street.“[]
Harlan gave me a sad smile:
“I wasn’t doing it for the company… but whatever makes you happy. Call if you need anything.”
“Safe travels.”
Love and hate–both too intense, both ending in ruins.
I’m done betting my happiness on some men.]]
Time to build my own empire.
I believe… Mom and Sophie would be proud of me–wherever they are.]
