Chapter 12
In a fit of rage, Blaire filed charges. The evidence was there–undeniable, unforgiving.
Orville went to prison without protest.
He had someone send me a letter along with half the shares of his company. In the letter, he wrote: [My dearest Presley,
[I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness… but I have to ask for it anyway.
[Believe it or not, there’s only ever been one person I’ve loved in this life–and it’s always been you. [Blaire fooled me. I mistook pity for love, and I see that now. I was wrong, Presley. So terribly wrong. [That’s why I’ve made sure that her child… that mistake… will never claim what belongs to you.
[The OH Global Advisors now. Everything I’ve built–it’s all for you. Only you.
[I’ve cleared the way for you. I handled it. The child she carried is gone.
[The company is yours now alone.
[And when I’m out…. if there’s even a sliver of space left in your heart for me–if you believe, even for a second, in how truly, deeply sorry I am–maybe you’ll give me another chance.
[Just one more, my love.]
I stared at the letter in silence.S
And then it hit me, as clearly as sunlight breaking through storm clouds.
“You think the one who shields you from the storm… is your safe haven. But sometimes? They are the storm.‘”
In the end, the only one who could protect me–was me.”
I didn’t take over his OH Global Advisors.
Instead, I sold half the assets and used the funds to grow my newly launched company.”
With investments from both ends, Gracie Presley Co. found its footing quickly–and began to thrive.
A year later, Orville was released.
He showed up on the day of our company’s anniversary celebration.}
I was standing tall on stage–sharp in my tailored suit, my voice steady at the mic, my eyes un afraid. I shared our company milestones, celebrated our top performers, and layed out our vision for the future.
The room was alive–cheers, applause, full of energy.
Then.. midway through the event, he stopped me. He looked smaller than I remembered.
“You’ve changed, Presley,” he said. “You’re… stunning. I’ve never seen you like this before.”
I smiled faintly.3
“Really? Well, thank you, Mr. Herschel. I’m sure we’ll work well together… if ever our paths align professionally.“}]
With that, I raised my glass to him slightly and turned to walk into the crowd.
“Miss Presley, you’re young and capable, not to mention Mr. Sykes supports you. No doubt, you’re future’s looking bright!”
“Miss Presley, if you’re free tomorrow… could I interest you in a cup of coffee?”
I chuckled and lifted my glass again.
“Thank you, gentlemen. GraciePresley Co. has only just begun. I’m counting on your support as we grow.”
I mingled, confident and untouchable, slipping past Orville like he wasn’t even there.N
I walked farther and farther away from him.
And just like that… he became someone I’d never walk toward again.
(The End)
