Chapter 10
The Harts kept their promise. We supported the Woods, staying by their side until their empire completely collapsed.
As for my end, I swore I’d never have anything to do with Keon again–not a single thing for the rest of my life.
Unfortunately, the Woods‘ reputation was completely destroyed. Their products, whether online or in stores, became a symbol of failure–everyone wanted to distance themselves from them.
Vendors and partners saw the writing on the wall and started cutting ties, pulling their investments. Less than a month later, the Woods were officially bankrupt and in the process of liquidation.
As for my family? We kept supporting the Woods. I say “supporting,” but honestly, it was just a matter of posting a few kind words online and saying some good things.
It worked out well for us, though. We earned a reputation for being loyal, trustworthy and full of integrity.
Meanwhile, those who had pulled out of their deals with the Woods came to us. They wanted to sign new contracts.
By then, I had been learning more about the company alongside my dad. I moved up, becoming part of the management team and got a glimpse of how massive and fast–paced the operation really was.
After we took over the Woods‘ market share, The Harts expanded further. My days were packed–I was constantly on the go, barely had time to breathe.
It was exhausting, but I felt fulfilled.
I couldn’t help but think how much of an idiot I was back then, revolving my life around a man. The world is so vibrant, full of opportunities and money to be made, with endless handsome guys to meet. Why was I hanging my happiness on a guy?
Years later, while visiting a new factory with a business partner out in the suburbs, I recognized a familiar family.
A family of three, dressed in worn clothes, crammed into a tiny 5–square–meter shop, making a living by selling breakfast. Their voices were strong and the shop was buzzing
with customers.
When the man’s eyes caught mine, they lit up, but then he quickly turned away, clearly embarrassed.
I quickly looked away, not interested in any of those cliché moments where the “reformed” guy hangs around the female lead trying to win her back.
The truth is, we weren’t even in the same social class anymore. He probably couldn’t even afford a rental on the building below my office.
To be honest, I respected how his family had adjusted to their fallen status, accepting the
Chanter 9
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shift from luxury to simplicity and doing their best to live within their means.
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My company had selected this area to build the new factory, which would bring more traffic and businesses like theirs would surely see an improvement. In a way, The Harts were still fulfilling their promise to help the Woods.
As far as our connection went, that was as far as it went.
(The End)
