The Billionaire Who Saved Me

When Garrett decided to accept his inheritance, he thought it would be a simple transfer of wealth. He never expected that marrying and living in the Morales house would be one of the consequences. Now that he realized this, Garrett began to wonder. Was his decision right, or was it the opposite?

Unfortunately, even though Garrett is doubtful now, there’s nothing he can do about it. It’s all too late. Actually, it became really inevitable when he consciously contacted Nelson that night, right after the embarrassing incident at the party.

And now everything is truly inevitable. Apex Builders and Co. has changed hands. Garrett was no longer the owner and CEO. Instead, the leadership position is now in the hands of Robert Immanuel Gray, a thirty-five-year-old man recommended by Nelson. The lawyer knew Robert personally and suggested him to Garrett.

Certainly, Robert was not the only candidate Garrett considered. At least three competent people were considered, but in the end, Robert got the job.

Freed and relieved that Apex Builders and Co. was now in the hands of a trustworthy person, it was time for Garrett to prepare for his move. And it turned out that the three months he had planned would be delayed. He needed more time, four months to be exact.

“How’s it going, Amber? Is everything settled?”

It was Garrett’s last day in the CEO’s office at Apex Builders and Co. With Amber, the secretary, who was getting brighter by the day about her impending move, Garrett discussed her departure. Of course, Amber would be going with him. For Garrett, the middle-aged woman was the only co-worker who knew him well.

“Everything is settled, sir. I can assure you that nothing has been forgotten.”

Garrett breathed a sigh of relief. Although for some reason his chest felt a little tight. He really had not expected this time.

“You don’t seem very excited, sir. Um… don’t tell me you regret this decision.”

A faint smile appeared on Garrett’s slightly tired face. He had been overworked lately, racing against time with all sorts of things he had to take care of.

Garrett rubbed his face roughly. He could feel the stubble starting to grow, leaving faint marks on his thick-skinned hands.

“To be honest, I really don’t know. Whether my decision is right this time or the opposite.”

Amber smiled thinly as she watched her boss shake his head. Then she pushed a glass of water over to Garrett.

“Drink it, sir. I think you’ve been drinking less water lately. It can affect your energy and mood.”

Garrett looked at the glass of water. It wasn’t exactly what he needed, but in the end, he followed Amber’s advice. And at least he felt a little relieved when the coolness flowed through his body. His chest felt cooler now.

Seeing Garrett’s expression, Amber smiled broadly. “Isn’t it true what I said, sir? Simple water has a significant effect on the body and the emotions.”

Unwillingly, Garrett chuckled softly. He decided to finish the water in his glass. Then he sighed contentedly.

“And maybe that’s why I insist on keeping Mom as my secretary, even though our office is moving soon,” Garrett said. “You know, right? It’s not easy when I already have a secretary to help me.”

“Nobody understands you better than I do. Guaranteed.”

Garrett wouldn’t hesitate. And if there was one thing that could make him feel relieved, it might be that Amber could accompany him there. Moving to a new office was enough; working with everyone he didn’t know would only make him more stressed.

“Thank you, Amber.”

The thanks sounded so sincere. It might be rare for an employee, but Garrett was like that. And Amber was always happy to accept it.

“You’re welcome, sir.”

Two days later, Garrett and Norah landed safely at airport. Noticing a few people waiting for them, Garrett, who had informed his mother of his conversation with Daphne, glanced over. Norah looked visibly tense, but she tried to remain calm.

As the daughter-in-law in a status that was neither acknowledged nor denied, Norah clearly had her own fears as the car carried her across the asphalt. Every mile the four-wheeled vehicle traveled felt like a strong beat in her heart. Undeniably, she was afraid.

“Mom.”

Garrett reached for Norah’s hand and squeezed it gently, redirecting his mother’s focus. She turned to look at Garrett and took a deep breath.

“I’m fine.”

Dilemma, that’s what Garrett felt. But after this dinner with Daphne, he knew he couldn’t go back. And now Garrett found that they were both truly immersed in the destiny called Morales.

As far back as Garrett could remember, he had set foot in the mansion during his childhood. Not often, just occasionally. Usually, it was for important events that required the son-in-law and grandchildren to be there to maintain the family’s reputation in the eyes of the public. Other than that, Garrett wasn’t sure.

So, it wasn’t strange for Garrett to find people he didn’t fully know. Maybe just the name, but not who they were.

But look now. When Garrett and Norah set foot there, everyone greeted them with respect. They remained polite, and no one dared to really raise their faces.

“Finally, you’ve arrived.”

Daphne greeted Garrett and Norah with a beaming face and immediately approached them. Norah pulled away from Garrett and gathered her courage to approach her mother-in-law.

“Mama.”

It was a strange sight for Garrett. It was as if he had never seen Norah and Daphne greet each other like that, especially when Daphne then embraced Norah.

“How was your flight?”

“It was fine.”

Daphne nodded, then turned to Garrett, who immediately leaned in for a hug. He felt Daphne’s hands stroke his broad back a few times.

“You’ve finally arrived, Garrett,” Daphne said. “Come in. I have a meal prepared inside. Eat and then rest. You must be tired.”

Garrett looked at Norah. His mother seemed fine. Despite her tense expression, Daphne’s welcoming attitude seemed to relax Norah somewhat.

In fact, after enjoying the food served, Garrett couldn’t really rest. The flight from Crestdale to Ashford City hadn’t been too strenuous for him. However, knowing that some important people were coming to meet him within the next hour made Garrett let out a long breath of exhaustion.

Norah rested in the room that had been prepared for her, while Garrett immediately made use of his assigned workspace, if only to exchange greetings with some important people at Pacific Energy.

The unexpected meeting also included Daphne. Though she didn’t say much, she watched, focusing mainly on Garrett, as if evaluating her grandson’s aptitude.

Garrett didn’t feel happy. But for the past four months, he had spent more time learning the ins and outs of Pacific Energy than running his own company. It wasn’t surprising that he took the conversation in stride.

“There are a few things that need to be reviewed. I’m sure Mr. Garrett will find time to look into them soon.”

Being an owner, let alone running a company, would certainly be demanding. But that’s exactly what Garrett was experiencing. Caring for the name of Pacific Energy required him to make a real commitment of time and energy.

“Of course. I’ll look into it soon.”

“And the welcome conference for you will be held in two weeks.”

Garrett nodded, realizing that not even six hours after his arrival home, a piled-up agenda already filled the dates. He was sure that things would only get busier in the future.

When the meeting was over, Garrett planned to retire immediately. That was the plan. But there was one man who didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he approached Garrett.

“I’m not sure if you know me personally because we haven’t met yet.”

Garrett furrowed his brow. He vaguely knew the name of the middle-aged man in front of him. It was Billie Cooper.

Garrett’s eyes widened suddenly, causing Billie to smile broadly. He nodded.

“I often hear stories from my daughter,” Billie said. “Brenda.”

Garrett cleared his throat with an uneasy feeling. He could only glance at Billie’s words, trying to control his reflexes. Not wanting to turn away, he was curious about Daphne’s reaction.

Billie pulled an invitation out of her briefcase and handed it to Garrett.

“Brenda’s birthday is next month. She’ll be thrilled if you can spare the time to attend her party.”

Garrett’s uneasiness increased, but he still accepted the invitation with a smile.

“Thank you. I hope I can make it.”

Billie nodded contentedly. “Alright, sir.”

After Billie left, Garrett and Daphne were left alone. They were silent for a moment until Daphne placed the teacup she had been holding back on its saucer on the table.

“You never met Brenda’s father?”

Garrett shook his head. There was no need to ask, but he was sure Daphne had heard about his past relationship with Brenda Cooper.

“We were only close for a few months. After that…” Garrett said, shaking his head again. “… we broke up.”

Daphne nodded in understanding. “Brenda broke it off?”

Garrett’s eyes widened. He didn’t answer, but his reaction was caught by Daphne. The older woman could guess.

“But things have changed now. So, I’m not surprised that it’s her father who’s inviting you now.”

The story was easily predictable, like a cheap drama. But in the real world, things often turn out that way.

“Unfortunately, Billie acted too late. Besides, you have a girlfriend now, don’t you?”

Garrett’s self-control had indeed improved lately. When he faced Daphne’s question, he remained calm and showed no signs of panic. Instead, he nodded, even though he was actually lying.

Daphne smiled sideways for a few seconds. Then the smile disappeared, as if she suddenly remembered something.

“By the way… it seems I don’t know the woman’s name,” Daphne said, looking intently at Garrett. “What’s her name?”

Now! This time Daphne managed to make Garrett hold his breath. How should he answer this question?

Daphne waited; her eyes fixed on Garrett without moving. Without saying anything more, she managed to drive Garrett into a corner.

In that moment, Garrett knew he was taking a risk. But he didn’t even have many female acquaintances whose names he could use for a momentary lie. Finally, his tongue spoke spontaneously.

“Elice.”

*Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.