Chapter 109
Never Crossing The Line.
“The Montgomerys have been negotiating with the military for some time now. They wanted to collaborate with ” Gavin hesitated. “With p>
Nathaniel was in his office, reviewing documents. When he noticed his assistant’s
hesitation, he leaned back and asked, “What is it p>
“Stonewatch Rehabilitation Network, sir,” Gavin said, making a face. “More specifically, in Greyhold p>
“Greyhold,” Nathaniel repeated. A sigh left his lips. He had planned a secret trip to Rexam, but it seemed stopping by Greyhold was unavoidable.
He called his mother next, informing her.
It was a difficult decision, but Nathaniel and Bianca agreed to let go of past resentments.
By eleven in the morning, Nathaniel had made up his mind. He told Gavin, “Change my itinerary. I’m going to Greyhold first. Have my lawyers prepare an offer to take over Stonewatch Rehabilitation Network’s expansion. I’ll email my requirements. I need the draft by two this afternoon p>
Gavin froze. “A-are you sure, sir p>
“If I want an advantage over the Montgomerys, I’ll have to set aside my pride,” Nathaniel said calmly. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win Serena back. Do as I say p>
“Yes, sir,” Gavin replied. “Right away p>
At exactly two in the afternoon, the draft arrived on his desk. Nathaniel approved it immediately and left for the airport.
By five, he was standing inside a private suite at Stonewatch Rehabilitation Network in Greyhold.
An older man, well into his nineties, sat on a sofa, his eyes wet with emotion. A decorated soldier still revered by the nation, yet to Nathaniel, he was only an old man who had abandoned his own blood.
“You you finally came,” the old man said, his voice trembling. Yes, he was old, but still looked strong. Years in the military had trained his body to remain resilient and well-maintained despite his age.
Nathaniel stood by the window, studying the military camp below. Without turning around, he said, “Your stepson is destroying your legacy. What a shame p>
“I know,” the old man replied, his lips quivering.
Nathaniel finally turned and handed him a set of documents. “I’m accepting your previous offer,” he said evenly. “These are my terms p>
Without even going through the papers, the old man said, “I agree p>
Meanwhile, back in Rexam, Serena brought Xavier to Alice after work. She stood and watched as Xavier tried to ask forgiveness.
“I’m sorry, Alice. I never meant for any of this to happen. I didn’t expect your entire family to disappear like that,” Xavier said, dropping to his knees before her. His shoulders sagged, his head bowed, as though guilt had long been wearing him down. “I-I have no excuses. I truly regret it p>
“I don’t know what to say,” Alice replied softly, her hands fisted on her legs. “It felt like you gave up on me too easily p>
Serena knew this would take time. Alice felt completely betrayed, and if Serena was honest, she did too. Xavier would have to earn their trust back.
The exchange between Alice and Xavier lasted hours. Xavier apologized to the Hartleys one by one. Serena had left to return home, but close to midnight, Xavier called her.
She met him outside, and they spoke at the door.
“I guess this means I’ll never get the chance to be that person for you,” Xavier said. His voice was tired, stripped of the confidence he usually relied on. His caramel hair was no fonger neatly styled, and his suit
bore the wrinkles of neglect.
Serena shook her head. “Xavier, I was honest with you from the start. I don’t have
those feelings for you. What you did didn’t change that p>
A heavy sigh escaped him. He glanced toward the estate’s front lawn before saying,
“I asked Silas for a month off. He approved it p>
Serena froze. Then she said, “You don’t have to do that p>
“I do,” he replied. “I want to make it up to Alice. I promised I’d accompany her to her therapies. And while I’m on leave, I’ll probably invite my mother over She’s been Wanting to visit Rexam.
Xavier’s mother had lived in the countryside for years. They had barely seen each
other personally since becoming VanderMed’s Vice President.
“I think I could use a break,” he added, forcing a smile. “Don’t worry, I won’t leave
the company. No one pays better than your family. I love my job p>
“Besides, I’ll Xavier swallowed. “I’ll just be around. Mostly with Alice p>
Serena smiled gently. “I think that’s good. Alice would appreciate it p>
“I hope so,” Xavier said quietly. He gestured toward his car. “I should go, and give
you time to rest. I won’t be reporting tomorrow, but I’ll be online to hand over anything urgent p>
“Good night,” he said.
Serena nodded. “Good night p>
She watched him leave, her chest tightening.
Xavier was a good man. He had charm, intelligence, and the maturity of someone ready to settle down. His glasses only made him look more thoughtful and refined. Yet no matter how good he was, Serena
.n
couldn’t bring herself to feel that way about him.
She supposed some relationships simply stayed where they began, never crossing the line.
Serena gulped, another face coming to her mind.
The question surfaced quietly, uninvited. ‘How do I deal with Stefan Montgomery p>
But… when Serena met Stefan again, he caught her by surprise.