Chapter 16
Orthon’s POV
I leaned back in my chair, staring at the skyline through the wide office window. The memories were like a film I couldn’t turn off. I hadn’t meant to think of her, but once the thought slipped in, it wouldn’t leave.
The first time I met Veronica, I hadn’t expected much. It was a simple lunch meeting with my sister, and she’d brought along her future. daughter–in–law.
When Veronica walked in, her soft laughter filled the air before I even saw her. And then, there she was–graceful, poised, and utterly
captivating. I could never forget the sweet smell of roses that took over the room.
I remember thinking how strange it was to feel something so strong yet beautiful in an instant. That flutter in my chest that I never thought I would experience.
Love at first sight? Maybe. All I knew was that from that moment on, she’d somehow become a part of me. One of the most important persons in my life even if she didn’t know it yet.
I later learned she worked as a secretary in my nephew Carter’s company. That was where we had our first real conversation–or, rather, our first encounter. She’d been rushing through the hallway with a tray of coffee, clearly in a hurry. I was distracted by a phone call, and we collided. The coffee spilt everywhere–on me, on her, even on the pristine carpet.
“Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry!” she gasped, scrambling to clean up the mess.
I chuckled, more amused than annoyed. “It’s fine, really. Happens to the
best of us.”
She looked up then, her eyes meeting mine, and I was done for. Her apology stumbled to a halt as if she felt it too. It was intense yet felt so fragile at the same time. But as quickly as it happened, she broke the moment, muttering more apologies before darting away.
From then on, I found myself making excuses to visit the office. But it didn’t take long for me to realize she wasn’t mine to pursue. She absolutely adored Carter, loved him to a fault and then, I thought he might have loved her too. How could he not?
Their engagement announcement was the final nail in the coffin. I left the country before their wedding, telling myself I could move on. I couldn’t bear to watch her become the treasure of another man. It broke me.
But I never forgot her.
I sighed, shaking off the memory. The present demanded my attention, and I wasn’t the kind of man to dwell on the past. Picking up my phone, I called my secretary.
“Arrange a house party,” I said. “Something small, but elegant. I’ll provide the guest list later.”
“Yes, sir,” she replied, and I ended the call.
I stood and grabbed my coat. There was one more matter I needed to deal with today.
*****
I arrived at my sister’s house intending to see Carter. I was going to go easy on him first but if he still proved stubborn, then I would take matters. into my own hands.
My sister greeted me with a bright smile.
“Orthon.” she said, hugging me lightly. “What brings you here?”
“I came to see Carter. Is he home?”
She hesitated. “He’s upstairs. But before you go, I need to ask something.”
I raised a brow. “What is it?”
She sighed, looking exhausted. “He doesn’t want to marry Meghan. Het says it’s a mistake, and I don’t know what to do. He insists on being with that worthless woman, who cannot even bear him a child. Can you talk to him? Maybe convince him to see reason?”
Wow!
My jaw tightened but I held my tongue. Veronica was ten times the woman Meghan would ever be but since they didn’t see that, I didn’t plan to waste my breath.
I nodded, though convincing wasn’t on my agenda. “I’ll talk to him.”
Upstairs, I found Carter in his study, staring at a pile of documents with an empty expression. He barely acknowledged me when I walked in.
“Orthon.” he said flatly. Obviously, he was still thinking about what happened in the restaurant.
I closed the door behind me and leaned against it. “We need to talk.”
“About what?”
“About Veronica.”
His head snapped up, his eyes narrowing. “What about her?”
“Today, she told you clearly that she wants a divorce. Anyone would have assumed that was what you wanted with the way you were treating her.”
“I don’t think that is any of your business, uncle.” he seethed, shooting me a hardened glare. I didn’t return it.
“It is. You either give her what she wants or you will have me to contend with. Do not forget I have everything it takes to bring you down in whatever way I choose,” I said calmly, and he sprang to his feet.
“Are you threatening me?” He growled.
“Just reminding you that you run a family business, I own a business. empire. I’m the last person you want as an enemy,” I said coldly.
Shock took over his features. He clearly wasn’t expecting this from me.
His jaw tightened. “You want to start a war with me over a woman? What’s your interest in this? What’s your relationship with her?”
“That doesn’t matter,” I said, keeping my voice calm. “What matters is that you’re ruining her life, and it stops now.”
He scoffed. “You think you can waltz in here and dictate my life? She’s my wife-”
“She’s not yours to break. You’ve messed with her emotions enough!” I interrupted sharply. “Don’t make me clean your mess for you, Carter. You won’t like it.”
Before he could respond, my phone buzzed. I frowned, checking the caller ID. It was Veronica’s father.
“Hello?” I answered.
His panicked voice came through the line. “Orthon, something’s happened to Veronica. She’s gone missing.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. My grip tightened on the phone as dread settled in my chest.
甘
“I’m on my way.” I said quickly and ended the call.
I turned back to Carter, my expression hard. “If this is your doing-”
“It’s not.” he snapped. “What’s going on?”
I didn’t bother answering. I was already out the door, my mind racing with every worst–case scenario. I couldn’t lose her. Not now. Not ever.
