The shockwave from Mr. Sterling's pronouncement vibrated through the high-rise offices of Sterling Designs long after the board meeting adjourned. Damien, however, was past shock. The powerlessness he felt was a sensation so foreign and bitter that it twisted his gut. He was the CEO, the heir apparent, yet his own life—his business and his marriage—was being decided for him as if he were a pawn on his grandfather's chessboard.
He pushed off his desk and strode to the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking out over the glittering, indifferent city. Thirty percent. The number was a scarlet letter, a constant, irritating reminder that his rebellion against his grandfather's demands had cost him a significant chunk of his freedom. It wasn't just shares; it was Penelope's foot planted firmly in the door of his private life, backed by the old man's iron will. He'd kept running after Sarah, clinging to the illusion that he could possess both her independence and his family's dynasty, and now, his grandfather was calling his bluff.
He turned abruptly, catching sight of the large, framed portrait of his parents—a reminder of sacrifice in the name of love. "My father was braver than me; he gave everything up just so he could be with my mother," he said, looking at the portrait. "But I can't gamble with Grandfather's life, Dad. I can't be the unfilial grandson to the man who raised me, my only living relative."
Damien knew exactly what this move meant. It was a clear line drawn: marry Penelope, secure the company's future as Mr. Sterling defined it, or face the consequences of a hostile partnership where he would be constantly undermined.
He picked up his phone, his thumb hovering over Sarah's contact. He needed to talk to her, to warn her, to possess her fully before this new reality—the formal engagement party—made his position impossible. But then he hesitated. What could he say? Come back to me, but know I am now officially engaged to someone who will own one-third of my company?
His thoughts fractured. The fight with Sarah earlier that day, the sickening word "Mistress"—she was already slipping away. He had seen the defiant spark in her eyes before she left. This news, this grand, public declaration of his future with Penelope, would be the final seal on her decision to leave him. He had driven her away himself.
He tossed the phone onto the leather couch. He wouldn't call her. Not now. He had to secure his position first. He had to dismantle the trap his grandfather had sprung.
Sarah's Choice
Meanwhile, Sarah and Sam had first entered the jewellery store. Sam picked up a beautiful green jade bracelet for his grandmother's birthday gift. While Sarah was walking around looking at displays, Sam discreetly purchased a silver locket for her and a delicate charm bracelet for Mathilda, tucking the gifts away without Sarah's knowledge. They later went to an antique shop where they found a beautiful, faded landscape painting.
Sam's car pulled up in front of the large iron gates of the estate where she lived with Damien. The drive had been mostly silent, a heavy, quiet truce between the magnitude of the memory and the necessity of processing it. Sarah clutched the empty apple pie bag like a talisman.
"Thank you, Sam," she said, her voice steadier now. "For the pie. And for… not pushing."
Sam turned to her, his expression serious. "I meant what I said. The story is yours to hear when you're ready."
Sarah bid goodbye to Sam and headed toward the gates. The place was beautiful, but she could no longer see any beauty around her; she felt suffocation and sadness being there. Mrs. Blue saw her and greeted her warmly. "My dear, how was work?"
Sarah smiled at Mrs. Blue. "It was okay, thank you for asking, Mrs. Blue. How are your nephews doing? Did you enjoy spending time with your family yesterday?"
Mrs. Blue started talking about everything that had transpired yesterday as Sarah sat behind the counter, drinking her water.
Then Mrs. Blue asked "Are you hungry my dear?
Sarah just shook her head. Then Mrs. Blue added "I asked Damien what would he like to eat for dinner, but he told me he's not coming home tonight." She then looked at Sarah and exhaled, "you two kids are both too stubborn..." Sarah didn't say a word... She thought "Is he going to spend the night with his fiancée? Oh, Sarah, his private life shouldn't concern you..."
After half an hour of chitchat with Mrs. Blue, Sarah went to her room to rest.