Chapter 78: Courage
JULIA
I let them stare at me for a couple more moments. I made sure to look my best when I went here. I couldn’t let
them see I was tired!
Garyn continued looking at me with wide eyes while Heather’s mouth couldn’t be closed. My heart filled with satisfaction from their shocked expressions. The first one to snap out of his daze was Evan, and he immediately. went to where I was.
“Julia, “he muttered. “You should have told me you were coming.”
Lignored him and kept my gaze on Garyn.
“Who let you in?” Garyn exclaimed, finally standing and pointing an accusing finger toward my way.
“That’s not important,” I said. “What’s important is that you need me now.”
His face became red from frustration. He wanted to retaliate, but he knew I was telling the truth.
“I know
v you w
want this deal, Garyn,” I said with no ounce of respect in my tone.
“Astor Apparel is near bankruptcy,” I smirked, knowing I did my research. His eyebrows raised.
It was the truth. I looked at the stocks with Sarah last night, and there was a decreasing trend. In a couple of years, it was going to be a dead company. Through this, I also realized something.
“This is why you delegated Evan to that company,” I said. I heard Evan take a sharp breath beside me. I could tell it was something he had kept to himself for the past couple of years.
“W–what are you talking expect me to see right through his plan.
It?” Garyn stammered. He also didn‘
“Ever since he was young, you had been giving him the tough end of the work. However, you took all of the credit. You saw how he could transform Asturia, your chain of restaurants, into something more profitable. In turn, you had given him Astor Apparel, too,”
“You have inherited the company from your father, but because of your incompetence, you have wasted a lot of what he has given you. Today, you’re no longer the biggest shareholder of what your father had built from scratch. In turn, you want an heir so you could keep the company within the bloodline, and undo your mistakes”
“Who told you such a thing?” he exclaimed, appearing enraged.
“I’ve known you for a long time, Garyn,” I said.
Garyn then turned to Evan. “You’re just going to let her speak to me like that?”
“It’s the truth,” Evan said, taking me by surprise.
Garyn held onto the back of his neck and sat back down. “Father!” Heather exclaimed, supporting his body. It seemed like he was in genuine pain; however, I knew better than to pity a man like him.
“Just leave!” Heather exclaimed, glaring at me. “You are not welcome in this family.”
I scoffed, looking her straight in the eyes. “And who said that? You?”
“News flash. I was never welcome in this family. I don’t mind at all. In fact, this family needs me now… because I know you can’t let go of the deal with Mr. Miyagi.”
Garyn still appeared to be in pain, but I was determined to set everything in stone today.
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 78: Courage
“So, I’m going to give a proposition. I would agree with this. I would help you with your deal with Mr. Miyagi,” I said.
Heather glared at me while Garyn appeared mildly intrigued. Even amidst his pain, all he could think about was profit and prestige.
“However, you are going to leave us alone,” I said, pointing at the old man. “All of your men–tell them to stop following us around. Don’t go pestering my parents. Andy is mine, and I will never give him to you.
“I want this bound by contract, and a breach of it would entail payment of damages and nullification of my participation in Mr. Miyagi’s project.”
“I can make the contract,” Evan said, making me surprised once again. It was rare to see him siding with me when he had spent such a long time pleasing his father.
“Evander Cassiel Astor,” Garyn warned, but Evan stood his ground.
“I’ve been working hard to seal this deal,” he said with sincerity. “You know that better than anyone else. Julia isn’t asking for much.”
“She’s asking us to get away from your son!” he exclaimed.
“Because her son is hers,” Evan muttered, making me bite my lip.
“Andy has always been hers. I’ve lost my chance to listen to her back then.”
“…and that is one of my biggest regrets,” he muttered. Heather and Garyn might not have been able to hear what he said, but I did. My breath hitched, and I turned to look at the side of his face.
Garyn stared at his son for an entire minute before letting out a sigh. “Ah, whatever. Do what you want.”
“Father!” Heather exclaimed by his side.
Garyn stood, still clutching onto his head. “We need this deal with Mr. Miyagi,” he muttered. “He’s the most prestigious artist in the entire world.”
Heather bit his lip, wanting to say something, but I could tell she knew it was a losing game.
I couldn’t help but smirk.
“Now, come and help me with tea,” Garyn said, gesturing for Heather to follow after him.
Heather shook her head, glaring at the two of us before following after the old
d man.
As soon as they were gone, I let out a sigh of relief, my shoulders finally relaxing.
Sarah was right. Courage can take you to the most unexpected places. I had never even thought of speaking to Garyn like that back then, and yet I was able to say all that I wanted today.
I ran my fingers through my hair and was about to leave when I felt Evan’s hand wrap around my arm, the warmth. of his skin sending a shiver down my spine.
I looked up at him and saw conflict in his eyes. However, amidst the conflicting emotions, I also saw genuine joy.
“Let me drive you home.”
