Traces of Wounds 2
And when the company was up and running again, Daphne found that Allan had to leave. It was a hard blow for Daphne. When she thought there was still someone standing tall with her, but in reality, her son was leaving her as well.
“What I was thinking at the time was you, Garrett. Trying to give in so that you and Norah could live in peace.”
Because it was painful to know, but that’s what happened. Garrett and Norah were Allan and Daphne’s happiness and also their weakest point.
“They’re the last thing this family has.”
That’s why Daphne tried so many things. To fulfill Allan’s wishes for her family to be safe and happy. This included handing over some subsidiaries to her daughter. But greed is indeed a natural trait in every human being.
“Farrah wants something that is not rightfully hers,” Daphne said, shaking her head. “And I can’t give it to her.”
It was Pasific Energy. Because of Daphne and Allan’s insistence on handing it over to Garrett, Allan ended up facing a gruesome death.
“The evidence is there, but again, you were my consideration, Garrett. Because at that time your position was still weak. And if something happened to you, no one would care.”
So, the only way was to make sure that Garrett was in the highest position. So that all eyes would be on him. And that would make people think twice before they acted.
But in reality, what Daphne didn’t expect happened. It was herself who turned out to be the next target. Which made Garrett wonder.
“So … why did you go to Crestdale?”
Daphne did not answer the question immediately, but instead let out a long sigh. Her usually strong face and often sturdy shoulders sagged. An empty smile appeared on her face.
“To do what a mother should do.”
*
Relief and calm were clearly reflected in Amber’s eyes as she welcomed Garrett’s arrival that morning. The smile on her face seemed wider. Unlike usual.
“Good morning, sir.”
Garrett stepped forward after handing his briefcase to Amber. He walked ahead of his secretary after returning the greeting.
“Good morning.”
Letting the elevator take them floor by floor, Garrett glanced briefly at Amber.
“Anything important come up lately?”
Amber shook her head. “I’ve taken care of everything, sir. There’s nothing urgent. Everything is fine.”
Garrett nodded briefly in response to Amber’s explanation. He could guess because during the ride to the office earlier, Garrett had checked the market conditions that morning. Everything seemed normal, including the stable state of Pasific Energy.
And that, of course, was due to her efforts to hide the tragedy that had befallen Garrett. A peaceful atmosphere without any problems was essential to ensure the stability of the company.
When they entered Garrett’s office and the door closed, he did not dismiss Amber as usual. Instead, he asked her to stay so he could express his gratitude.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
“For everything you and Mr. Nelson have done for me all this time,” Garrett said sincerely. “Thank you.”
Amber was stunned for a moment. Then she smiled softly. At that moment, she wasn’t acting as a secretary, but as a middle-aged woman who seemed to be looking at her own son.
Garrett hugged Amber. “Thank you so much.”
Amber’s hand moved, patting Garrett’s back a few times. When the hug ended, she nodded.
“You’re welcome, sir,” Amber said, taking a deep breath. “Just doing what I can.”
Garrett knew it was not just a job. When his father had asked Amber and Nelson, they could have said no. But they both made sure he was always in good shape. And when Garrett thought about it again, he realized why Amber was willing to be his secretary, even when his company was just starting out.
There was a bitterness in Garrett’s heart. He realized that all this time he had really been living in the comfort that Allan provided.
“So, what about Madam Daphne, sir?”
Garrett sat down after taking off his jacket. “Nana went to Crestdale last Saturday.”
That was all Garrett said. He did not want to talk any further when he remembered that his grandmother had not directly answered why she’d gone there. But if Garrett could guess, maybe Daphne wanted to give Farrah one last warning. No matter what happened, it would be difficult for Daphne to report her own daughter to the police.
“Okay, sir.”
Amber’s voice interrupted Garrett’s thoughts for a moment. The middle-aged woman smiled as she nodded.
“I’ll excuse myself.”
After Amber left, Garrett immediately checked his work. There were many important things he needed to catch up on, as they had been delayed for a week. In addition, meeting schedules and appointments with colleagues filled Garrett’s upcoming days.
Immersed in his work, Garrett sighed as he looked at his watch. The day was almost at noon. He had a meeting to attend.
As he closed the file he was reading, Garrett noticed his office door open without a knock. Amber entered. Her steps were halting and her face was filled with tears.
Garrett tensed. “What’s wrong?”
Amber’s footsteps stopped in front of Garrett’s desk. Just when she felt she couldn’t go on, she collapsed. She held on to the last remnants of strength that still supported her hands.
“Sir.”
Amber tried to hold on. But her sobs shook her shoulders, bringing fear and hope that instantly penetrated Garrett’s mind.
“Madam.”
A cold feeling appeared. It made Garrett unable to move. Frozen in the remnants of hope that had somehow been rejected by fate.
“Madam Daphne.”
Amber could not finish her words. Instead, she could only bow her head as her tears made her shoulders sag. Her sobs broke out and Garrett needed no further explanation.
In that moment, all Garrett could do was remain silent. Time seemed to stop touching his world. He was thrown into a dimension where there was no air to ease his chest. Emptiness. Void. Nothing. Except for a face that flashed in his mind with an unavoidable sadness.
“Nana.”
*