Flowe
t three years ago. We poured our hearts into it. Every brick, every blueprint, every client meeting-it was all
m using my venture capital funds." The words echoed in my head, cold and precise. I wa
making. If Kimberly had been planning since col
e shared everything. I logged in. My heart hammered against my ribs. I navigated to
ones I hadn't shared with anyone yet. They were meticulously organized, dated, a
ll my designs," I typed to future Jadon,
venture capital to acquire a controlling stake in Evolve Designs. She'll force you out
tless hours, sleepless nights, boundless passion. Jadon had been my biggest supporter when I started Evolve Designs. He enc
y financing its theft. He was handing over my life's work to the woman who wanted to d
the studio. She carried two coffees. Her u
"You look tired. Long night? All that wed
with a false concern, met mine. I forced a smile
e coffee was bitter. "Just a lot on my min
urse! I'm so happy for you two. You de
ated on my nerves. I watched her go, my hand clenching around the c
b hovering over the send button. "Did
e said you were too trusting. Too naive. That you needed to be protected f
low. Empty. They o
r. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled our apartment. He made my favorit
his voice full of warmth. "Y
"Just a lot of
Let's talk about the wedding. Have
atever you want, Jado
a. The thought was a col
nt felt heavy. I went into the bathroom and turned on the shower. The hot water cascad
ng. She lost her footing. I grabbed her. The metal beam gave way. I pulled her to safety, but a jagged piece of rebar sliced my sho
water couldn't wash away the bitterness. I picke
ed to future Jadon. "No mor
ragmented messages. He started
then," he wrote. "He could have been saved. The day he died... you were away
. My heart pounded. My father. My sweet, kind fat
, my hands shaking. "Jadon!
nto hours. My phone remained silent. The fe
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