Chapter 5
Ever since that day, Ryan was nowhere to be seen for a long time.
Graduation was coming up.
I started learning to run part of the family business.
Back then, I was too busy partying to care about any of it, and before I knew it, Ryan nearly took over the entire Morgan Group.
Now that I've been given a second chance, I know better than anyone.
I knew better than anyone that handing my hopes and my resources to somebody else was the most dangerous thing a person could do.
Back then, when my father heard that I wanted to come into the company and learn the ropes.
He was so moved, tears streamed down his face.
That very day, he rushed to my mom's grave, crying his heart out.
He said, "Honey, are you seeing this? Our daughter's all grown up. She's finally got some sense in her.
"Natalie's got your spirit, and I know she'll make the business you worked so hard for even greater. The Morgan family finally has someone to carry on the torch."
Honestly, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Meanwhile, Claire was deep in her romance with Lucas.
In her own words, she wanted to go wild and make the most of her freedom before her family forced her into some cold, business marriage.
She was throwing cash at scripts, dropping dollars on marketing, and doing whatever it took to get Lucas noticed.
Honestly, the way she was going all-in for him was just like how she backed Jason to become a superstar in her last life.
I asked her straight up.
She shrugged and laughed it off.
She said, "Chill, Natalie, I'm not stupid.
"He's not only better-looking than Jason, but he's also sweet and knows how to make me happy. Plus, he's grateful. Every penny I spend on him makes me feel ten times happier. I'm just buying myself some happiness."
After hearing that, I didn't try to stop her anymore.
Claire was always clear about what she loved and hated, and she lived life on her own terms.
For her to say something like that, she must have finally put her old troubles behind her and figured out what she really wanted.
I wasn't about to rain on her parade.
As long as she was happy, that was all that mattered.
I hung up the phone.
I shook my head and went back to the files on my desk.
Just then, my secretary knocked softly and poked her head in, quietly reminding me that the meeting was about to start.
I nodded and grabbed my coat.
"Let's go," I said.
As I walked out of my office, I passed by the lounge area near the elevators.
There were quite a few people sitting around in small groups.
But the one sitting front and center really caught my eye.
It was Ryan.
He wore a sharp suit, his posture straight, and he stood out from every other man in the room.
Next to him sat Emily, her face full of curiosity as she glanced around the room.
When my secretary saw me looking in that direction, she read the room and leaned over to explain.
"Ms. Morgan, those are the campus-recruitment interns waiting for their interviews. Is there somebody in there you know? Should I say something to HR?" she asked.
"No. Let them go through the usual process," I said.
I looked away without a word.
I walked right into the elevator.