Chapter 8
"Health management. You know, the kind that mixes online and offline," Nathan said.
He slid his phone over, pulling up a basic business plan on the screen.
"I've spent three years investing overseas, and this is the field I'm most excited about. But I don't really know how things run here, so I need someone who can actually get it off the ground," Nathan said.
"You want me for this?" I asked.
"You spent eight years at Holt Group, built up the whole admin system from the ground up. No one doubts your ability to get things done," Nathan said.
I read through the plan.
The framework looked solid, and the direction made sense, but the details were still pretty rough.
"How much are you planning to invest?" I asked.
"Ten million dollars for the first round. If the model works, I'll put in more later," Nathan said.
"What role do you want me to take?" I asked.
"Partner. You put in the effort, I put up the money. We'll split the shares: sixty for you, forty for me," Nathan said.
I set the phone aside.
"Nathan, is this just because of my grandpa?" I asked.
He picked up his cup.
"Your grandpa's reputation is worth something, but not ten million dollars. When I invest, it's all about the person," Nathan said.
I held his gaze for a few seconds.
"Give me a week," I said.
"Deal," Nathan replied.
He didn't press me.
Dinner dragged on past eight.
By the time we left, it was already pitch dark outside.
I stood by the curb, waiting for my ride.
A black car pulled up from across the street and stopped right in front of me.
The window rolled down.
It was Adrian.
"Get in. I'll drive you home," Adrian said.
"No need. My driver will be here any minute," I replied.
"Evelyn," Adrian called out.
"Mr. Holt, you're getting engaged next week. Do you really think it's a good look to be riding around with your former assistant this late at night?" I said.
He stayed silent, his hand on the wheel, not saying a word.
"Is there something you're misunderstanding?" Adrian asked.
"No," I replied.
"Serena and I—" Adrian started.
"That's none of my business," I cut him off.
Just then, I saw my driver turning the corner on his scooter.
"Goodbye, Mr. Holt," I said.
I walked over to the ride service driver.
I heard the car window roll up quietly behind me.
The car stayed parked there for a long while.
I didn't look back.
My phone lit up on the way home.
Adrian texted me.
[Did you have dinner with Nathan tonight?]
I turned my phone face down.
I left it unread.
The next morning, I pulled out Nathan's business plan and spent three hours at my desk, going through it.
The framework definitely had potential, but the parts about distribution channels and supply chain were way too thin.
I fired up my laptop and started working on a revised plan.
I even forgot to eat lunch.
At four in the afternoon, the doorbell rang.
When I opened the door, there was a delivery guy holding a bouquet of flowers and a gift box.
"Are you Evelyn Symons?" he asked.
"Yes," I replied.
"These are for you," he said.
The bouquet was ninety-nine white roses, wrapped so extravagantly it was almost too much.
Inside the gift box was a necklace, and I recognized the brand logo right away.
There was a card with a single line: [I'm sorry about what happened last week. I hope we can start over. Serena Lewis.]
I stared at it for three seconds.
Then I set the bouquet down next to the trash can by the door.
I slid the necklace, box, and card into the delivery locker for return.
Then I closed the door and got back to work.
She wanted to start over.
I remember exactly what she looked like when she threw that glass of red wine at me.
Now that she knew I was a Symons, she suddenly wanted to be friends.
I was not that easy.
On the third day, Edward called.
"Did that Lewis girl send you something?" he asked.
"How did you know, Grandpa?" I asked.
"She had someone reach out to me yesterday, said she wanted to come by for a visit," Edward replied.
"And what did you tell her?" I asked.
"I told her I had a toothache and wasn't seeing anyone," Edward said.
I couldn't help but laugh.
"But Evelyn, there's something I need to let you know," Edward said, his tone shifting. "The Lewis family has been negotiating a major deal with Holt Group.
"If this marriage goes through, they're looking at a huge payday."
"So?" I asked.
"So her attitude toward you changing all of a sudden might not mean she's scared of you. Maybe she's just worried you'll throw a wrench in her plans," Edward said.
I leaned back in my chair, thinking it over.
"I'm not planning to mess with anyone's plans," I said.
"I know. But that's not what they think," Edward replied.
He paused.
"With that seventeen percent stake in your hands, all you have to do is say the word and you'll have a seat at Holt Group board.
"The Lewis family is desperate to cozy up to you, because that seat could make or break them," Edward said.
I stayed silent.
"No rush. Just figure out what you really want," Edward said.