Chapter 114

Chapter 114

The café downstairs from the office building.

Octavia stared at Mason across the table, her face a mask of disbelief.

She never expected him to come all the way here during her work hours just to see her.

Sunlight drifted lazily through the windows. Soft music floated in the background. Mason lifted his coffee and took a small sip. That face—usually so dignified and commanding—now carried a trace of helplessness.

"What are the two of you thinking? A husband and wife can't just stay separated like this forever. It's not good for either of you."

Octavia froze.

When she met Mason's gaze—full of genuine concern—an indescribable ache settled in her chest.

Since marrying into this family, it seemed like everyone had strong opinions about her. Every encounter dripped with passive-aggressive disdain. But Mason had stood by her from the very beginning.

At home or outside, whenever Mason heard anyone speak ill of her, he shut it down immediately.

Over the years, every time she'd been on the verge of giving up, it was Mason who encouraged her to keep going.

She drew a deep breath and shrugged with practiced nonchalance. "I'm grateful for everything you've done for me all these years. Truly. But some things just aren't meant to be. Better to part ways and let each person find their own peace."

"Can you really let go?" Mason's tone was light, almost casual, but his eyes never left her face—watching for the slightest shift in expression.

He was disappointed. Octavia's face no longer held the conflicted emotions he'd seen before. Instead, there was only calm acceptance.

"Maybe it was wrong from the start. When something isn't meant to be, it just isn't. After everything that's happened, I've learned one thing—if you can't hold the sand, let it go. The sand is free, and so is your hand."

Octavia turned to gaze at the sunlight streaming through the window. A small smile curved her lips, reaching her eyes. Her entire expression radiated release.

In that moment, Mason truly understood. Octavia had given up.

But for his grandson's sake, he wasn't ready to concede. "Don't you worry about Holden being hurt? That child has been brilliant since he was little, but even the smartest kid needs love from both parents."

"But—"

In Holden's heart, Yvaine was the one who mattered most.

Yvaine was the one who made him feel proud, the one he bragged about to others.

And in Holden's eyes, his own mother seemed... inadequate. Always busy, always traveling, with nothing impressive to show for it. Either on a business trip or on the way to one.

But Octavia had no intention of saying any of this. She wouldn't undermine Holden's standing in Mason's heart.

"It's over between us. I hope you can accept that and let us go."

Hearing the word 'accept,' Mason exhaled a weary sigh. "Fine. If you've both made your decision, I won't push anymore. But I hope you'll think it through carefully before it's final."

Octavia watched Mason's retreating figure. A bitter taste lingered in her mouth.

But all she could do was let the resignation show on her face and head back to the office.

---

Her office.

Yvaine sat there as if she owned the place. When Octavia walked in, Yvaine didn't even flinch—utterly unbothered, radiating confidence.

"Good news. I've started a new company. Once this project wraps up, I'm moving on to bigger things." A smirk. "Care to guess who I'm partnering with?"

"Do I need to?"

One look at Yvaine's self-satisfied expression told Octavia everything. The company had to involve Ignatius.

Yvaine's expertise was in this field. Starting a company meant staying in her lane. And globally, partnering with Ignatius made the most sense.

Octavia returned to her desk, her posture a clear dismissal. "This is a workplace. I don't discuss personal matters here. Besides, we have nothing to talk about."

"Oh, but we do." Yvaine's smile sharpened. "I'm taking you to see a show tonight. Interested?"

Octavia had no desire to go anywhere with Yvaine. But then Yvaine produced an invitation.

"Take a good look. I know you've been trying to pivot the Miller family's company. This gala is critical for you. So—coming or not?"

Charity gala invitations didn't land in just anyone's hands.

The Miller family's company was entrenched in a traditional industry. Business had been declining year after year. At this rate, the company would collapse.

The best path forward for the Miller Group was transitioning into emerging industries. But that required the right partner.

A key target Octavia had been eyeing would be at this gala. So she took the invitation without hesitation.

"You said a show, right? Send me the time and location. I'll be there."

"It's a date, then."

---

Night fell. The workday ended.

Octavia sat in the passenger seat as Yvaine drove to a secluded estate.

If she remembered correctly, this was Mason's retreat—where he came to rest and recover.

No one ever visited him here uninvited, out of concern for his health. Yet Yvaine had brought her straight to the door, and they were ushered inside with perfect courtesy.

Standing in the living room, Octavia surveyed the décor and frowned.

"Relax. I promised you a show, and it's going to be a good one. Come on, follow me."

Yvaine caught Octavia's bewildered expression and let out a cold laugh before leading the way.

Octavia followed.

One ahead, one behind, they climbed to the rooftop terrace.

At the turn of the staircase, Yvaine stopped. She pressed a finger to her lips—quiet.

Before Octavia could react, a furious voice thundered from above.

"What the hell are you thinking? Giving concessions to those shareholders—for a woman? Just to partner with Yvaine? The Lavien family is nothing! Opportunistic backstabbers! Have you forgotten what they did? They don't deserve to work with us!"

Up on the terrace.

Mason's cane slammed against the ground like a judge's gavel. Documents flew, scattering across the floor.

His chest heaved with rage. "Your infatuation has robbed you of all sense! You've lost your mind—spending billions on a woman. Do you want me to step in and handle this myself?"

He knew his grandson was stubborn. But he never imagined Ignatius would pay a price in the billions for a woman.

Partnering with Yvaine offered the company nothing but harm. Yet Ignatius insisted—even making concessions on key projects.

When Mason discovered the extent of it, his fury was volcanic. To him, business came first. Always. Personal feelings had no place in corporate decisions.

Ignatius glanced at the scattered documents, then bent to pick them up. His voice was steady. Resolute.

"I'll say it again. I'm a grown man. I don't need anyone's permission. The decision is made."