Chapter 125 Chapter 125

Chapter 125 Chapter 125
Greer’s POV 

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over my bedroom. I stirred slowly, my body deliciously sore from the night before. Calder’s arms were no longer around me, but the scent of him still lingered on the sheets. I smiled to myself, stretching languidly as memories of his touch, his kisses, and the way he had claimed every inch of the apartment flooded back.

The smell of breakfast wafted in from the kitchen — eggs, bacon, fresh coffee. I slipped on one of his discarded shirts and padded barefoot toward the source. Calder stood at the stove, looking unfairly handsome in just his trousers, the morning light highlighting the strong lines of his back and shoulders. He turned when he heard me, his eyes softening with that intense, possessive warmth that always made my heart skip.

“Morning, beautiful,” he murmured, pulling me into a deep kiss. His hand rested on my lower back, holding me close for a long moment before he reluctantly pulled away. “I made breakfast for you. Eat well — you’re going to need the energy today.”

I sat at the table as he served me a perfect plate: scrambled eggs with herbs, crispy bacon, toast, and a side of fresh fruit. He even poured me coffee exactly how I liked it. We ate together for a few minutes, the silence comfortable and intimate. But then his phone buzzed. His expression shifted slightly as he checked it.

“I have to handle something important this morning,” he said, leaning down to kiss my forehead. “Stay safe. I’ll call you later.” 

Before I could protest, he was gone — suit jacket on, keys in hand, the door clicking softly behind him. I sat there alone, staring at the half-eaten breakfast he had prepared with such care. My heart swelled until it felt too big for my chest. Calder’s love… it was growing deeper inside me with every passing day. This powerful, complicated man who had once been my stepfather was now my anchor, my protector, my desire. The way he looked at me, the way he touched me, the way he fought for me — it all made me fall harder every single time.

I finished eating slowly, savoring every bite because he had made it for me. After clearing the dishes, I took a long, hot bath, letting the water soothe my aching muscles. As I soaked, my mind wandered to the future. Last night’s victory at the trade fair had changed everything. Lumina Bloom was trending at number one. I had two million dollars and a brand-new Mercedes. It was time to stop dreaming small.

It was high time I had my own walk-in store — a proper flagship location where customers could experience the brand fully. No more just online sales and pop-ups. I wanted a physical space that reflected everything Lumina Bloom stood for: elegance, resilience, and blooming beauty.

I got dressed in a chic white blouse and high-waisted trousers, applied my signature red matte lipstick, and felt ready to take on the world. I called Cassey on the way out.

“Hey, boss lady,” she answered cheerfully. “How does it feel to be the winner?”

“Still surreal,” I laughed. “I’m coming to pick you up. We’re going store hunting today. I want something big.”

Cassey squealed with excitement. “I’m ready!”

I drove my new Mercedes to her apartment, the engine purring smoothly. She was waiting outside, looking sharp in a cream dress, and hopped into the passenger seat with a big grin. We blasted some upbeat music as we drove through the city, talking nonstop about possibilities.

“I want a whole building if possible,” I told her. “Not just a small shop. A flagship store with space for consultations, product displays, maybe even a small café area. Somewhere women can come and truly feel seen.”

Cassey nodded enthusiastically. “With your current momentum, you can pull it off. Investors are already reaching out after the win.”

We spent the morning visiting high-end commercial properties. The first few were nice but too small. The fourth one, however… took my breath away.

It was a beautiful three-story building in a prime, upscale shopping district. Elegant architecture with large glass windows that would let in natural light, perfect for displays. The ground floor had expansive open space, the second floor could house private consultation rooms and offices, and the third could be used for storage, events, or future expansion. It was exactly what I had envisioned.

The real estate agent showed us around, highlighting the recent renovations, the excellent foot traffic, and the prestige of the location.

“How much?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Fifteen million dollars,” she replied. “It’s a premium property, but given your brand’s recent trajectory, it could be a perfect fit.”

Fifteen million.

The number should have terrified me. Months ago, I could barely afford rent. Now I was standing here, fresh off a two-million-dollar prize, with a booming brand and growing investments. I thought about Calder’s belief in me, Cassey’s loyalty, and every struggle that had led me here.

I looked at Cassey. She was beaming.

“I’ll take it,” I said firmly. “Let’s make the offer.”

The agent looked surprised but pleased. Paperwork was drawn up quickly. With the prize money as a strong down payment and financing lined up through my new connections, the deal moved faster than I expected. By late afternoon, I was signing the documents that made the entire building mine.

I stood outside on the sidewalk afterward, staring up at the elegant structure that now belonged to Lumina Bloom. Tears pricked my eyes. Cassey hugged me tightly from the side.

“You did it, Greer. A whole building. This is huge.”

“I know,” I whispered, voice thick with emotion. “From nothing… to this.”

We spent the next hour walking through the empty spaces, already planning layouts — where the signature serums would be displayed, how the lighting should highlight the products, what kind of aesthetic would make every woman who walked in feel empowered. My heart felt full. Calder’s love, this new milestone, the support from Cassey — it was all coming together.

As the sun began to set, we locked up the building. I dropped Cassey back at her place with promises to celebrate properly soon. Driving home alone in my Mercedes, the city lights blurring past, I felt a deep sense of peace mixed with excitement.

Calder had texted earlier: Handling business. Thinking about last night. Can’t wait to see you.

I smiled, my love for him growing even stronger. He had cooked breakfast for me. He had worshipped me all night. And now, I had taken another massive step toward building my empire.

The future felt brighter than ever. Lumina Bloom wasn’t just surviving anymore — it was thriving. And so was I.

I parked the car and headed inside, already imagining telling Calder about the building. For the first time in forever, I wasn’t just fighting to exist.

I was blooming. Fully. Beautifully.

And nothing was going to stop me now.