Chapter 25: Doubt

As I sat behind my mahogany desk, staring out the floor-to-ceiling windows, memories of Electra flooded my mind. Our chance encounter had reignited a flame I thought was long extinguished. My newfound resolve to make amends was tempered by the knowledge that she now resented me deeply.

Henry's entrance broke the spell, his sharp knock on the doorframe announcing his arrival. I swiveled my chair, facing him with an air of anticipation.

"What did you find out?" I asked, my voice low and urgent.

Henry's expression turned skeptical, his eyebrows arching. "I found out five years ago, after you threw her out of the house, she got into an accident. But she narrowly escaped, lucky to be alive." His pause hung in the air like a challenge.

I felt a pang of guilt, my conscience pricking.

Henry continued, his tone measured. "She moved to England and has only just returned. She and her brother are now handling their parent's company."

My curiosity got the better of me. "Is that all you found out?" I pressed, leaning forward.

Henry hesitated before dropping the bombshell. "They're working on a new project. They need investors to raise sufficient funds."

A calculated smile spread across my face. This was the opening I needed.

"Good, great deal," I declared, my voice filled with conviction. "Message them and tell them we're ready to invest."

Henry's eyes widened, surprise etched on his face. "You're certain, sir?"

I nodded curtly. "Absolutely. Make it happen."

"Did you think you'll be able to invest...you know how much it takes to invest in a project, Sir?" Henry asked, his tone laced with skepticism.

I nodded resolutely, my jaw set. "Just go ahead and do what I asked you to do. I don't care if I spend my last penny on this. As long as I get a chance to make things right and be forgiven, that's all that matters."

Henry's expression transformed from doubt to understanding, his eyes locking onto mine.

"Understood, Sir," he said, his voice filled with conviction.

With a curt nod, Henry departed, leaving me alone in my office.

As soon as the door closed, I picked up my phone and dialed my father's number.

The line rang several times before his familiar deep voice answered.

"Hello?"

"Dad," I said, my voice tinged with determination.

"Hey Knoxville, this is a surprising call. Even though we see each other every day, you never initiate a conversation. I'm wondering why you've been calling so frequently lately," my father said, amusement lacing his voice.

I chuckled, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Dad, I told you I like her. I really like Electra, the girl Mum chose for me. I wish there was a way you could arrange for us to meet again. Please, Dad," I pleaded.

My father's laughter boomed through the line, catching me off guard.

"Did you just say please?" he asked, his tone teasing.

I scoffed, knowing I'd never used that word with him before.

"Yeah, I did," I admitted.

My father's chuckles subsided, replaced by a warm tone.

"Knoxville, I'm impressed. You must really be smitten. I'll see what I can do."

A surge of hope filled my chest.

"Thanks, Dad. I owe you one."

Here's the revised version with added descriptions and edits:

"I'm excited that after all these years, you've finally found someone you love," my father said, his warm voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

I nodded vigorously, even though he couldn't see me. A mix of emotions swirled inside me - guilt, excitement, and determination.

What did he know? He had no idea I was once married to Electra, seven years ago, after I left home. Or that I divorced her five years ago for reasons I'd rather keep hidden.

But now, I was ready to make amends.

"Yes, Dad, I'm ready to love and navigate life with the person I love," I said, sounding innocent and hopeful.

My father's chuckle resonated through the line. "Don't worry, I'll be keeping an eye on things. I'll make sure Electra becomes your daughter-in-law, whether she likes it or not."

I really wished I could tell him I was married to her before. That I was the one that break her heart and ruined what we shared.

"Thank you, Dad. I appreciate it," I said, before ending the call.

My phone rang again, breaking the silence.

"Hey Henry, any problem?" I asked, my voice firm.

"Sir, I just found out someone has already invested in Electra's company," Henry announced, his tone laced with surprise.

I sat up straight, my interest piqued.

"Did Dad do that?" I asked, seeking clarification.

"No, I think it was Maxwell who made the investment," Henry replied, his words dripping with caution.

My eyes narrowed, surprise giving way to curiosity.

"Maxwell? How? Does he know Electra?" I demanded, my mind racing.

Henry hesitated, uncertainty evident in his pause.

"I'm not sure, sir. I'll have to find out," he admitted.

I drummed my fingers on the desk, impatience growing.

"Find out, Henry. I need answers now," I instructed, urgency creeping into my voice.

Unbuttoning my top two buttons, I leaned back, seeking a breath of fresh air.

The cool breeze from the window offered little respite.CMy mind was already racing. What was Maxwell's connection to Electra?

Was this a coincidence or a calculated move?

"Henry?" I called out.

"Yes, sir?"

"Get me everything on Maxwell. I want to know what he's after."

"Right away, sir."

The line went dead. I stared out the window, lost in thought.

My mind raced with unsettling thoughts.

I recalled Maxwell's conversation with Dad, his words echoing in my memory.

"He's deeply in love with a lady and investing his time in her," he had said.

A shiver ran down my spine.

Please, don't let it be Electra.

The thought sent a wave of fury coursing through my veins.

If Maxwell dared to cross that line...

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.

He needed to keep his distance. This should better be just business, nothing more.

But the seed of do

ubt had been planted.

What if Maxwell's investment was more than just financial? That idiot, he can do the impossible just to her in my way.