Chapter 111
Grace's POV
The ride to the airport felt both endless and far too short. I curled into Alex's side in the backseat, breathing in his familiar scent and trying to memorize the feeling of his arms around me.
"I wish I could come with you," I murmured against his shoulder.
"Next time," he promised, his voice rumbling in his chest. "Next time, you'll be my personal assistant for the entire trip."
"Is that what we're calling it?" I smiled despite my sadness.
"Among other things." His arms tightened around me. "Grace, remember what I said about the video calls. Three times a day. I need to know you're okay."
"I remember. Morning, afternoon, and evening."
"And if Andrew or anyone else gives you trouble—"
"I'll handle it," I assured him. "I'm not the same person who let people walk all over me before."
Alex pressed a kiss to the top of my head. "No, you're not. You're stronger now. But that doesn't mean you have to face everything alone."
The car pulled up to the VIP terminal, and my heart sank. Alex reluctantly released me, but kept hold of my hand as we walked toward the private entrance.
At the security checkpoint, he turned to face me one last time. His hands framed my face as he looked into my eyes with an intensity that made my breath catch.
"One week," he said firmly. "Seven days, and then I'm coming home to you."
"I'll be waiting," I whispered.
Our final kiss was desperate and clinging, neither of us wanting to let go. When we finally broke apart, Alex rested his forehead against mine.
"I love you, darling."
"I love you too."
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Alex's POV
I sat in the VIP lounge at Starport International Airport, reviewing the cross-border charity project reports spread across the mahogany table. These documents detailed our collaboration with the Valhalla UNESCO education aid project. But my thoughts kept drifting to Grace's eyes last night—the reluctance and tenderness I saw when we said goodbye.
"Sir, the charity representative should arrive within ten minutes," Lucas informed me, checking his tablet.
I nodded, forcing myself to focus on the project details. This wasn't an ordinary charitable initiative—this was a multi-billion dollar priority project between two countries, combining commercial investment with humanitarian aid. The representative would oversee every aspect and produce a documentary for international media.
"Are you certain they need me to accompany them to Valhalla?" I asked, still irritated by this last-minute change. "I was supposed to handle this remotely."
"The representative specifically requested your presence for international media interviews," Lucas replied. "Given the project's scale and the Morgan family's involvement, they want the primary stakeholders present on-site."
I glanced at my watch. 9:00 AM sharp. The sooner I could handle this, the sooner I could return to Grace. The thought of leaving her for a week made my chest tighten uncomfortably.
An airport staff member approached, guiding someone into the lounge. I looked up and my expression immediately froze.
Violet walked in, dressed in a crisp khaki jumpsuit, her hair pulled back in a high ponytail, makeup minimal but professional. She looked every inch the dedicated charity worker.
What the hell is this?
I narrowed my eyes, processing this unexpected development. The Cooper family background did make sense for this project—Violet's grandfather had served as a technology aid representative in Valhalla for ten years. Still, seeing her here felt like a calculated move.
Violet approached with a professional smile, extending her hand. "Alex, I'll be serving as the project's charity representative. I hope we can work well together."
Her tone was businesslike, but I caught the underlying tension. I didn't take her offered hand.
"You just recovered from your health issues," I said coldly. "This assignment involves difficult conditions. It might not be suitable for you."
Violet's smile didn't waver, though her hand dropped to her side. "I'm here to build my career. As for what happened between us, I made my position clear at the hospital."
After Violet's suicide attempt, I had deliberately avoided visiting to prevent any misunderstandings. Lucas had worked overtime under my father's orders to suppress all trending topics, ensuring our past wouldn't be dragged through the media.
"I see you've pivoted to the charity sector," I observed. "Quite the career change."
The air in the lounge felt suffocating. Lucas shifted uncomfortably, clearly worried I might refuse to proceed with the trip.
Violet seemed to understand she had me cornered. I couldn't reject a national-level project, and she knew it. She withdrew her hand and took a seat across from me.
"I'll minimize my presence around you," she said calmly. "I hope we can collaborate smoothly."
"The project comes first," I replied curtly. "Personal feelings are irrelevant."
Violet checked her watch and pulled out camera equipment. "May I conduct a brief project interview with you, Alex?"
I didn't refuse. She was prepared, professional, and efficient, keeping everything strictly business-focused.
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Grace's POV
I had just walked through my front door when my phone rang.
An unknown number called immediately. "Ms. Wilson? This is the legal department at Harrison Group. The stock transfer procedures have been completed. The updated shareholder registry and all legal documents are being delivered to your residence by courier."
"Understood," I replied flatly and hung up.
Today was Richard's final deadline.
My phone buzzed with a text from Richard: "Grace, the paperwork is complete. The 10% stake that wasn't transferred last time is now yours. I only ask for one chance to apologize in person. I want us to start over."
I stared at the message for a moment, then dialed his number without emotion.
He answered on the first ring. "Grace—"
"Tomorrow morning, 10 AM. Harrison Group headquarters," I said and hung up immediately, not giving him a chance to respond.