Chapter 21
If Alex and Lucas had pleaded and made those promises five years ago before Melody returned, Gabriella might have relented.
But after everything she had endured, they were no longer as important to her as they once were. Family mattered, but not at the expense of her self–worth.
“No one is obligated to wait forever for an apology. Before I was a mother, I was my own person.”
Gabriella pried Lucas‘ hands off her and shook her head. Whether she was speaking to him or answering Alex was unclear.
She added, “I didn’t know who I was for far too long. But now, I do. And I’ve found someone who truly understands me. So, why would I give up on my life and relationship just because you regret the past?”
Having said that, Gabriella walked away with Stephen.
Just as Alex was about to go after her, his phone rang. It was Theodore.
“Mr. Hackett couldn’t reach you and called me instead. Alex, how could you let personal matters cloud your judgment? Do you even realize you stood up a business partner?” he questioned. Only then did Alex remember the real reason he had come to Hanbridge City. He was supposed to be on a business trip.
If the deal with Maxterra Corporation went through, the Palmers would finally secure a foothold there, pushing their business to the next level.
But now, he had already missed the meeting.
Alex remained silent as he watched Gabriella and Stephen disappear into the distance. Almost immediately, frustration burned in his chest. Beside him, Lucas looked up, confusion flickering across his face. It was as though he were asking Alex why he wasn’t going after Gabriella. Suddenly, Theodore changed the subject and asked, “Is Lucas with you?”
Alex hummed in response. There was no point in hiding it.
Lucas had flown to Hanbridge City on Theodore’s private plane. Hence, his absence was impossible to ignore.
“You met her, didn’t you? And you even took Lucas with you. So, what did she say? What’s your plan now?” Theodore pressed further.
His tone was laced with displeasure. However, it wasn’t just directed at Alex but at Lucas and Gabriella too.
“I had her approach you all those years ago so you’d forget about Melody, not so she could turn into another Melody. Do you understand?”
His implication was clear. If Alex allowed his emotions to get in the way of business again, Theodore wouldn’t hesitate to intervene.
Out of nowhere, Lucas‘ anger boiled over, and he yelled, “I won’t let you mistreat my mom!”
He had caught the last part of the conversation, his sharp ears missing nothing. After all, he was the great–grandson Theodore had raised for years. He knew exactly what the old man meant. On the other end of the line, Theodore scoffed. “If Gabriella is so important to you, you shouldn’t be wasting time arguing with me. Get home now! And tell that reckless father of yours to get his priorities straight.”
“You were the one who told me to find her and apologize,” Alex retorted with a frown.
But now, he was being accused of losing sight of his responsibilities? What did Theodore even mean by that?
Alex couldn’t help but wonder why he was expected to dedicate his entire life to the company. What gave Theodore the right to decide who stayed and who left?
Why did he have the power to dictate Alex’s relationships, his marriage, and even whether he had the right to grieve?
“I told you that so you’d pull yourself together!” Theodore snapped. He hadn’t expected Alex to throw that back in his face after five years.
“Alex Palmer, don’t forget who you are. You’re the CEO of Palmer Group! Every decision you make reflects on the company!”
But this tine, Alex stood his ground. He was even more resolute now than when he had once declared he would give up being the heir just to be with Melody.
“I told you back then, I can live without this position,” Alex stated firmly.
A wave of helplessness washed over Theodore Had he gone wrong somewhere in raising his grandson? Otherwise, why was Alex so stubborn?
After a long silence, Theodore let out a dry chuckde. “Do you really think the company can’t survive without you? Fine. If you want to go down this path, I won’t stop you. But Lucas is coming back today
Despite the threat, Alex heaved a sigh of relief. It was as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
