5
336words
Temptations multiplied.He grew cold and distant.Our conversations dwindled.My disappointment built until today.
I said nothing and waited.
Three days later,Nathan contacted me and set up a courthouse meeting.
He showed no remorse,just said:“Emily,you’ve got guts,getting my sister on your side.”
“You want divorce?Fine.I’ll pay,but don’t let your family come crawling back!”
I laughed:“Don’t worry,same to you.Post-divorce,stay away.Don’t make me despise you more.”
Chloe,arm around him,sneered:“Just a divorce.Ditching a freeloader like you,his path’s only smoother!”
I didn’t argue and handled the paperwork.
The divorce had a one-month cooling-off period.I prayed nothing went wrong.If Nathan learned about my family’s wealth,he might cling.
Luckily,Uncle Harold offered me a job at his company,thereby keeping my cards hidden.
After signing the divorce paper,I left for Harold’s firm.
He waved me over:“Emily,meet someone.This is our new hire,a top university grad and rising investor.Young,but he’s closed major deals.”
“He brought in profits during his internship.”
I looked at the sharp young man and nodded:“Hi,I’m Emily Harper.”
“I’m Ethan Brooks.”
“Great.You two get acquainted.This project’s yours—secure the Southside land!”
I nodded and took the files.Ethan and I analyzed them.
I expected complexity,but Ethan was direct:“The city’s expanding south,but that land’s tough.I’m not sold.I like the Eastside.”
Spreading the map,I agreed:“Eastside’s better.Commercial hub forming,bigger investment potential.”
“But both are taken.Shall we go for it?”
Ethan’s eyes gleamed:“Let’s do it.Tomorrow’s charity gala—Mr.Nolan will be there.”
Mr.Nolan owned both lots and was seeking buyers.Most were skeptical,but Ethan and I were confident.
Harold pondered:“What makes you so confident?Costs and returns?”
“$1.5 billion to secure both,double the return.I’m sure.”
Harold raised a brow:“Emily.”
I pressed:“Trust me.These plots are losers without us.If I fail,the Harpers cover the loss.”
With my family’s backing,Harold agreed:“If you pull it off,you get a 3% stake.”
“Deal.”
Money wasn’t the goal.What I wanted was to prove myself.
Ethan and I dissected the plots’pros and cons and the next day,we attended the gala.
