Chapter 18 She pushed the card back across the table. What she hadn't taken with her then, she didn't need now. Harold blinked, caught off guard. He hadn't expected her to be so firm. "You really won't consider it?" he pressed. "I know Julian treated you poorly in the past, but he's realized his mistakes now. If you're willing to come back, I believe he'll learn to cherish you." He tried to appeal to her emotions, then sweetened the deal. "Return with me, and you'll have a permanent place in the Shaw family. I'll ensure you're provided for. I'll even amend my will-once you remarry Julian, twenty percent of the Shaw Group will be yours. Think carefully, Sloane. Twenty percent of the Shaw Group is worth far more than hiding away in a small town with a flower shop." He wasn't exaggerating. As Larkhill's most powerful corporation, twenty percent of the Shaw Group outweighed some entire companies. The offer was genuine, more than enough to tempt anyone else. He was certain no one could turn it down. But Sloane only shook her head, her face as calm as if she were declining a hundred dollars, not millions. "Mr. Shaw, I will always be grateful you took me from the orphanage. Without you, I wouldn't be who I am today. But sir, the Shaw family raised me for twenty years, and I repaid that debt with twenty years of my life. From the day I left, I decided I would only ever be myself from now on, not an appendage to someone else. The shares are valuable, of course. But I value being my own person more. I'm happy here. Perhaps Julian hasn't told you, or perhaps you know and are pretending not to, but I feel I must say it: Mr. Shaw, I have my own life now. I have someone I love. We are happy together, and I have no intention of changing boyfriends. I'm sorry you made the trip for nothing." She rose to leave. Harold watched her back retreat, and his mind drifted back to the day he first met her. The orphanage had been full of children desperate for a home. They rushed toward every visitor, eyes pleading, gestures begging, "Take me, I'll be good." But Sloane had been different. She had sat quietly in the corner, her eyes timid but hopeful. When the director finally brought her forward, she had whispered a soft "Grandpa." Harold had asked if she wanted to come with him, explaining there was a boy at home, just a little older, who was sick. Could she care for him? And she had answered without hesitation. "I will." That determination had never changed. Which meant her leaving was final, too. Harold sighed. He no longer tried to force her. After a long pause, he pulled out his phone and dialed. Julian hadn't expected Harold to seek out Sloane. Even less had he expected him to fail. Chapter 18 11.84% The news tore at him like a knife to the chest. His breath came in ragged gasps, his eyes burning red. "I don't believe it," he finally choked out, his voice hoarse and ragged. "We were together for twenty years. I don't believe she could be so heartless, to just throw away everything we had." But the truth was plain. Sloane was gone. And she would never look back. Chapter 16 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!