The Billionaire Who Saved Me

“It seems like it’s not a beautiful day.”

One comment welcomed Garrett’s arrival that morning. Just as he was about to pass by his secretary’s desk. The woman, who was already in her late thirties, smiled warmly at Garrett.

Garrett shook his head. “Definitely not one of the best mornings I’ve ever had.”

Having said that, Garrett continued his steps. Followed by the secretary, who also got up from her seat. She followed Garrett with a book in her hand.

When they entered his office, Garrett headed to his desk. Placed his work bag and immediately settled into his chair.

“Is there anything important today?”

Amber Bailey, the secretary who that day wore a black suit and knee-length skirt, shook her head.

“No, Sir. There’s nothing important today. No meetings or appointments.”

Garrett felt relieved hearing Amber’s words. Oh, it could not be put into words. He really needed a break. If possible, he would take the day off today. But, when he imagined having sudden appointments, he had to set aside that wish for a moment.

“Thank goodness,” Garrett sighed. “That means my energy will only be drained by Nelson today.”

“Mr. Nelson Graham?”

Garrett glanced at Amber with a lazy look. And he let out a breath with the same laziness.

“Like I have many acquaintances named Nelson. Of course, him. Only him.”

Garrett’s words made Amber’s eyes widen. The enthusiastic look could not be hidden by a pair of eyes that hid behind glasses. Especially with the smile that suddenly bloomed on her face.

“Have you made up your mind, Sir?”

“I haven’t decided anything yet.”

Amber nodded once, maintaining her smile. “Of course, Sir. I can only pray for the decision you’ll make later.”

Garrett’s forehead wrinkled. But before he could respond to Amber’s remark, he found the secretary speaking again.

“I’ll make you some coffee, Sir.”

Garrett did not refuse. On the contrary, he nodded. Letting the woman leave his office.

Once Amber was gone, Garrett reluctantly turned on the computer on his desk. Then he reached for a folder that happened to be not far from his hand. Only to realize that he should have taken a break that day.

Not to exaggerate, but two weeks before, Garrett had truly lived through an incredibly busy time. International flights followed by inter-province flights. Which required him to meet with people and discuss many things. And for all that, there were piles of files that he had to evaluate in detail.

Garrett felt exhausted. So, when he thought that relaxing for a moment at the club could relieve his work fatigue, he found something else instead. He remembered the woman.

Elice.

Letting out a long sigh, Garrett truly could not believe that Elice would leave under those circumstances. He did not expect anything. He was an adult and knew for sure that such relationships were meant to end the next day. But…

“His name is Ariel Sebastian Ramirez. Uh… you probably don’t know him. But he’s a man born into a wealthy family, the kind I should have avoided from the beginning.”

Elice’s voice echoed in his mind. Followed by another voice.

“I don’t care about your reluctance to accept your inheritance. But at least, you should consider the actions of the Ramirez family. Right now, they’re preparing for any possible actions you might take. They would gladly lend a hand if you refuse the inheritance, Garrett.”

And perhaps those voices would continue to circulate in Garrett’s mind if Amber had not walked in. Serving a cup of fragrant black coffee that woke him up instantly.

“If you’d like, I can schedule your leave after the meeting with Mr. Graham later. I think you need to rest for a while.”

Garrett reached for his cup of coffee, immediately savoring the first sip, and without hesitation, he let out a sigh. Undeniable proof that he enjoyed the bitter yet rich taste served in the cup.

“Seems like my meeting with Nelson will have a significant impact,” Garrett whispered as he placed the coffee cup back on its saucer. “No. Nothing will change. The only reason I invited him for a meeting is just to acknowledge his efforts all this time.”

Amber held the tray in her hands with a doubtful expression. Not entirely convinced that was Garrett’s true reason. After all, after working together for years, she knew her boss’s personality almost perfectly.

“I hope it’s more than just acknowledging his efforts,” Amber said with a hopeful glint in her eyes. “I’d be happy to follow you if we have to move offices, anyway.”

Garrett was taken aback, but Amber just smiled and gave a brief nod, excusing herself.

After Amber left, Garrett allowed himself a moment to truly savor the black coffee. For his taste buds, nothing could compare to the coffee made by his secretary. What a blessing it was for him. When he needed a refreshing boost every morning, there was someone he could rely on for that.

Immersing himself in the work that he then focused on, Garrett concentrated on the project review report that had just been completed about three months ago. It was related to the acquisition of a new apartment building in Pinecrest. And now, he would focus on the marketing aspect to smoothly pass on the baton.

Nearly two hours passed as Garrett focused on the report. Reading each section meticulously, he was interrupted by a knock on the door. Amber was there.

“Mr. Graham has arrived, Sir.”

Garrett nodded. “Ask him to come in.”

Saying that, Garrett immediately got up from his chair, making his way to a set of sofas available in his office. It did not take long for Nelson to join him there. They briefly shook hands.

Not jumping straight to the main topic, Nelson deliberately waited for Amber to serve his drink first-a cup of milk coffee that made Garrett furrow his brow. Perhaps he thought the man’s taste was peculiar.

“Hahaha. We need something sweet to enjoy life, Garrett.”

Garrett did not care. So, he immediately shifted to the topic that would be their discussion that morning.

“I’m still not interested.”

To be honest, when Nelson received Garrett’s invitation for a meeting, he didn’t have high hopes. He knew the man’s character. Stubborn and unwilling to get involved in endless family conflicts. But for Nelson himself, this job was more than just a job. There was loyalty and a promise that accompanied it. Two absolute things that prevented him from giving up. He could not stop until Garrett got all the rights that rightfully belonged to him.

“Um.”

Placing his coffee cup back on the saucer, Nelson let out a long breath. He leaned back slightly on the sofa, not showing any surprised expression at all.

“Until when are you not interested, Garrett? Until everything disappears and you’re too late to claim it?”

“From the beginning, that wealth was never mine. It belongs to…”

Garrett felt a lump in his throat, to the point that he could not continue his words. He almost could not breathe anymore. And Nelson understood it all too well.

“… my father.”

It took so much strength for Garrett to utter that single word. And the effect was indescribable. He felt a sudden surge of heat within his chest, causing him to loosen his tie.

Nelson cleared his throat, feeling a bit uneasy. His eyes blinked in an embarrassed expression. But whether he liked it or not, he had to continue the conversation. Even though he knew it would remind Garrett of his dark memories.

“Your father entrusted me to hand over everything he left for you. And, of course, with Madam Daphne’s current old age, she can no longer manage her husband and son’s legacy. You know that for sure, Garrett.”

The tightness in Garrett’s chest seemed to increase when the lawyer mentioned another name. This time it was Daphne Billings, an elderly woman and Garrett’s grandmother.

“You haven’t forgotten, have you? In her eyes… you are her only grandson.”

Garrett scratched his temple, remaining silent without responding to Nelson’s words, and just letting out a long sigh.

“Maybe only Nana sees me that way.”

“To hell with the Ramirez family. They are just trying to find your weaknesses, Garrett. And you shouldn’t care about that. After all, you are the legitimate child of Mr. Allan Alexander Morales and Mrs. Norah Mitchell. It’s a destiny that cannot be denied by anyone. In your veins flows the Morales blood.”

Appearing helpless, Garrett looked at Nelson with a tired expression. It was evident that he did not like Nelson repeatedly bringing up the topic of his family. But what could he do? In Nelson’s eyes, he had to make sure that Garrett never forgets his origins.

“I’m sure there is nothing that would make your father happier than knowing that Pacific Energy is in your hands, Garrett.”

“It just proves to me that even in the afterlife, he still cares about wealth.”

Garrett’s words made Nelson flinch. But not for long. Because he quickly started thinking again.

“Forget about your father,” Nelson said then. “If you don’t want to take over the company because of your father’s name, how about the opposite? Take this company for your mother’s name, Garrett.”

This was Nelson’s last chance. He knew for sure that nothing could shake Garrett. But if he mentioned Norah’s name, he might have a chance.

“I’m sure Madam Norah would be delighted to see her son, whom she raised with struggle, at the top.”

Finishing his words there, Nelson prayed silently in his heart. Hopefully, this time his persuasion would work. After all, assets worth more than one hundred million dollars were not a small amount.

*