The Billionaire Who Saved Me

Ariel walked with firm and measured steps, his gaze straight ahead and his back wide. He radiated an aura of confidence as he looked at each person in the meeting room. As he took his seat, those who had been standing sat down.

It was the event of the power transition in Lostic. The day when Ariel was officially introduced as the new leader, ousting Mahardika, who had been in charge for three years, in a very short span of time.

This, of course, caused a stir here and there, raising doubts about the reasons for the seemingly forced change. Even when there was a specific reason, citing the company’s inability to capitalize on the turmoil at a rival company, it seemed insufficient. In the end, sales were down, but the change felt very sudden. Without warning, Kurt called a shareholders’ meeting, and there was Ariel.

Enjoying the sensation of the CEO chair for a few seconds, Ariel scanned the room, taking in every face. At each board member and other important figures. A faint smile, then an unintentional smile, appeared on Ariel’s handsome face.

“Good morning.”

*

A moderately busy afternoon. Garrett loosened the tie around his neck without taking his eyes off the documents he was reading. Half an hour had passed and there were still many lines of text to study.

A knock interrupted his concentration. The door to his office opened. Amber walked in and approached him.

“Sorry to disturb you, sir. But I just received word from Mr. Carolus that all the necessities for Miss Elice’s family are ready. They can move this afternoon if you agree, even now.”

Garrett heaved a long sigh. Thanks to the impending marriage, his work and personal life seemed inextricably linked. Even at the office, there would still be discussions about the wedding.

Speaking of the sacred event that would take place in less than a month, Garrett found Daphne asking Elice’s family to move. To leave Rita’s house and stay in the houses he had prepared. For their comfort and appearance, of course. What would the world say if the in-law of a wealthy man still lived in a humble shack?

Not to exaggerate, but Garrett had considered it. However, his busy schedule forced him to let Daphne take care of it once again.

Garrett had discussed it with Elice and Wilda, being careful not to offend their good intentions and meet with rejection. Fortunately, that’s what Garrett got.

“Wait. I’ll contact Wilda first.”

Amber nodded and let Garrett reach for his phone and call Wilda. Without going through Elice, Garrett thought it would be more efficient to contact his mother directly. Besides, Elice would not be there.

“Hello,” Garrett greeted when the call was answered. “I hope I’m not disturbing you. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

Silently, Amber listened to the conversation. When the call ended, she had already received the answer.

“Tell Mr. Carolus that he can come this afternoon if he wants. But first, make sure the house is ready without forgetting anything. I don’t want Elice’s family to be tired or uncomfortable.”

Amber understood completely and nodded. “Certainly, sir. Excuse me.”

“Wait.”

A word, followed by Garrett raising his hand, successfully made Amber reconsider her intention. She returned to her original position.

“What is it, sir?”

“What is my schedule for today and until what time?” Garrett asked. “Afternoon? Evening? Is there a meeting?”

Amber’s memory was trained to remember Garrett’s schedule for an entire day. So, she could answer this question without any help.

“Four in the afternoon, sir. No appointments or meetings today.”

Garrett was relieved to hear that. Unconsciously, a smile appeared on his face. He nodded once. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, sir.”

After that, Amber actually left Garrett’s room, leaving him to return to his work and let the hours pass in earnest.

Exactly ten minutes after the clock struck four in the afternoon, Garrett left the towering building. He deliberately drove his own car. And, of course, the man’s destination was Wilda’s new home.

Garrett’s phone rang. It was a call from Elice. Without wasting any time, he answered it.

“Hello, Elice.”

There was a momentary pause before Garrett received an answer to his greeting. The voice sounded slightly out of breath.

“Hello, Garrett.”Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Garrett frowned. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. It’s just my car that’s not.”

A sudden sense of amusement appeared at the corner of Garrett’s lips. That was because the image of Elice’s car quickly came to mind. The year 2000 sedan had indeed been a champion in its time. It was no wonder that the car had been admired for its unique beauty. However, the passage of time had made the car look old. Garrett was not at all surprised when the car occasionally showed signs of its age.

“Where are you now?”

“I’m still at Metro. Just two meters from the parking lot. Uh… can you come here? I don’t know why, but I thought you were going to Mom’s new house.”

It was not wrong for Elice to think that. It was actually quite human.

“You’re right, and now I’m on my way,” Garrett said with an unintentional smile on his lips. “Wait for me. I’ll be there soon.”

Shortly after Garrett’s words ended, the call ended. He quickly changed his destination. Instead of going directly to Wilda’s house, he had to make a detour to pick up Elice.

No problem. Because there were not many opportunities for Garrett to have that kind of free time. Spending a few minutes on the road to pick up his future wife was a luxury he did not get every day.

“Mom called me earlier.”

Elice was already in her car, sitting comfortably next to Garrett with sweat visible on the side of her face. The day was indeed hot, and Garrett handed her a bottle of mineral water.

“Thank you.”

Elice quickly opened the cap and felt an indescribable relief as the cool water moistened her throat. Garrett glanced over.

“What did your mom say?”

*