Chapter 32
Chapter 8
The Montgomery family officially declared bankruptcy.
Chloe was fired from the research institute and faced prosecution.
Mr. Montgomery became bedridden with illness.
Alexander was desperate, and with nowhere to turn, he tossed aside the last shred of his dignity.
He kept showing up outside Sterling Corporation, begging to see me.
He even knelt there, not caring about how ridiculous he looked, slapping himself, crying, begging for forgiveness
over and over.
Standing at the floor-to-ceiling windows on the top floor, I could occasionally see that tiny, blurred figure below.
Evelyn asked quietly:
“Ms. Sterling, should I send someone to handle this p>
“No need p>
I turned away from the window.
“He made his choices. Now he lives with the consequences p>
After the storm passed, Sterling Corporation grew tighter than ever, and business started expanding even faster.
The day everything settled, I gave myself a break.
My long-tense nerves needed to relax.
At the end of the boardwalk, on a relatively calm stretch of each.
A golden retriever was anxiously trotting back and forth on the sand, occasionally stopping to gaze toward the ocean, letting out soft whimpers.
It wore a collar but had no owner in sight.
After hesitating, I walked over.
“Hey there, little guy, can’t find your owner p>
I crouched down and ruffled its fluffy head-surprisingly soft.
10:30
You Traded Our Son for Her? Your ‘Happy’ Ending Just Crashed, Asshole!
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Chapter 8
It seemed to understand me, whimpering louder and gently pawing at my hand.
“Don’t worry, maybe your owner will be here soon p>
I soothed it quietly, feeling unexpectedly calm myself.
“Goldie p>
A cheerful male voice called out.
The golden retriever by my legs immediately perked up its ears and barked excitedly.
The man crouched down, tightly hugging the dog that bounded into his arms.
He stood up and walked toward me, his smile genuine and warm.
“I’m Leo Grant. He was chasing some seabird, and before I knew it… poof, gone. Had me freaking out p>
“Eleanor Sterling p>
Goldie barked cooperatively, wagging his tail even more enthusiastically.
We stood by the ocean like that, chatting casually.
Later, I’d occasionally drive out here.
Goldie was always the first to spot my car, running over excitedly.
Eventually, we’d walk together along the long coastline, Goldie between us.
New beginnings are probably like this.
In some unguarded moment, in familiar or strange scenery.
Meeting something unexpected that makes you willingly stop in your tracks.
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Joseph King
Joseph King is an editor and storyteller who ensures every chapter is clear, polished, and engaging for readers.