Chapter 104
RAINA
How could my grandfather choose me for this? And why would Dominic let it happen?
The papers felt heavy in my hands as I sat at my desk, staring down at them as if they held some sort of secret answer I’d missed. Share transfers. Not just any shares–everything my grandfather owned. It was now mine.
I blinked rapidly, trying to process the words on the page. This couldn’t be real. Why me? Why now?
My gaze lifted to my grandfather, who stood across the desk, his posture calm and deliberate, as though this were just another ordinary day in the office. Tears burned the corners of my eyes, but I couldn’t find the strength to blink them away.
“This should have gone to Dominic,” I whispered, my voice cracking slightly under the weight of my emotions. “Why me?”
My grandfather’s smile was warm, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of pride and something I couldn’t quite place. “Because you’re ready, Raina,” he said softly, his tone steady but kind. “I’ve watched you grow into the woman you are today. This family needs someone with your strength and vision. Make me proud.”
His words landed like stones in my chest. My strength? My vision? I’d spent so much of my life in Dominic’s shadow, convinced that he was the natural leader, the protector. How could my grandfather believe I was capable of this?
“Grandpa, I don’t know if I can-
He held up a hand, silencing me gently but firmly. “You can,” he said with unwavering conviction. “You will. Trust yourself as much as I trust you.”
And just like that, he turned and walked out of my office, leaving me staring after him in stunned silence.
The door clicked shut, and I was alone with the papers and the storm of emotions raging inside me. For a long moment, I didn’t move. My mind was a whirlpool of disbelief, fear, and—was that a hint of pride?
I glanced back at the documents, the black ink on the page blurring slightly as tears threatened again.
“No, not here,” I muttered under my breath, shaking my head. I couldn’t break down now. Not in this office.
With trembling hands, I moved to my office safe. My fingers fumbled with the key, the cold metal biting into my palm as I struggled to steady myself. Finally, the lock clicked open, and I carefully placed the papers inside, shutting the door with more force than necessary.
The metallic clang echoed in the quiet room. I exhaled shakily, leaning my forehead against the cool surface of the safe for a moment.
Dominic. I needed to find Dorninic. He’d have answers. He’d understand this in a way I couldn’t yet.
Grabbing my phone, I dialed his number as I headed out of my office. The line rang twice before going to voicemail.
“Where are you?” I muttered to myself, frustration bubbling under the surface.
His office was my next stop, but when I pushed the door open, it was empty. The perfectly organized space looked untouched, as if he hadn’t been there all day.
“Dominic?” I called out, hoping he was just in another room. But there was no response.
I lingered for a moment, feeling the growing weight of unease settle in my chest. This wasn’t like him. He was always easy to find, always present when the family needed him.
The hours ticked by, and it wasn’t until later in the day that I finally found him. He was stepping out of one of the smaller conference rooms, his phone pressed to his ear and his expression unreadable.
“Dominic!” I called out, my relief evident.
He glanced at me briefly, his jaw tightening as he ended his call. “Raina,” he acknowledged, his tone clipped.
I slowed my pace as I approached him, studying his face. Something was off—his usual calm demeanor felt strained, almost guarded.
Where have you been?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ve been looking for you all day.”
“I’ve been busy,” he replied shortly, avoiding my gaze as he adjusted his watch.
“Busy?” I repeated, crossing my arms. “I needed to talk to you about something important.”
Dominic sighed, running a hand through his hair. “What is it, Raina?”
I hesitated, the words catching in my throat. “Grandpa transferred everything to me,” I said quietly, watching his reaction carefully.
1/2
Chapter 104
His expression didn’t change, but there was a flicker of something–before he quickly masked it. “I know,” he said simply.
“You knew?” I asked, my voice rising slightly. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
Dominic shrugged, his tone neutral. “It’s what he wanted. And he made the right choice.”
“That’s it?” I pressed, frustration creeping into my voice. “You’re not upset? You’re not going to fight this?”
He finally looked at me, his gaze sharp and unwavering. “Why would I be upset Raina? Did you expect me to fight you over this?”
“No, that’s not what I-” I stopped, my thoughts tangling together. “I just don’t understand why you’re acting so…distant.”
D
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