His 181St Second (Laverne and Marina) novel Chapter 37

**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale**

Lavern hurriedly approached just as Daron was about to slip into his car. His attempts to maintain his balance were futile, his steps betraying the unsteady state he was in.

“Mr. Zamora!” Lavern called out, his voice echoing slightly in the cool evening air.

Daron halted mid-motion, turning his head slightly to meet Lavern’s gaze.

With an outstretched hand, Lavern advanced, the earlier bravado he had displayed in front of the other partners now completely vanished. “Mr. Zamora, I don’t know if you’re aware, but Marina has been swamped with our wedding preparations lately. She’s barely had a moment to step into the office.”

“I’ll come by tomorrow to sign the contract myself. From here on out, for anything related to Ross Group—big or small—just reach out to me directly.”

As he spoke, Lavern fumbled for his phone, eager to save Daron’s contact information.

Daron stood firm, a picture of composure amidst Lavern’s apparent disarray. “Mr. Ross, I think you’ve had a bit too much to drink. Let’s save the business discussions for another time.”

“I’ll be signing the contract with Ms. Finley, no doubt about that. And regarding any future matters with Ross Group, I’ll be sure to reach out to you,” Daron added, his tone steady and unyielding.

Meanwhile, Robert had received a heads-up from Marina just as dinner commenced and had been waiting in the car, ready to spring into action at her signal.

Marina shot Robert a quick glance, and he moved in to support Lavern, anticipating the need to steady his friend.

But Lavern, fueled by a surge of defiance, shoved Robert away with unexpected force. “I’m not drunk, Mr. Zamora. Not at all! I’m completely sober. Ross Group is…”

Daron didn’t stick around to hear the rest of Lavern’s ramblings. He ducked into the car, leaving Lavern’s words hanging in the air.

In a desperate attempt, Lavern lunged forward, reaching out to grab Daron, but Garret, quick on the draw, slammed the door shut right in Lavern’s face. “Mr. Ross, this is as far as you go,” he declared, his voice firm.

With that, he hopped into the passenger seat, the door clicking shut behind him. The engine roared to life, and the car pulled away, leaving Lavern standing alone, his frustration palpable.

The other partners lingered nearby, their expressions a mix of curiosity and discomfort as they witnessed Lavern’s public dismissal. His face darkened, a storm of resentment brewing within him.

He pressed his tongue against his cheek, trying to contain the anger that threatened to spill over.

Marina observed quietly from the sidelines, taking in the entire scene.

Over the years, Lavern’s entourage had inflated his ego to the point where he could hardly bear to be sidelined. He was not the type to accept being overlooked for long.

And Daron? His approach was always direct and unambiguous.

—

From Lavern’s erratic behavior alone, Marina could sense the brewing storm that threatened Ross Group.

“55 vouchers,” she thought, pressing her lips together as she prepared to leave, but Lavern abruptly seized her hand, pulling her into a tight embrace.

“Marina, you are the best wife a man could wish for. Snagging a substantial contract like that without a word—‘marry a wise woman,’ as they say. Tying my fate to yours is the luckiest break of my life,” he professed, his grip unyielding, as if afraid she might slip away.

Now that she was ensconced in his arms, the tension that had gripped his chest began to ease, if only slightly. The sight of her chatting so effortlessly with Daron had ignited a fierce fear within him—that she might leave with him for good. She hadn’t even glanced back during his outburst.

Marina pushed against him, her effort strong, but when it yielded no results, she ceased her struggle.

A few oblivious partners chimed in, offering congratulations, toasting to their fairy tale and wishing for even greater achievements for Ross Group.

Completely unaware of the dubious dealings Lavern had engaged in, they celebrated, blissfully ignorant.

Thomas and Yesenia, however, hung back, opting for silence. They had both witnessed Lavern’s destructive tendencies firsthand and wanted no part in flattering him.

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