Wealth Without Him Rising from Betrayal (Grace Wilson) novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Richard’s POV

SEC regulations are extremely strict about ownership changes before an O,” I explained, keeping my voice deliberately calm despite the anxiety churning in my gut. “Any significant equity redistribution at this stage would trigger a regulatory review and potentially delay our

entire timeline.”

50%

The hotel suite’s luxurious surroundings contrasted sharply with the coldness in Grace’s voice coming through the speakerphone.

“Is that so? Grace’s voice held an edge I’d never heard before. “How interesting that when you needed my formulas to boost your valuation, I was a core asset. But now that I want proper recognition, I’m just a ‘spouse meddling in business’?”

“The board would never approve it, I countered. “Fifty percent is completely unreasonable, Grace. You know that.”

“What I know is that I’ve spent two years building your company,” she replied, her voice unnervingly steady. “What exactly is unreasonable about wanting equity in my own work?”

I softened my tone, trying a different approach. “Sweetheart, I promised you that what’s mine is yours. You don’t need your name on stock

certificates to-”

“Stop. Her interruption was like a slap. “In this world, Richard, only what’s written on stock certificates matters. Everything else is just empty

promises.”

“Grace, let’s discuss this when you’re thinking more clearly. You’re obviously upset and-”

The call disconnected. I stared at the phone in disbelief, then immediately tried FaceTiming her. No answer. I tried again. Still nothing.

“Fuck!” I slammed my fist against the desk.

Grace had never been greedy before. She’d always been reasonable, supportive, understanding. Why such a dramatic change now?

Losing Grace would mean losing many investors, and the financial loss would be catastrophic. Tens, maybe hundreds of millions.

She wouldn’t actually do that to me, I reassured myself. Perhaps she was jus emotional after that business with Mother and Jason.

I picked up my phone and opened the banking app. I initiated a transfer to her personal account: $1 million. In the memo field, I typed: “Buy

yourself something pretty.”

I hesitated, then made another transfer. $1 million. Memo: “Don’t be mad, honey.”

I followed with three more transfers in quick succession.

Five million dollars. A generous gesture by any standard.

Grace’s POV

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” I whispered, staring at my phone as it buzzed with five consecutive bank notifications.

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11:55 Mon, Feb 23

Chapter 17

If he thought he could keep me with money, he was going to lose spectacularly.

My phone vibrated with a new notification. A message, not a bank alert.

Alex: Just finished my meeting, still awake. You too?

A smile tugged at my lips as I typed back: Yes. Just arrived in Aetheria, still adjusting to the time difference.

You’re in Aetheria?

Yes, for a charity gala. Will you be attending too? I felt a hint of anticipation for his reply.

No. I have a summit broadcast coming up. His response left me feeling slightly disappointed.

Then I’ll let you focus on that. I should rest anyway.

I ended the conversation, not wanting to disturb his schedule. But remembering he mentioned a broadcast, I grew curious.

The massive television dominated one wall of the suite’s living room. I sat on the plush sofa, watching the summit’s live broadcast.

“And now, our final speaker of the evening,” the moderator announced. “Please welcome the CEO of Morgan International, Mr. Alexander

Morgan.”

50%

The camera panned to Alex as he approached the podium. Unlike the other speakers with their conservative gray suits, he wore a perfectly tailored Tom Ford in deep charcoal, his presence commanding even through the screen. The audience applauded with noticeably more

enthusiasm than they had for previous speakers.

Alex began speaking about family capital restructuring and future responsibilities in a voice that was both authoritative and engaging. His analysis was razor-sharp, cutting through complex financial concepts with elegant precision.

I found myself leaning forward, captivated not just by his words but by his entire presence. This wasn’t the slightly aloof man I’d had dinner with-this was a financial titan moving markets with his insights, a man whose decisions affected economies.

It wasn’t just his physical attractiveness, though that was undeniable. It was the aura of capability, the absolute certainty with which he commanded the room. Unlike Richard’s desperate grasping at status, Alex wore his power like a second skin.

Someone as exceptional as him must have countless admirers. Looking at my phone with no further messages, I couldn’t help feeling a little

disappointed.

Fatigue finally washed over me, and I returned to bed, pulling the covers over me as I drifted into sleep.

The following evening, I stood alone near the edge of the Windsor Grand Hotel’s opulent ballroom, a glass of champagne in my hand. The deep sea-blue gown I wore complemented the sapphire and diamond necklace from the Wilson family collection that Charles had insisted I wear.

“Family jewels should be worn by family, he’d said before being called away for an urgent business meeting. Sophia had been similarly whisked off by acquaintances, leaving me momentarily isolated among the elite.

I didn’t mind. It gave me a chance to observe the room-the subtle power dynamics, the alliances formed and broken over champagne flutes,

the silent evaluations happening behind polite smiles.

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11:55 Mon, Feb 23

Chapter 17

“Is that her? The Wilson’s lost daughter? A voice deliberately loud enough for me to hear came from behind.

“She doesn’t even look like she knows how to use a fork properly.”

The women tittered, and I noticed other guests beginning to watch our interaction, their eyes assessing, judging.

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“Grace, you don’t need to worry about others’ opinions, because they’re really nothing special themselves.”

I nodded, knowing this was the kind of situation I would face in the future, and I was already prepared for it.

50%

“Ladies and gentlemen, the event host’s voice suddenly rang out over the speakers. “We now invite the Wilson family representative to say a few words about tonight’s charitable cause.”

The spotlight illuminated me like a coronation, and in that moment, with hundreds of the world’s most powerful people watching, I was no longer that timid, acquiescent woman.

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