Wealth Without Him Rising from Betrayal (Grace Wilson) novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Richard’s POV

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Watching Laura leave without looking back, I wanted to chase after her. But my mother held me back.

My mother stood before me, her eyes filled with cold fury.

“Were you planning to leave with her? Have you lost your mind?” she scolded.

I massaged my temples, the throbbing headache intensifying.

“Mom, please keep your voice down.”

“Then be clear about your actions! Your family reputation, the company stock price, everything you’ve worked for-are you willing to throw it

all away?”

The question hung in the air like a guillotine. I knew what was at stake-the billions in market valuation, generations of family legacy, my

position as CEO.

“I understand, I finally said. “I’ll handle it.”

“Handle it? You need to end it completely,” Mother’s voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “Remember this, Richard. Anyone can walk through

the Harrison family doors… except Laura. Never her.”

I sighed, nodding obediently.

“I heard from the staff that Grace moved out. What’s that about?”

“You and Jason are both responsible for that,” I said angrily.

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“She’s just using us as an excuse to get more power from you,” Mother said dismissively.

After she finished inspecting the entire villa and left, I immediately tried galling Laura. No answer. I tried again. Still nothing. Panic crept up

my spine as I imagined her alone, hurt, possibly planning to expose everything.

A notification popped up on Emma’s tablet still sitting on the coffee table. Laura had sent a message to Emma.

I dialed the number she’d included in the message.

“What do you want?” Laura’s voice was raw with pain.

“Laura, I’m sorry. I had no choice-

“No choice?” Her bitter laugh cut through me. “Again, Richard! Again you chose your family over us! Over your real family!”

“This is temporary,” I promised, lowering my voice though I was alone. Once the IPO is complete, I’ll figure something out.”

“Like

you figured something out ten years ago?” The accusation stung because it was true. I gave up everything for you.”

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11:56 Mon, Feb 23

Chapter 25

“Tell me where you are. Please.”

Her silence felt eternal before she finally answered, “Green Valley Hotel, Rom 512.

“I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

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The hotel suite was decorated in tasteful neutrals, but the atmosphere inside was charged with tension. Laura’s friend Stella glared at me the moment I walked in.

“Well, if it isn’t Mr. CEO, she sneered. “Come to break her heart all over again?”

“Stella, please, Laura intervened, her eyes red-rimmed from crying.

“No, he should hear this,” Stella stood, confronting me. “Laura bet everything on you! Her parents froze all her assets when they found out about your relationship. She has nothing except what you’ve given her!”

I felt the weight of guilt crushing my chest. “I didn’t know.”

“Of course you didn’t,” Stella scoffed. “Too busy playing house with your fake wife.”

“That’s enough, Laura said firmly. “This is between me and Richard.

Once Stella reluctantly left the room, I took Laura’s hands in mine: I’m sorry. I’ll make this right.”

“How?” she asked.

“I’ve already started looking for a place for you. Somewhere private, somewhere safe. I promise, after the IPO, we’ll figure out how to be together properly.”

She leaned into my chest. “For Emma’s sake… for all of us, I hope you mean it this time.”

I held her tightly, knowing that despite my promises, the road ahead would be treacherous. But for now, we had reached a fragile peace.

The next morning, I took Laura to see the luxury apartment I’d secured near Harrison Group headquarters. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a spectacular view of the city skyline, and the building’s tight security ensured privacy.

“It’s beautiful,” she admitted, trailing her fingers along the marble countertop.

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11:56 Mon, Feb 23