We stayed in the garden for a while before having dinner when Uncle returned. Afterward, I got Aimy ready for bed and returned to my room to work, only to receive a phone call from my assistant.
"Director Alicia, I’ve checked the list of companies that have been sending in proposals to the company. Please review it and see if there’s anyone we can include in the partnership shortlist."
"Alright, I’ll do that," I said before hanging up.
Over the past few years, several companies had proposed partnerships, but most were repeatedly denied. After a while, so gave up while others continued sending proposals.
These industries ranged from clothing and textile production to raw materials and cotton processing.
Rosewood was well known for its vast cotton production, and Whitemore was the largest industry in the community. Naturally, every major company wanted a partnership.
I opened my mailbox and began scrolling through the list of companies.
Sterling Vogue Group.
Valmont Holdings.
Titan Textile Industries.
Everweave Global.
Then my eyes stopped on a na that made freeze.
"Blackwood Dominion Enterprises," I murmured quietly, almost as if I was afraid soone might hear it.
I shouldn’t have been surprised. After all, Blackwood Dominion was a global empire. It made sense they would be interested in Whitemore’s partnership, especially with its clothing expansion.
I forced myself to calm down and opened the proposal.
I had reviewed many proposals before, but this one was different.
It clearly aligned with what Whitemore needed.
A long-term procurent agreent that guaranteed the purchase of Whitemore cotton at premium market rates.
Investnt in advanced harvesting and processing technologies to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Expansion of Whitemore products into international markets through Blackwood Dominion’s established distribution network across North Arica, Europe, and Asia.
Joint developnt of sustainable textile initiatives to strengthen environntal responsibility while maximizing profitability.
A dedicated research and innovation center funded by Blackwood Dominion Enterprises to ensure long-term industry leadership for both companies.
Unlike conventional proposals, this one was built on mutual growth. It wasn’t just about buying resources—it was about elevating Whitemore Industries into a globally recognized na alongside Blackwood Dominion Enterprises.
Based on current projections, the partnership could increase Whitemore’s annual revenue by an estimated forty-two percent within the first three years, while ensuring stable growth for both organizations.
If Whitemore Industries entered into a partnership that would benefit both parties while ensuring its independence, then this was it.
Realizing that made feel even more uneasy, but I knew I couldn’t be selfish. I couldn’t let my personal emotions affect the company.
Then my eyes drifted to the bottom of the proposal.
We look forward to the opportunity to discuss this proposal further.
Respectfully,
Alexander Blackwood
Chairperson
Blackwood Dominion Enterprises
"Alexander Blackwood..."
"Chairperson..."
I murmured slowly, feeling sothing stir in my chest that I thought had disappeared... or maybe sothing I had forced myself to forget.
Then the mory of him reading Nana’s will flashed in my mind.
Back then, I had already made my decision to leave.
I had realized that no matter what happened, I would never be safe here with my baby—especially not with everyone already aware of everything.
Lilian was still missing.
Even if Alexander wasn’t protecting her, she could still find a way back into our lives.
I had convinced myself that Alexander would never agree to a divorce, and I didn’t want to trap him in a life built on guilt or responsibility. That was already what he had felt toward once.
I wasn’t even fully sure about running away at that ti.
I had bought a flight ticket.
But then I rembered how powerful and influential Alexander was.
He would have found within a day.
So I started looking for another way.
And then I found Nana’s box.
My only way out.
I knew I couldn’t let the chance slip away.....
I sat there, completely overwheld by what I had just read.
Overwheld by my thoughts.
I can’t even focus on work anymore.
Eventually, I went to bed, my mind in a daze.
I kept turning and tossing all night without sleep.
Aimy kept appearing in my thoughts.
So did the company.
And sowhere in between... so did him.
The next day, I woke up with a dull headache but forced myself out of bed anyway. After freshening up, I went to check on Aimy.
I pushed open her Superman-thed bedroom door quietly.
Aimy was still asleep.
The room was soft and warm, decorated entirely around her obsession with Superman—blue and red tones on the walls, little posters above her bed, and tiny superhero toys neatly arranged on the shelves. I had chosen every detail myself because she loved anything that made her feel strong and brave.
I stepped closer and sat on the edge of her bed.
A strange warmth spread through , easing the uneasiness from last night. I just sat there quietly, watching her sleep peacefully.
She looked so innocent.
Her features weren’t fully grown yet, but she looked so much like him. Her dark hair, her small nose, her lips... and then her eyes.
Those big blue eyes.
The sa ones that constantly reminded I couldn’t keep her from the truth forever.
"Mummy..."
Her eyelids fluttered open slowly.
A soft smile touched my lips.
"Did I wake you?" I asked gently.
She yawned and shook her head before sitting up properly.
I lifted her into my arms and carried her to the bathroom, helping her shower before getting her dressed for the day.
Sohow, doing that always cald . It grounded .
Just because Alexander was the Chairman of Blackwood Dominion didn’t an he would be directly involved in the partnership. And even if he was, there was still the smallest chance that we would never et.
I couldn’t keep Aimy away from him forever, I knew that. I understood what it ant to grow up in a single parent ho. I had lived it myself after my mother died.
But this life... this quiet, peaceful life we had built here... it was enough for now.
Alexander might be her father, but would he be able to give her this kind of warmth?
Would he be able to protect her from everything I had run away from?
I didn’t want Aimy to go through what I did. I didn’t want her to grow up and find herself trapped in a situation like mine.
A day would co when they would et.
But not now.
I wasn’t ready.
Not yet.
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