The Billionaire Who Saved Me

It feels pointless to hold a grudge now. Besides, Garrett couldn’t take back the words that had already escaped his lips, especially when Daphne nodded when she heard that one name. She seemed to enjoy the taste of that name on her tongue.

“Elice,” Daphne whispered quietly. “Um… a very unique name. I am sure you can spare some time. At least, I think I should meet her. After all, she’s going to be your wife, isn’t she?”

Garrett swallowed hard at the right moment, avoiding Daphne’s gaze. Still, Garrett was confident that behind her glasses, Daphne had a vision and judgment not to be underestimated.

“Alright. I think today is enough for now. You need some rest. Especially since tomorrow is your first day greeting the Pacific.”

With that, Daphne rose and left Garrett alone in his workspace. He immediately closed his eyes dramatically as the door closed.

Oh, God. What had I done? How could I casually mention her name? A woman whose whereabouts I don’t even know right now?

It was undoubtedly a fatal mistake for Garrett. He knew the risks. Later, when he finally found a woman-which he thought was impossible-she wouldn’t be named Elice.

So, it seemed reasonable to Garrett to take a moment to calm down. Even though he had only set foot in Ashford City a few hours ago, the pressure he felt was already immeasurable. And he was sure that more surprises awaited him in the future. He had to prepare.

Two days later was Garrett’s first day in his new status. First on his Monday agenda was a visit to the Pacific Energy office. He was warmly welcomed by everyone there.

Accompanied by Amber, who was ready to assist him, Garrett attended his first meeting. In truth, there wasn’t much for him to do that day-practically just introductions to a few key people who had played roles there before.

Rather than just formal introductions behind closed doors, Garrett took advantage of the day to go on a tour after the official event. He visited various departments, introduced himself, and shook hands with other employees who hadn’t had a chance to attend the formal event.

“Did you know there’s a welcome conference planned? It will be held at the Azure Hotel. Two weeks from now, Saturday night to be exact.”

As the day reached its midpoint, Amber took a moment to ask that question. Now alone in Garrett’s new office, she handed him a cup of warm tea. Garrett’s face looked tired. Amber knew everything felt heavier than he had initially thought-not because of the tasks he had completed that day, but because of the pressure.

Garrett took a sip of the tea, savoring its unique sweet and bitter flavor, then unconsciously sighed.

“I know. I was informed of the agenda two days ago. Do you know? Maybe two hours after I landed, they came to my house.”

Amber took a deep breath, then nodded weakly, choosing not to comment on the visit.

“All right then,” Amber said. “There will be a lot of journalists covering this event. And I think this is the first time you’ve faced so many reporters.”

The teacup stopped moving in front of Garrett’s lips. He seemed to be deep in thought and then resumed his sipping. Just as the cup returned to its saucer, he shook his head.

“Actually, this is the first time I’ve ever faced journalists,” Garrett corrected, glancing at Amber. “Never before. And journalists have never thought of taking my picture before.”

Amber chuckled, making her aging face look softer. “I think you should prepare yourself better. Besides, all eyes have been on you for the last five months.”

Garrett remained silent and said nothing. The next moment, Amber handed him a folder.

“This is a list of some of the media people who will be attending your conference. Along with general questions that will be asked. Just study it. And for any unexpected questions, the staff will handle them. You just relax.”

Garrett took the folder, opened it, and quickly concluded that it contained generic questions-something beneficial for someone unaccustomed to interviews. And even if there were unexpected questions, as Amber had mentioned, there were staff to handle them. Garrett could relax.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, sir.”

After Amber left, Garrett took the time to read through the list of questions, including the names of the invited media. There were representatives from private television stations to print media. And, of course, there was a familiar name-Metro, one of the leading print media outlets focusing on influential young figures in Oceana. It made Garrett grimace, finding it somewhat amusing.

Regardless, Amber was right. He needed to prepare.

Garrett knew. The world didn’t know him at first. Even as he tried to make the name of Apex Builders and Co. better known, the media wasn’t too familiar with him. But look now. When Pacific Energy joined him, everyone became interested. In fact, many journalists complained that they did not get priority seating for the conference night.

So, Garrett didn’t want to embarrass himself. At the very least, he had to appear in public with confidence. And that’s exactly what Garrett showed when the conference night arrived. With Amber at his side, he stepped forward with a straight face.

The flashes of the camera lights flickered several times, blinding the eyes. But it seemed to have no effect on Garrett. He walked forward with a firm, orderly step, exuding a controlled and dominant aura that captivated all eyes present.

A table was set up in front of the room, exquisitely and elegantly decorated for Garrett and his entourage. The commotion that had briefly erupted disappeared instantly as the conference host took the microphone, a sign that the event was about to officially begin.

Navigating through the opening, welcoming remarks, and finally reaching the climax of the event, the microphone shifted to Garrett. Accompanied by a seat reserved for him.

“Good evening, everyone. Thank you for taking the time to be here tonight.”

As he began his speech, Garrett took a moment to survey the room, casting his eyes over every corner. The setting was the conference room of the luxurious Azure Hotel, a renowned venue for such important events.

The atmosphere that night was lively, not unusual. Although Garrett had been preparing for the past five months, it still managed to make him take a deep breath, a moment to calm himself.

At that moment, Garrett gracefully took the opportunity to look around. In the eye contact he shared for a few seconds to create a more controlled atmosphere for himself, Garrett suddenly paused at one point.

There was an object that brought Garrett’s eye focus to an abrupt halt. It was fixed on a pair of eyes that were also staring at him. A strange look, a mixture of disbelief and surprise, perhaps mirroring what was emanating from his own eyes.

Blinking once, Garrett almost couldn’t believe what he was seeing. But it couldn’t be a mistake. No. Those were the same eyes he had seen in the dim lights of the nightclub. Eyes he hadn’t seen since he woke up that morning. Eyes that had been missing for six long months.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

In his heart, Garrett whispered the name with uncertainty.

Elice?

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