Chapter 21
Chapter 21
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Sherry had penciled in a meeting with the client for tomorrow at her studio to go over some stuff with Natalie. But then, she got a call that night saving the meeting was rescheduled for the day after tomorrow.
With her schedule suddenly free, Sherry figured it was the perfect time to treat Zayn and Emma to a day at the amusement park. The kids were stoked and so excited that they had trouble dozing off that night,
Natalie had one more task to finish ups in Janishing. First thing the next morning, she asked Sherry to take the kids to the park while she went to get some cash. She pulled out 30 thousand dollars, packed it all nice in a brown envelope, and hopped in a cab to Evercrest Group’s main bilice. Paying back the money she borrowed during her divorce would be like lifting a big weight off her chest.
Lately, Evercrest Group had been growing like crazy, getting even more massive, Shawn’s name was always on those lists of the richest people in the world. People were lining up to work there because the pay was awesome and the benefits were out of this world. The workers were all top–notch: even the person at the front desk had to go through a super strict selection
process.
When Natalie walked in, the receptionist gave her a polite bow. “Good morning! How can I help you?”
But before Natalie could say a word, the receptionist noticed someone else coming in and bowed again. “Good morning, Ms.
Grant
Natale spotted a tall, chic silhouette entering the building–it was Tracy. She quickly moved out of the way, thankful that Tracy didn’t catch a glimpse of her at the reception area and just went straight for the elevator meant for the CEO.
“Pardon me, can I assist you?” the receptionist asked again, shifting her attention back to Natalie.
Natalie handed over the brown envelope. “Could you please give this to Mr. Guzman? Thanks a lot.” And with that, she pivoted and strolled off.
Once Tracy went upstairs, she made her way straight into the CEO’s office.
The secretaries had seen Tracy around so often that they didn’t even blink when she walked by. The company had unofficially crowned her as “the future Mrs. Guzman,” and that was no secret, especially considering Shawn never let any other lady get near him.
Plus, he gave her the VIP treatment, letting her come and go in the company and his office whenever she wanted, a perk that wasn’t handed out to just anyone.
Tracy pushed the door open. “Shawn, are you still swamped?”
Shawn glanced up from his mountain of papers. “Yeah, almost done.”
“Awesome. Once you’re through, let’s go grab some lunch. I came here on purpose to have lunch with you, to make sure you. don’t lose track of time when you’re buried in work, Tracy said, valking around the desk and looping her arms around his
She tried to sound stern, but there was a playful lilt to her voice.
“Alright, go ahead and take a break on the couch. I’ll wrap things up here and then we’ll head out for lunch, Shawn said, gently pulling his arm away as he suggested Tracy wait aside.
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“Fine, that’s more like it, she responded, walking over to the couch. She grabbed a magazine and started flipping through it, waiting for Shawn to finish up
About thirty minutes later, Shawn got up from his chair and grabbed his jacket, “Alright, let’s go get some lunch.
Tracy moved closer and hooked her arm with his. “I thought you’d be longer than that.”
“I wouldn’t dare keep you waiting too long, Shawn replied.
Tracy playfully tapped his arm, a move that was more loving this it was harsh. “I’m not that intimidating. Your workers might start thinking I’m a total queen bee
They walked out of the office, joking with each other as they wen. In the secretary’s office, a few staff members exchanged glances. “See I told you, Mr. Guzman really looks out for Tracy. That cold front of his only melts when she’s around.”
Everyone whispered their thoughts, “It looks like Tracy might be on her way to becoming Mrs. Guztian
The two of them headed to their regular spot, a restaurant that was Tracy’s favorite pick. Shawn wasn’t a huge fan of the food there. He found himself longing for the warm, home–cooked meals that Natalie used to make.
Over the past few years, he hadn’t heard a peep from her. After that night when she said they should cut off contact, he tried to call, but it was like she’d fallen off the face of the earth. Eventually, he found out she hadn’t returned to her hometown and had disappeared without leaving a trace.
“Hey Shawn, you okay! I got you the steak combo. Need anything else? Tracy asked, noticing him sitting there quiet, like his mind was a million miles away.
Shawn shook his head, like he was waking up from a daydream. Nah, what you got is good.”
Tracy gave him a confident smile. “You’ll love it, I promise.”
She took a deep breath and added, “So, have you talked to your grandpa about the wedding stuff? I could go see him, you know, hang out a bit, try to smooth things over.”
It had been a long four years since Shawn’s split with Natalie. Every time they got close to talking about tying the knot, or even just getting a ring on it, Shawn would mention how Henry wasn’t on board, Tracy didn’t see what the big deal was; it was their life, their decision. They could keep living how they wanted, and she didn’t have to step foot in the Guzman manor if Henry didn’t want to see her.
Tll try to talk to Grandpa again. He’s not doing too well, and I don’t want to add any extra stress, Shawn said.
Tracy didn’t press the issue. She got that family was everything to Shawn, and his connection with Henry was on a whole other level. It was obvious that Henry was still stuck on Natalie. She couldn’t help but wonder, “How long do I have to lung in there? Do I really need to wait until Henry’s gone to finally put on the Guzman name?
“Hey, there’s a gala tonight. Will you go with me?” Shawn asked, sensing that the wedding talk had brought Tracy down.
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“Absolutely, let me go get ready later, Tracy’s spirits lifted at the dea. Going to the gala meant rubbing shoulders with the bigwigs of Janisburg. For years now, she’d been Shawn’s plus one at these shindigs. Everyone knew her as the lady on the arin of Evercrest Group’s CEO, and being with Shawn had brought her a life of both luxury and emotional happiness.
As they stepped out of the restaurant, Shawn glanced at Tracy and said, “I have the car drop you off at home. My assistant will swing by later with your dress.”
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“Thanks, Shawn, but you don’t have to go out of your way. I can grab a taxi. You handle your stuff, Tracy replied, appreciating his consideration but al
knowing when to give him some space. A little independence was important to keep their relationship balanced. She figured that being understanding and giving was the secret to keeping a man happy.
But when it came to marriage, she couldn’t shake off a sense of unease. All these years, Shawn had never spent the night at her place. Every time she tried to move things forward, he’d gendy deflect, saying he wanted to save the best for their wedding night. Even when she teasingly invited him over in a see–through nightie, he stayed cool, suggesting she put on a jacket to stay warm. It made her even wonder if he was unable to perform.
Tracy let out a soft sigh. He always seemed so close, yet somehow, there was a distance. Only marriage could truly make her place in his life solid.
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