Chapter 18 - Shadows of the Past
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I stood by the window of my studio, looking down at the street below. “Why are you telling me this, Brad?”
“Because I realized you were right,” he said, letting out a ragged sigh. “I’ve spent my entire life trying to make my father happy and keeping my family comfortable. I let Vanessa use me to get to you. I let my father threaten you. I was a coward.”
“You were,” I agreed softly.
“I’m moving to Chicago,” Brad continued. “I took a junior position at an independent advisory firm. No family connections. No safety net. I want to try to build something on my own.”
I took a deep breath, feeling a genuine sense of peace settle in my heart.
“I’m glad to hear that, Brad,” I said. “I hope you find who you are when your family isn't telling you who to be.”
“Thank you, Kate,” he whispered. “And… congratulations on the Luxe Global deal. You deserved every bit of it.”
“Goodbye, Brad.”
May you like
“Goodbye, Kate.”
I hung up the phone and set it down on the cutting table. I didn't block his number this time. I didn't need to. The chapter was officially, completely closed.
