Chapter 18 - Begging on Knees
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A month later, a heavy rainstorm slammed into Manhattan.
Evelyn was leaving the penthouse building where she had recently bought a stunning duplex apartment overlooking the East River.
As she stepped out onto the sheltered driveway beneath the building’s awning, a soaked, disheveled figure emerged from the shadows.
It was Grant.
He looked unrecognizable. His designer suit was dirty and soaked with rainwater, his hair was matted to his forehead, and his eyes were red and hollow. He had lost weight, his cheekbones protruding sharply.
“Evelyn...” he choked out, taking a frantic step toward her.
Two private security guards instantly stepped forward, blocking him, but Evelyn held up her hand to pause them.
“Grant?” she asked, looking at him with mild surprise.
Grant fell to his knees directly in the puddle before her, wiping rain and tears from his face.
“Evelyn... please... I’m begging you!” he sobbed, clutching at his chest. “The IRS seized my accounts! The bank foreclosed on the Soho penthouse! I have nowhere to go! I have nothing left!”
I looked down at the man who had once stood in a crowded ballroom and told me I was finished.
“You have Chloe,” I pointed out coldly.
“She left me!” Grant wept, bowing his head to the wet pavement. “She lied about the baby! She was using me the whole time! You were the only one who ever truly cared about me, Evelyn! Please... give me another chance! I’ll do anything! I’ll work as your assistant! Just help me!”
I looked at him kneeling in the dirt, feeling no anger, no hatred, and no vengeance.
Only a profound, cold indifference.
“You didn't love me, Grant,” I said quietly. “You loved what I did for your ego. And when someone shiny came along, you threw me away without a second thought.”
A sleek black Maybach pulled up to the curb. The door opened, and Julian Vance stepped out, holding a large black umbrella.
Julian walked over, holding the umbrella over my head, completely ignoring the man sobbing on his knees in the puddle.
“Ready to go, Evelyn?” Julian asked softly.
I looked down at Grant one last time.
May you like
“Goodbye, Grant.”
I turned and stepped into the warmth of the Maybach, leaving him kneeling in the pouring rain.
