Chapter 60
Restraining order
Carter’s POV
“Do you have an appointment, sir?” The receptionist asked me. She was a lot nicer than I expected. I assumed after what happened at the gala, I would never be allowed into the company again.
I knew that before my release, I had been warned to stay off Veronica. I was going to try to, but before then, I wanted to say thank you to her. Personally.
I didn’t deserve any form of help she rendered to me but she did it, nonetheless.
“No, but if you could just tell her that I am here to see her, I’m sure she will let me in,” I knew I was being overconfident but that was the only to actually get her to dial the number.
“Okay, give me a minute,” she said and proceeded to dial the numbers. “Yes… ma’am. There’s a man here to see you, he says his name is…” she looked at me expectantly.
“Carter… Carter Grayson…” I answered and her expression immediately changed. I guess the reason she was nice to be was probably because she didn’t recognize me or know who I was.
Now, I didn’t know what to expect.
“He says he is Carter Grayson, ma’am. I am so sorry for bothering you, I will send him away now,” she said and my shoulders sagged.
I knew I wasn’t welcome here, but hearing her so quickly dismiss me cut deeper than I anticipated. The receptionist hung up the phone and gave me an apologetic smile.
“Sir, I’m afraid Miss Veronica has requested that you leave the premises immediately,” she said politely but firmly. “If you have any further business with her, you’ll need to go through her legal counsel.”
Her legal counsel? That could only mean one thing. My stomach churned with the realization of how far I’d fallen in her eyes.
“Please,” I said, my voice cracking as I took a step closer to the desk. “I just want to thank her. That’s all. Just five minutes.
The receptionist’s expression softened for a moment, but then she stood her ground. “I’m sorry, Mr. Grayson. If you don’t leave, I’ll have to call security.”
Before I could argue further, a familiar voice cut through the argument.
“That won’t be necessary.”
#
I turned to see Veronica herself standing a few feet away, her gaze was icy and unreadable. Dressed in a gorgeous pantsuit that brought out her figure, she looked every inch the powerful, classy heiress she was. It almost made me feel uneasy standing before her.
“Veronica…” I started, but she raised a hand to stop me.
“I told you to stay away,” she said, her voice calm but laced with steel. “What part of that did you not understand?”
“I just wanted to say thank you,” I said quickly, trying to keep my voice. steady. “I know I have no right to be here, but I needed to tell you how much I appreciate what you did for me. You didn’t have to help me, and I
Chapter 60
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“Carter,” she interrupted, her tone softening just slightly. “You don’t owe me anything. And I don’t want your gratitude. What I want is for you to respect the boundaries I’ve set.”
“I will,” I promised, desperation creeping into my voice. “After this, I swear. Just… please. I need you to know I’m sorry. For everything.”
For a moment, she just stared at me, her expression unreadable. Then she sighed, glancing around the lobby where a few curious employees had stopped to watch the scene.
“Fine,” she said, her voice low. “Step into my office. Five minutes, Carter. That’s all you get.”
The receptionist’s eyes widened in surprise, but I didn’t stick around to see her reaction. I followed Veronica down the hall, my heart pounding in my chest.
When we reached her office, she closed the door behind us and leaned against it, arms crossed. “Say what you need to say.”
I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “I know I messed up. I know I don’t deserve your kindness, but you gave it anyway. I just want you to know I’m going to turn things around. I’m going to be better.”
She studied me for a long moment, her gaze piercing. “I hope you mean that,” she said finally. “Because this is your last chance, Carter. If you come near me again, I’ll have no choice but to enforce the restraining order.”
The words hit me like a slap, but I nodded. “I understand.”
“Good,” she said, straightening up. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”
I hesitated, wanting to say more, but I knew it would only make things
Chapter 10
worse. “Thank you,” I said quietly before turning and walking out the
door.
As I stepped back into the lobby, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of relief and regret. She had given me five minutes, but it was clear that our chapter was closed. Whether I liked it or not, it was time to move on.
Yet as I got to the door, I couldn’t help but ask the one question that kept me up at night.
“I just want to know one last thing,” I stated and her frustrated expression.
met mine.
“What is it, Carter?”
“I… I just wanted to ask, if Meshach Peyton is indeed your father, who’s baby are you carrying?” I asked and she shot me a thick glare.
“I don’t think that is any of your business, Orthon,” she said coldly.
“I know it’s not, but could you… please just tell me? Is it Orthon’s?” I
asked.
She gave me a plain look. “Leave my office, Carter. You don’t want my father to catch you here.”
I let out a sigh. There was no point insisting. She wouldn’t tell me unless she wanted to.
I left the building, thinking of possible ways to reach her. I was miserable. without her and I wanted her back, desperately. Maybe I had to court her all over again. Would that work?
I stopped by my car, deep in thought. During our marriage, all I ever did. was neglect her. Maybe I could fix things, meaning that I have to start chasing her this time. I would do all the things I never did for her.
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Buy her flowers and gifts, take her on a date. Make her feel loved. Maybe that could work.