Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 45

Chapter 45:

“I want one million, or the freedom to work. That’s non-negotiable,” Yvonne said firmly.

Norton had never allowed Yvonne to work in the past, but given the current situation, she was confident that he would much rather not give her any money. This was a rare opportunity she couldn’t afford to miss.

“Do whatever you want, I’m not giving you a single dime. But…” Norton paused, fixing her with a cold stare. “Don’t go parading yourself around as my wife. Don’t drag my family name down with you.”

“You have nothing to worry about,” Yvonne reassured him. “I’ll make sure no one else knows, apart from those who are already aware of our relationship.”

Norton let out a derisive snort. “See that you do just that.” Then, without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away.

Rachel calculated her savings, including the money sent by Yvonne. In total, she had about 1.5 million. That meant she still needed to raise an additional 500,000.

Luckily, her business trip to Amberfield was for a huge project. If she managed to land the deal, and added in her year-end bonus, she should have enough, with a little change to spare.

Rachel wasted no time and asked Samira to prepare the necessary documents and travel with her.

They were set to leave when Trey suddenly ran up to them. “Ms. Marsh, you can’t leave me behind while you go on a business trip!”

“You still lack experience,” Rachel replied patiently. “It would be best for you to stay in the office and master the ropes for now.”

“I get what you’re saying, but… Well, you can’t just travel all by yourselves, you two are women! People might give you a hard time at some point. If you take me with you, I can be your guardian and save you all the trouble. I think I would be a great help in dealing with potential harassment.”

Rachel had to admit that Trey made a good point. Still, she took a moment to think it over before finally relenting. “All right, you can come with us. Go home and pack your things. Meet us at the airport in an hour.”

“Got it!”

The two women went ahead to pick up Jeffrey. For the first time, Rachel opened up about their situation and told Samira everything.

Samira was understandably shocked. “You’re a tough woman, you know? I really admire you. Since you’re like a sister to me, that makes your brother my family as well. I’ll treat him like my own from now on. Trust me, I’ll start by looking after him throughout our trip.”

Rachel nodded, offering a grateful smile. “That really puts me at ease.”

they headed

She stared at her phone for a few seconds before forcing herself to

you’re on your

“That’s right.”

everything you

no.” Rachel

his chest. He didn’t know what had caused it, but it latched onto him,

all you have to say, I’m hanging up,”

tone. He opened his mouth to

“If you need me—” He was abruptly cut off by the beeping tone. Rachel had already hung up on

took her hand and squeezed it. “Don’t be sad. You’ve got me. You’ll always

a small hug. “Yes, as long as I have you, I can

was already at the airport when they arrived. He bounded over to them like an excited golden retriever. “Over here! Let me help you with your

though, so he was as good as

Rachel’s sleeve, Jeffrey hid behind her, refusing to

brother’s unexpected reaction. But before she could do anything, Trey dropped a large duffel bag in

toys, ranging from plushies to puzzles

eyes lit up with undeniable interest, though he hesitated to approach Trey and

“Hello, Jeffrey. My name is Trey, and these are my gifts for you, in honor of our first

no longer fearful. He stepped out from behind Rachel, though he still clung to

his own, took the bag. Rachel

proceeded with the boarding procedures. At one point, Rachel pulled Trey aside and asked, “How did you know about

gave me a heads-up,” Trey explained. “She was worried that Jeffrey might be scared of me or think

moments when the universe reminded her that there was still kindness in the

plane took off, Jeffrey curled up in his seat and closed his eyes.

his hand

Trey glanced at them, his chest tightening with emotion. “Samira, can you tell me more about them?” he

They’ve had a hard time, and Rachel really cares about him. That’s why she brought him along—she didn’t want to

frowned. “What about

away a long time ago. Their father remarried and now lives with his new family. Rachel’s been working hard over the years, just to support herself and Jeffrey. She joined the White Group and climbed up its ranks through sheer grit and