Chapter 44

“Messed up? How bad can it be?” I thought.

Staying calm, I asked, “Okay, slow down. What’s going on?”

Demi explained that the park’s lighting didn’t match the design specifications. The problem stemmed either from faulty lights or a flawed installation.

“Look, you know who to call to fix it. Even if I were there, that’s all I’d do,” I replied, maintaining a calm tone.

“Keira, please come back. I can’t handle this alone. And I don’t know what’s gotten into Mr. Johnston lately. He’s been coming to the amusement park every day, and every time he leaves, there are more problems. I’m about to lose my mind,” Demi’s voice cracked.

Considering Jace’s message, I wondered if he was deliberately creating problems for Demi to pressure me. After all these years, he knew me well—my soft heart and inability to bear seeing others suffer because of me.

“Handle it for now,” I said, still hesitant to return.

It wasn’t heartlessness; I wanted Demi to step up and take on more responsibility. Growth comes from learning and overcoming challenges. I was considering leaving the company, creating a promotion opportunity for her. She needed to be ready.

“Keira, I can’t deal with this by myself. The lighting is the heart of the whole amusement park,” Demi pleaded.

After a moment’s thought, I said, “Send me a detailed report. When you’re on-site, call me. It’d be best to turn on all the lights at night so I can see what’s going on.”

Demi seemed to understand I wasn’t coming back. “Keira, I know you don’t want to face Mr. Johnston right now. If it wasn’t absolutely necessary, I wouldn’t be asking.”

She paused. “I’ve got your back.”

Those words warmed my heart, though a hint of sadness lingered.

“Just follow my instructions for now,” I said, hanging up. I then opened my email to review the amusement park’s lighting design plans and renderings.

That night, Demi video-called. “Keira, I’m at the site. All the lights are on. How do you want to check it out?”

I could only see parts of the lighting on the video. “Head to the highest point in the park. I need to see the overall effect first. Then, get aerial shots of each attraction’s lighting, especially the areas we had issues with.”

“Okay, hold on,” Demi said. The video wobbled, and I heard her running.

She suddenly stopped. “Mr. Johnston, what brings you here?”

Jace’s cool voice cut through, “Why are you running?”

My grip tightened, my heart racing. Even with the scars he left, a decade of feelings couldn’t vanish overnight. Jace, even his voice, still affected me.

I wondered if Demi would mention she was talking to me. What would Jace say? Would he grab the phone?

“I need to find a high spot to shoot some videos,” Demi told Jace.

Jace paused, then simply said, “Okay.” I heard his footsteps fade.

“Keira, I didn’t tell him it was you. I was worried he might want to talk to you. I figured you wouldn’t want that,” Demi said thoughtfully.

I chuckled self-deprecatingly. “You nailed it.”

“Hehe, I knew you’d think that way. I’d feel the same in your shoes,” Demi said as she continued running and boarded the Ferris wheel.

Demi had taken video from the highest point. The amusement park was lit, but the base color was entirely different from the design plan. Originally, the lights were to be a gradient of blue, like the ocean at night turning into dawn. Now, it was a solid, deep blue. The color was rich, but lacked soul.

“Demi, this is the overall view. Any idea if it’s a construction issue or a problem with the lighting supplier?” I asked. “Have you talked to both parties? What did they say?”

“The construction team insists they followed the specs, and the manufacturer says the lights meet our requirements. No one’s admitting fault, so I’m totally clueless,” Demi said, frustrated.

“Keira, please come back. I can’t handle this alone, and I know you don’t want this kind of mess for something you’ve put so much effort into,” Demi pleaded.

“Okay, I’ll come back,” I agreed without hesitation.

After ending the call, I booked a flight. Soon after, Demi sent detailed aerial footage; the problems were serious.

Early the next morning, I packed for my nine o’clock flight.

“Keira, you’re up so early. Yoga again?” Macy asked.

For the past few days, I’d been practicing yoga in the yard, and Macy always warned me not to hurt myself.

“No, I’m leaving,” I said, approaching her.

Macy was stunned. “But you said you’d stay longer.”

“There’s a problem with a project I need to handle. Once it’s sorted out, I might come back to visit,” I said, making no promises. I’d be leaving Jace’s company, but still needed to work.

“Go ahead, everyone leaves eventually. Except for me, who can’t go anywhere,” she said, her words striking me.

A bold idea sparked. “Why don’t you come with me?”

“You want to take me with you?” Macy was surprised.

“Yeah, come see the bustling city of Seavora,” I said, genuinely excited. She’d started feeling like a grandmother to me.

Macy shook her head. “I can’t go. I’m too old, my legs are weak, and I’d only slow you down.”

“You wouldn’t be a burden, Macy. Please, just for a few days,” I begged, clutching her arm.

She gave me a soft look. “Thanks for thinking of me, but I’m staying here. If you ever have time, come back and visit.”

Her words stung my eyes. I hugged her tight. “Macy, I’ll miss you.”

“Miss me? You should be thinking about Hayden. He’s such a good guy, and you drove him away,” Macy said, breaking my sentimentality.

“Did Hayden leave because I rejected him? Because I don’t like him that way?”

Before I could answer, Macy patted my hand. “Keira, Hayden is a good guy. Think it over.”

“Alright,” I agreed.