Chapter 411

As I drove back on the highway, I went over everything about Nathan in my head.

The original plan was to go public around the end of October, and Miss Chancellor was probably returning home at just this time, planning to marry Nathan. If #f1 hadn’t shown up, they’d be a power couple, celebrating both business and personal happiness. Nathan would have it all: a thriving career and a loving family. But all of this happened just because I showed up. I threw off Nathan’s plans and put him in bad graces with the Chancellor Family. If I really am the reason, what am I supposed to do now?

When I got back to Hachester, night had already fallen. Ever since we broke up, Nathan had hardly ever contacted me. During this time, he was probably facing his own demons, going through some dark days. As soon as I got off the highway, I put my pride aside and called Nathan.

“Victoria!”

There was a hint of joy in his voice as he said, “I thought you’d never reach out to me again.”

“Did something happen with your company? I saw online that your IPO didn’t go through,” I asked him straight up.

His voice sounded rough. “Yeah, there were some issues inside the company. We’re looking for new partners now.”

“I want to see you,” I said. I knew this wasn’t something we could sort out over the phone, and a bold idea was already forming in my mind. I still had cash on hand I hadn’t invested yet, and if Nathan was really in a tight spot, I wouldn’t mind throwing it into his company. In my previous life, he was the top dog on the wealth rankings. He never disappointed. Later on, maybe because of some government crackdown, he faded from the spotlight fast–but his fortune was still nothing to scoff at.

“Now?” Nathan’s voice was more delighted than surprised.

“Yeah, the restaurant we went to last time. I’m heading over now,” I said, then hung up.

By the time I pulled up to the restaurant, it was already around eight. Nathan–Mr. Punctual himself–still hadn’t arrived, which honestly surprised me. I wasn’t in any hurry, so I just ordered a few dishes and settled in to wait for him.

At eight–thirty sharp, he hurried in, clearly in a rush.

It had only been a few days, but he’d lost some weight–still, it didn’t dull that confidence or the sharp edge he always carried. Nathan’s eyes met mine, and they still burned with that same heat. I couldn’t help but worry. Once he sat down, I pushed a cup of tea toward him. “So, what’s really going on with your company?” I asked.

Nathan let out a sigh. “The Chancellor Family used their money to pressure me. My partner got mad, said I wasn’t thinking about the bigger picture, and now he wants to split. The IPO’s probably off the table for now.”

“So, do you need funds to restart things?” I asked.

Nathan nodded. “Yeah, there’s a two billion gap. Some people are interested in investing, but they’re still on the fence.”

Hearing that number, my heart clenched. The most I could pull together was 1.2 billion. Sure, with Nathan’s skills, he could probably land new investors, but the real problem was whether the Chancellor Family would make a move. They’d treated him like the perfect son–in–law and pinned all their hopes on him, only for him to bail at the last minute. Who wouldn’t be pissed? The Chancellor Family’s anger would be through the roof, and Nathan wasn’t in any position to take them.

I paused for a moment, then said, “I’ve got some cash on hand. I’m thinking about investing in your company right now.”

Nathan stared at me, more shocked than happy. “Victoria, don’t be impulsive. You should keep your money for yourself. Things are pretty chaotic on my end right now. If things go south, I’ll just have to shut down and go bankrupt. Honestly, I’m not too worried–with my skills, I’ll land on my feet wherever I go.”

“No, Nathan, you’re young, driven, and guys like you don’t come around often. You’re destined for so much more than this,” I said, trying to lift him up.

Nathan froze. For a second, the corners of his eyes turned red, and he dropped his gaze, refusing to meet my eyes. Maybe it sounded cheesy to say that now, but I knew he was at a low point and needed someone to believe in him. I reached out and wrapped my fingers around his. His fingertips were still burning hot.