Chapter 9 - Rebuilding from the Ashes
One month later.
The spring sun warmed the lush rolling hills of the Sterling Estate in Raleigh—a massive, historic property that Jason had completely vacated after our divorce, leaving it empty like a museum of lost dreams.
Today, the gates were open wide.
In the center of the expansive green lawn, three five-year-old boys were kicking a soccer ball toward a pair of makeshift wooden goals, their joyful yells bouncing off the grand brick exterior of the mansion.
Sitting on the outdoor patio, Vance Garrison—who had officially taken over as Chief Legal Officer of the newly merged Sterling-Apex Global Corporation—was sipping iced tea while signing final corporate integration papers.
"The board unanimously approved the merger this morning, Claire," Vance said, sliding a gold pen across the table to me. "Apex Eco-Systems now holds fifty-one percent of the combined voting shares. You are officially the Chief Executive Officer of the largest clean-energy conglomerate in North America."
I signed my name with a smooth, firm flourish. "And Jason?"
"Jason resigned his position as CEO two weeks ago, as requested," Vance smiled warmly. "He transferred thirty percent of his personal stock into an irrevocable trust divided equally among Ethan, Leo, and Mason. He’s taking a position as Chief Technology Officer—reporting directly to you."
I chuckled, leaning back in my chair. "The former billionaire king taking orders from his ex-wife? His ego can handle that?"
"Look over there and tell me if his ego cares," Vance pointed toward the lawn.
Down on the grass, Jason—wearing a muddy pair of jeans, an old t-shirt, and grass stains on his knees—was diving headfirst into the lawn to block a shot from little Mason. The three boys immediately dog-piled on top of him, laughing uncontrollably as Jason tickled their stomachs, his loud, genuine laughter echoing across the estate.
He didn't look like a billionaire titan. He didn't look like a corporate shark.
He looked like a father who had been given a second chance at life, and who knew the true value of what he held in his arms.
Vance packed his briefcase, patted my shoulder gently, and walked down the driveway, leaving us alone.
I walked down the stone steps onto the soft grass. Seeing me approach, the boys scampered off toward the garden to chase a family of bunnies, leaving Jason sitting on the grass, breathlessly wiping sweat from his forehead.
He looked up at me, his eyes bright, filled with a peaceful, calm warmth I had never seen during our previous marriage.
"CEO Sterling," Jason teased softly, extending his hand. "How does it feel to own my company?"
"It feels like work," I smiled, letting him pull himself up, though I didn't let go of his hand. "How does it feel to be a mid-level executive?"
"It feels like heaven," Jason said softly, his tone dropping into a earnest, deeply emotional pitch. "I spent ten years trying to build an empire because I was afraid of being weak. But this last month... watching those boys play, eating dinner with you three times a week... I realized I was living in a golden cage."
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He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny, well-worn piece of paper. It was the crumpled golden star sticker that Leo had given him in Vail a month ago. He had laminated it and kept it inside his wallet.
"I know I lost the right to be your husband five years ago, Claire," Jason whispered, looking into my eyes with total honesty. "I know I can never undo the pain I caused you when your brother was dying. But if you'll let me... I want to spend the rest of my life earning back a fraction of your trust."
