Ch-35

•~•Solane’s POV

I sat curled into the corner of the living room couch, the remote resting loosely in my hand as the television filled the silence.

A female news anchor in a crisp red suit sat behind the broadcast desk, her voice calm but enthusiastic.

“In a move that might have raised some eyebrows but wasn’t entirely unexpected, Grant Holdings has named Nathaniel Grant as its new CEO…”

“…The twenty-seven-year-old—who recently married Solane Blackwood, niece of business mogul Zane Lancaster—steps into full leadership of the company he’s represented as its public face for the past seven years.”

I leaned forward, eyes narrowing as the screen flickered with footage of Nathaniel at various press events—his wheelchair rolling through the crowd, his composure steady, his faint smile for the cameras.

The anchor continued, her voice steady. “The announcement has sparked widespread attention, especially following the revelation of the attack Mr. Grant suffered a few months ago, which left him reliant on a wheelchair…”

“...In his statement, the newly appointed CEO assured the company shareholders that despite his condition, his vision for the company’s future remains unwavering…”

“... Messages of support have flooded in from well-wishers and investors alike, many praising his resilience and determination.”

My eyes lingered on the screen a moment longer before I leaned back into the cushions.

Melissa definitely has something up her sleeve to have pushed Nathaniel into that position, but what exactly was it?

My fingers tightened around the remote.

Whatever it was, I’d find out soon enough. And as for Nathaniel—if she keeps him in this high position, all the better. Because when the time came, I’d make sure he was the very reason her empire crumbled.

A smirk tugged at my lips.

“What’s making you smile?”

I stiffened.

His voice cut through the room like a blade, and I whipped my head in its direction.

Nathaniel was wheeling himself slowly into the room, a faint smile playing on his lips as he watched me—calm, careful, observant as always.

“You getting appointed CEO of Grant Holdings…” I said, sitting up straighter.

He raised a brow. “I should’ve told you myself instead of you hearing it from the news… Are you mad?”

I shook my head, blinking. “No. Just surprised… Congratulations. We should celebrate.”

“Thanks,” he said. “But there’s really no need to celebrate. I’ve only just been handed the title. I haven’t done anything worth celebrating yet.”

“Nonsense. You two go on a date—I’ll have it arranged,” came a voice that sent ice down my spine.

I turned slowly toward the entryway.

Melissa.

And behind her—

My body locked. My breath caught in my throat.

No.

No. No.

He shouldn’t be here.

How is he here?

And more importantly why was he with her?

My gaze remained fixed on the man stepping in behind Melissa—tall, blonde, clean-cut… the same face I’d seen five years ago. My stomach twisted.

His eyes met mine—

But to my surprise, they just moved on, like I wasn’t someone he had ever known.

My heart thudded louder in my chest.

Does he not remember me?

That’s impossible.

Nathaniel turned slightly in his wheelchair, facing his mother. “I thought you weren’t coming home this weekend.”

“I wrapped up early,” Melissa said, wearing that same composed smile. “And I wanted to introduce someone to you both.”

She glanced between us. “This is Davian Foster—your new physiatrist. He’ll be staying with us for the duration of your treatment.”

Davian stepped forward, offering a respectful nod. “Mr. Grant,” he said smoothly, “it’s a pleasure to finally meet you…”

“...And congratulations on your appointment as CEO. I wish you all the best in your endeavors.”

Nathaniel reached out, though I noticed the flicker of hesitation in his eyes. They shook hands.

“Thank you,” he said quietly. “You look… quite young.”

Davian let out a light laugh. “I’m thirty-five, sir. But I assure you, despite my age, I’m one of the best in my field. You’re in good hands.”

Nathaniel looked at his mother.

She gave a subtle nod of reassurance.

“I guess I’ll look forward to our sessions, then,” Nathaniel said. “Hopefully, there’ll be results.”

“Oh, there will be,” Davian replied with quiet confidence. “Positive ones.”

Melissa turned to me. “Davian, this is my daughter-in-law—Solane.”

I was still seated, but it felt like I was back on that cliff’s edge from that dreadful night.

Davian’s gaze met mine again, and my skin prickled. My stomach twisted as Melissa’s and Nathaniel’s eyes shifted to me, waiting for some kind of reaction.

I couldn’t breathe right.

My composure was slipping.

I wanted—no, needed—to look away. Just for a second.

But I couldn’t.

It would look suspicious if I did.

Davian stepped toward me, extending his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Solane.”

What…? He doesn’t recognize me?

I stared at it—his outstretched hand as if it were some foreign object I didn’t quite know how to use.

Slowly—hesitantly, I placed my hand in his.

He smiled again. “I must say, respectfully… you look even more beautiful in person.”

“In person?” I echoed, my brows lifting slightly.

“Yes,” he nodded. “I came across a photo of you and Mr. Grant not long ago. Online.”

My throat tightened. “I see. Thank you. It’s… a pleasure meeting you too,” I said, keeping my voice as neutral as I could, even as my mind spun.

My mother said she had kept Melissa at bay the other day they met, but warned she might still try something drastic.

Was this it?

Had Melissa dug far enough into my past to unearth Davian?

Was this her next game?