130. The plant site

Elena's POVThe hard hat was heavier than I expected.I adjusted the strap twice before giving up on getting it comfortable. Patricia looked just as out of place beside me in a safety vest and sensible flats, but she had the decency not to comment.The plant site was loud in a way that got into your chest.The steady rhythm of machinery. Forklifts weaving between sections. Workers moving with practiced efficiency. The air smelled of oil, hot metal and something faintly burnt.I stopped just inside the entrance.It wasn’t polished glass offices or boardrooms anymore.This was where Sterling actually became something people could hold in their hands.I changed into steel toed work boots that morning instead of heels, and I was already glad I had.One of the plant managers was walking beside me, giving me the standard briefing, numbers and percentages and I let him finish before saying,"I'd like to walk the floor first."He paused, blinking in surprise."Of course, though if you'd prefe

131. Always

Elena’s POVThe maintenance supervisor was standing near Patricia’s desk when I arrived at the executive floor, still holding the thick folder I’d asked him to bring.He looked like he wasn't entirely sure he was supposed to be here.The moment he saw me, he straightened instinctively.“You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be,” I said, offering him a reassuring smile.He let out a slow breath.“I’ve never been to a board meeting before.”“You’re not here to impress them,” I said. “Just tell them what you told me.”He nodded once. Together, we walked toward the boardroom.The low conversations inside died the moment I pushed open the doors.Most of the board members were already seated, laptops open, coffee cups within reach, the familiar atmosphere of people expecting another routine meeting.Then they noticed the man walking in beside me.Confused glances moved around the table. One director frowned. Another quietly checked the meeting agenda in front of him as if making sure he

132. Eighty percent

Caleb's POVSaturday morning, and for the first time in weeks, I woke up without dreading practice.My shoulder didn’t ache when I rolled out of bed. That alone felt like progress.By the time I pulled into the facility, I could already feel it. Something was different.Not my shoulder.Me.Coach didn’t let me touch a ball for the first twenty minutes.Conditioning. Footwork. More conditioning.He’d become obsessed with watching how I moved before he cared about how I threw.A month ago, It would’ve annoyed me.Now, I understood why.Every cut. Every pivot. Every stop.He wanted to know if my body trusted itself again before my arm ever got involved.Finally, he tossed a ball.“Let’s see it.”I rolled the laces beneath my fingers, planted my feet and threw. The ball left my hand cleanly in a tight spiral. There was no hesitation and no pain. I barely even watched it reach the receiver.I already knew it was perfect.The second throw felt even better.By the third, something inside m

133. What he needed

Elena’s POVMonday had come too quickly.Yesterday’s game had ended without Caleb ever stepping onto the field.I had watched from home, knowing exactly what it meant when Jordan took the starting position and Caleb remained on the sideline.It hurt to watch.Because I knew how badly he wanted to prove that he was ready to get back out there.I spoke to him afterward and he insisted he was fine, and I didn’t push.He needed to process it.He had always been stubborn about disappointment. He would sit with it, turn it over in his head, get angry with himself for a while, and eventually find a way to move forward.If he needed me, he would call.At least, that was what I told myself.Still, my phone sat face-up beside my coffee as I stole a glance at it again.Nothing.I was just beginning to wonder whether I should text him when Claire reached across the table and stole a fry from my plate.“Earth to Elena” she said, completely unbothered by the fact that she was eating my food. “You w

All Chapters of The Heiress's Choice : Chapter 131 - Chapter 134

130. The plant site

131. Always

132. Eighty percent

133. What he needed