Page 119 of Billion Dollar Dispute

I need her. Money won’t fix this.

“You still went there, and learned about the business, and it’s growing. But you found love, and I hope I get to meet her.”

“What?” I blink, caught off guard.

“Go get your family, Son.”

I feel a smile tug at my lips. He said family, like it’s already mine.

“You don’t care that she has a kid?”

“I only care that you're happy.”

My dad’s eyes are misty, and I know he’s thinking about Grams and her battle with breast cancer. He wants us all to learn about love and family before it’s too late.

“Thanks, Dad,” I say as I stand.

“Don’t thank me,” he replies. “Just do something about it.”

My dad’s words echo in my mind.Call it in.

I pull out my phone, staring at the screen for a long moment. With a deep breath, I dial the non-emergency number.

“New York Police Department, how can I help you?”

“I need to report a case of embezzlement and narcotics possession,” I say, my voice steady despite the knot tightening in my stomach.

“Can you provide more details?”

“Yes,” I reply, glancing at my dad. He gives me a small nod of approval.

As I give them the information, a strange sense of relief washes over me. Maybe I can’t fix everything, but I can at least make this right.

When I hang up, the weight on my shoulders feels a little lighter.

It’s time to fight for what really matters.

Dad transferred my inheritance to me, but I can’t use it for the firm. My gut tells me it’s the wrong move. During my run this morning, I passed the park where I saw her and Chad, and the idea hits me right in the chest. A new project to help single moms or dads start their dream business or turn around a failing one.

I’m heading into the office for an emergency team meeting. For the first time in a while, I feel a sliver of warmth in my chest. She might not know I’m doing this for her, but somehow, it makes me feel connected to her. After the meeting, I’m going to her apartment to apologize again. My dad gave me new hope… not to give up on her because she’s worth the fight.

The meeting lasts an hour, and we finalize the name DreamMakers, along with the company’s values, mission statement and vision. My idea is coming to life. We’re meeting tomorrow to look at new spaces, and I’ve already canceled the offer for the firm.

It no longer feels right.

Now, I’m on my way to her apartment. My leg has been bouncing rapidly since I left, and I’m running over all the words I want to say. I rush out of the car and jog up the stairs, knock, but she’s not there. She might already be at work. I pass Jade and Pedro on my way down.

“Hi. Do you know where Jemima is?”

“She moved apartments,” Pedro informs me as his wife eyes me suspiciously.

“Can you give me her new address?” I ask softly.

Jade cuts in before Pedro can answer. “No. If she wanted you to know, she would’ve told you herself.”

I can’t help but admire their loyalty to her. They may not be her family, but they sure act like it.

“Alright, thanks anyway. Bye,” I say, rushing back to the car, heading straight to her office.

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