Page 123 of The Innovator

Natalie:It’s too late for that.

Grayson:What do you mean?

Natalie:I don’t want you in my life.

A knife pierced through my heart and twisted.

Grayson:I want to explain.

Natalie:No need.

Grayson:I’ll wait until you forgive me.

Natalie:That will be a lifetime, and words mean nothing to me. Need to go. I’m busy.

She didn’t realize that I wasn’t the kind of man who gave up easily. I knew I’d hurt her, and I’d do whatever it took to regain her love again.

CHAPTERSIXTY-NINE

NATALIE

To see my entire collection together was a thrill like no other. In the back room of a boutique gallery hosting my show, I stared at the rack of clothing in various colors. I only had ten main designs, but they came in various colors and patterns. There were twenty ensembles in total.

Momentum’s show wasn’t huge compared to the House of LaRue or other well-known brands, but this was my baby coming to life, so any exposure was worth it.

“Hey, beautiful!” Kiera’s voice boomed in the room.

I’d invited the girls to my show in Paris. They’d be spending a few days with me at my apartment so we could catch up.

Audri, Michelle, and Vivian joined in for a massive group hug.

“I missed you all so much. You look beautiful, as always.”

“We wanted to let you know we arrived safely.” Audri glanced around. “Do you need any help?”

“No. You go out and take your seats or enjoy the art in the gallery. The show will start soon.”

“You’re even more gorgeous since I last saw you,” Vivian said. “Must be all the hot European men surrounding you?” She ran a hand down my teal dress. “Love this.”

“I’ll get you one.” I winked at her and the other girls. A memory sparked in me. “Don’t go yet. I have something for you.”

I rushed to the desk with all my stuff and brought over four bags with names on the tags.

“These handbags are part of my Friends Forever line. A bag is named after you. I appreciate your friendship more than you know.” Tears blurred my eyes.

“Oh, my God. Look at this Audri bag! It’s gorgeous!” Audri cried and gave me a one-arm hug. Her bag was baby blue with gunmetal trim.

“This is the most unbelievable Michelle bag! I love the lilac. There’s so much room in it too. You’re amazing.”

Kiera almost knocked me over with her embrace. “No one has ever named a bag after me. It’s stunning! The mossy green is perfect.”

“Natalie, I don’t know what to say.” Vivian hugged me for a long moment before releasing me. “The pale yellow with lilac accents is so graceful. I love the extended strap.”

I hadn’t expected such emotional reactions from them. It made me cry even more. I didn’t know why I was so sensitive today.

“The bags will be sold worldwide.” I beamed. “I just got confirmation of a massive order for delivery in a few months.”

“We’re so happy for you.” Michelle opened her arms for another group hug.

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