Page 113 of Runaway Pride

“Why did you void the documents?” Charlie asked again, having no patience to play mind games. “You were so set on condemning me you wrote me out of your will. What happened now?”

“Nothing happened. I didn’t want to go through the tedious legal process over something so trivial. I have other more important things to do.”

That was hard to believe. Grace’s “to-do” lists only revolved around controlling her children’s lives. This was tooatypicalof her. Something changed…

A lightbulb snapped over Charlie’s head. The only outrageous thing that occurred was the visit from Rick’s mother. But never in the world could Charlie have guessed she had anything to do with assuaging Grace to turn the other way?

No. Why would Helen do that? How would she even know about Charlie and Rick’s relationship… although words spread fast within their circle. Maybe she caught wind of her son’s life. Maybe the woman had been keeping tabs on Rick from afar.

“Was it Helen Nam?” Charlie gripped the edge of her desk. “Did she talk to you?”

“She visited me. How did you know?”

“Rick saw her coming from your house when he was planning to talk to you. So, you know about everything? You know that she’s Rick’s biological mother?”

“Maybe. It’s none of your concern. We are former classmates and spent time catching up.” Grace kept her tone firm and uninterested. “Do whatever you want, Charlotte. I’m too old for this sort of headache. Just so you know, I will only provide support for your company for another year. After that, you’re on your own, whether you make a profit or not. There’s yourfreedom. Finance is going with it.”

Her chest suddenly felt heavy and simultaneously light. It was always Grace’s gift to leave her feeling confused. Was this still a punishment or not?

“That’s fine,” Charlie said stoically. “But I don’t need your support anymore.”

“Oh?”

“Dad is going to help. I will pay him back, of course. So you don’t need to do anything.”

“Whatever. I won’t do anything with the money I already have in your account. You decide what you want to do with it.” Sounds of shuffling came from the background, like Grace was out. “I have things to do, if there’s nothing else.”

“Nothing. Take care.”

When their connection ended, Charlie stared at the wall for an indistinguishable period. No other word could describe her emotion other than numb, stuck in a mystifying trance.

If this was Grace’s way of apologizing, the gesture was so impervious it manifested insincerely. But this was Grace’s way. However, Charlie had her goals set out that didn’t involve her mother now. And although this was the first that Grace was trying to make amends, Charlie couldn’t see them reconciling anytime soon.

What Grace did, no amount of money could erase. Their relationship would remain on hiatus. Charlie wasn’t writing her off, but it was best they gave each other space.

A knock came at her door, and she only noticed when a deep voice broke her reverie.

“You were right about Darla. She did a great job on my stiff muscles.” Rick stepped inside, still wrapped in a cotton robe. His wide grin disappeared when he saw the look on her face. “What wrong?”

Thirty-Five

Charlie heldonto Rick’s arm as they ambled into the grass area of Magnolia Hills Mortuary. With fifteen hundred acres of land, the place was a beautiful memorial park. The lawn was trimmed every other day, with about a hundred groundskeepers on site daily to maintain the perfectly groomed landscape.

Rick’s father was buried here. Charlie hadn’t met Alex just yet to attend the funeral. The anniversary of George Min’s death was in a few days, but Rick wanted to visit today.

When Charlie gave Rick the news of Grace’s armistice, he was supportive. They agreed that the turn of events must have something to do with his mother, but Rick wasn’t pursuing the matter. As much as Charlie was thankful, she respected Rick’s decision. Maybe this small favor was the best the woman could offer for her lifelong mistakes.

They stopped at a corner where a flat plaque rested on the ground. Charlie read the inscriptions.

George Jung-ho Min. Beloved father, son, and brother.

He only lived for a little over fifty years, having gone too soon. A small, black-and-white photo of him plastered below the writing.He was a good-looking man, albeit sad, and had facial traits of Rick and Alex that Charlie could connect.

“He was handsome,” she said. “I hope he didn’t suffer too much in the end.”

Rick inhaled a breath before looking downward pensively. “It wasn’t a smooth ride. I’m just glad he’s resting.” Lowering himself to the ground, he sat crisscrossed as Charlie moved down next to him and set the bouquet by the headstone. His hand found hers and squeezed. “And I’m glad he’s meeting you now.”

“I wish I’d met him when he was alive,” she said, resting her chin on his shoulder.

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