Chapter 68

"Your generosity means more than I can say. I'll carry this debt in my heart and find a way to repay you someday," Edwin remarked, bowing deeply in gratitude.

The money meant his father's treatment would finally be secured. To him, Emilia wasn't just a benefactor-she was the reason his family had hope again. He swore he'd never forget.

"You don't owe me anything. Just help someone else in need when you get the chance," Emilia replied.

For her, the amount was barely noticeable, but to others, it could mean the difference between hope and despair.

"You have my word!" Edwin replied, his voice firm. He felt a true sense of duty to honor her wish and find a way to repay her someday. "Find a different job. This line of work doesn't suit you,"Emilia added before turning away.

Sloane hurried after her, brushing off the whole affair as nothing more than a passing moment.

Yet,Edwin knew he would remember this for the rest of his life.

He stood frozen, watching as Emilia disappeared down the hallway, his fists balled at his sides.

Their worlds were miles apart, and he couldn't deny it. A woman who could join a family like the Mitchells had to come from real wealth. No matter how much he dreamed, the reality of their difference weighed heavily.

In silence, Edwin made a quiet promise to himself-one day, he'd climb high enough to meet her as an equal, and maybe even be the one to protect her.

Not far from the club, a sleek black sedan sat parked in the shadows. "I've been told she handled those thugs on her own,so she should be safe now. Are you really going to sit here until she comes out?" Wilbur asked, glancing over at Elias.

"She has something I want, and I won't relax until l know she's all right," Elias answered, his tone chilling.

"Suit yourself," Wilbur said, leaning back with his arms folded, letting out a lazy yawn.

The silence inside the car stretched out, broken only by the sudden sound of Elias's voice.

"Add this section to the redevelopment plans."

"What!" Wilbur jolted upright, eyes widening as he swiveled toward him. "Did I just hear you right?"

He wondered if his ears were playing tricks on him.

Elias never greenlit projects that didn't promise a solid return. Every investment had to meet his standards-no exceptions.

Plans for the redevelopment had been mapped out already, and the blueprints were all but finalized. That part of the city hadn't even been considered. If they included it now, it meant starting over, revising the design, and deciding what purpose it would serve.

On top of that, they would have to pay a hefty sum for demolition compensation.

Wilbur almost laughed-had Elias completely lost his senses?

"I'm going to have the plans changed. That area will be included," Elias said, his gaze locked on the doors of the club, every word clipped and sharp.

A crease formed between his brows. Emilia was taking too long to appear.

"See to it that everything gets underway first thing tomorrow," Elias instructed.

Wilbur looked stunned. "Hold on, are you really going through with this? Shouldn't we talk about it? This will cost a fortune..."

One look from Elias-cold and uncompromising- shut him up instantly.

"Alright, whatever you say. It's not coming out of my pocket after all," Wilbur grumbled, shooting Elias a sideways look as he flopped back against the seat."Unbelievable. Never imagined you'd throw caution out the window like this.I mean-"

"Wilbur."

That was all it took. Wilbur immediately snapped his mouth shut, dragging a finger across his lips as if locking them tight.

Elias's eyes stayed glued to the entrance, a shadow crossing his face.

Maybe this move seemed reckless, but nothing else would quiet the uneasy storm brewing inside him.