The Billionaire Who Saved Me

Speaking of Pacific Energy, of course, that meant talking about a value worth more than a hundred million dollars. Truly a substantial figure, isn’t it? And one would expect that just by looking at all those zeros, Garrett’s eyes would turn green with envy. But, what? Nelson found the opposite to be true. He saw how Garrett seemed completely indifferent to the enormity of the company that could fall into his hands. It was truly incomprehensible.

Pacific Energy, as the name suggests, was a company centered on large-scale energy procurement. A corporation standing tall in the coal mining sector with its headquarters located in Ashford City. It already had three subsidiaries and was solidifying its position as a mining company with a renowned name. So, it was no surprise that the company stirred up some serious controversy among family members.

Nelson knew for sure that living a life of turmoil was the strongest reason why, even after four years since Allan’s passing, Garrett still refused to accept his inheritance. He did not want the fortune to drag him back into the turbulence he had been avoiding. But Nelson’s words left Garrett stunned.

“I’m sure Madam Norah would be delighted to see her son, whom she raised with struggle, at the top.”

Sad, but those words struck a chord with Garrett. Even after Nelson had left his office, the echo of those words continued to resonate in his ears, repeatedly.

Realizing this, Garrett then smiled wryly. “It seems like Nelson knows exactly what arrows to shoot.”

As Garrett found himself drawn to the past, he and Norah had endured a tough life, almost as if they could not survive. Left to live alone together, without a husband who truly acted as a husband due to Norah’s unequal status.

That was how it was until Daphne, after her husband’s passing, cast aside the judgment of the extended family and acted. After all, she longed for the presence of a little grandchild, a fate that she could only obtain through Norah.

No problem, that’s what Norah thought at the time. Besides, what woman would not melt when a five-year-old called her ‘Nana’ with a charming expression? There seemed to be none, including Daphne. It did not take long for her to fall in love with Garrett’s charisma.

However, Garrett could clearly sense that he remained a stranger in the Morales family. Some members made their contempt for him evident, and that was something he had to swallow, even if he did not like it-an everyday dish he had to tolerate.

“Are you back?”

As evening approached, Garrett arrived home and found the usual scene. There was Norah, welcoming his arrival, opening her arms for a brief embrace.

Garrett planted a faint kiss on his mother’s cheek.

“Just now,” Garrett replied. “What’s for dinner?”

Following her son’s footsteps, Norah, who still appeared youthful at fifty-two, responded, “Your favorite black pepper beef.”

Garrett’s eyes lit up, and his handsome face expressed enthusiasm without hesitation. It made Norah chuckle with delight.

“Go take a shower, and I will be waiting for you to have dinner.”

“Of course.”

Without wasting any time, Garrett quickly headed upstairs to his room. After a refreshing shower and donning casual clothes, he wasted no time and returned to join Norah.

Perhaps the only thing that could make Garrett breathe easy was being close to Norah. When he knew that his mother was in good spirits, healthy, and happy.

“Saturday night…”

Garrett initiated the conversation at the dining table, after a few delectable bites that tickled his taste buds. He looked at his mother.

“… Can you accompany me?”

Norah glanced briefly at her son, a small smile appearing on her serene face.

“How long do I have to accompany you to every party you attend, Garrett?” Norah asked. “Shouldn’t that be the task of some other woman?”

Garrett chuckled playfully. Looking relaxed as he added more food to his plate. Well… come to think of it, this was probably the fifth time he had asked her.

“Until that time comes, consider it an honor for you, Mama. Not many women out there have a son like me.”

Norah quickly placed the spoon and fork she was using on the plate. She laughed, and Garrett enjoyed the sight. Unconsciously, he found himself smiling too.

“Oh, dear God. I’m truly so lucky.”

Saying that with a lingering laughter on her lips, Norah reached out and briefly caressed her son’s hand.

“But no matter how lucky I am, I still want to see another woman experiencing this happiness.”

Garrett decided to focus back on the piece of beef on his plate. “Don’t get your hopes up too much, Ma.”

“Not getting my hopes up. I just can’t believe you’re not close to any woman. It’s impossible.”

“Impossible doesn’t mean it can’t happen. The truth is… that’s what’s happening.”

Garrett’s response made all traces of laughter vanish from Norah’s face. Now, instead of continuing her meal, the middle-aged woman appeared thoughtful. It seemed she was deep in thought.

“Ehm…” Norah cleared her throat softly, but it managed to capture her son’s attention. “What if I introduce you to someone?”

Garrett’s expression changed instantly. A groan escaped his throat, making it vibrate. He shook his head.

“No, Ma. I don’t want to go on any blind dates. Please.”Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Norah did not give up. “You don’t have to accept it, but there’s no harm in trying, right?”

“I’m busy, Ma. It seems I don’t have time for any blind dates.”

“Busy?”

Norah seemed to need some time to process that word, as she then recalled the calls she received some time ago. Calls from someone who frequently contacted her and discussed the inheritance that Garrett should rightfully receive.

“Is it related to Nelson?”

Garrett halted his chewing. Norah’s question made him take a deep breath, trying not to react too strongly when his mother brought up the subject.

Oh, God. So, Nelson has already contacted Mama as well?

Garrett decided to end his dinner. He put down his spoon and fork, took a few refreshing sips of cold water, and wiped his mouth.

“What did Nelson say to you?”

Norah blinked once. She shook her head, still looking relaxed as she continued with her meal.

“It doesn’t matter what Nelson said to me,” Norah replied flatly. “What matters is what you say to him.”

A brief silence followed for a few seconds. Garrett decided to be honest. That his decision had not changed. It remained the same as four years ago.

“I declined, Ma.”

Norah nodded, smiling, and seemed to understand his decision completely.

“Anyway, I’m sure we don’t need it.”

“Of course. What we have now is more than enough.”

Norah truly was a mother to be grateful for, according to Garrett. A woman full of love and not demanding. Gentle and extremely caring. And at that moment, Nelson’s voice resurfaced in his mind once again.

“I’m sure Madam Norah would be delighted to see her son, whom she raised with struggle, at the top.”

Taking a deep breath, Garrett realized that it had not been too long for Norah to struggle raising him on her own without anyone’s help. Perhaps not more than five years. Because when his grandfather, Harlan Alexander Morales, passed away, their lives had changed drastically. Although, of course… it was only in terms of economics. Mother and son were still estranged from their husband and father. Thanks to the shame he had to bear for marrying a woman who did not come from their social class.

Until finally, for Garrett, life remained unchanged. He was still isolated and forced to swallow all the humiliation that came his way. And for that, Garrett remembered very well that there was never a single occasion when Allan Alexander Morales defended them. Or even defended himself. And now, Garrett often cursed him in his mind.

Coward.

And if people were now surprised to find that Garrett did not want to accept the inheritance, they would certainly not be mistaken in guessing that it had to do with his pride. He did not want to take a single penny from the man he had despised his entire life. It would be disgraceful for him.

This, of course, left Nelson in a quandary. Because, after all, he had been entrusted to ensure that all the inheritance from two different men went to Garrett.

“Do you want it?”

Unable to stop himself, it turned out that Nelson’s words made Garrett’s tongue move spontaneously. Voicing the question that had been giving him a headache all day. Throughout the day, he had been wondering if his mother wanted it. Considering it was the legacy of her deceased husband?

However, Norah answered the question with a definite shake of her head.

“You know what I want, Garrett. Living with you peacefully and happily is what I cherish the most.”

There was no need to ask, Garrett knew how much regret his mother felt. Because she got trapped in a past love that she thought was full of romance, she surrendered to Allan. Without foreseeing that the relationship would become something difficult. Not just for her, but also for Garrett. Her only son.

That’s why Norah suppressed all her desires. She only wanted to see Garrett happy. Like any mother, she knew for sure that her mistake in choosing a husband was a disaster for her child.

Ironically, Norah realized it too late.

*