Chapter 155: A Little Hope for the Future

Chapter 155: Chapter 155: A Little Hope for the Future

~Third- POV~

Frederick’s expression hardened. "There’s nothing you can do to earn the right to meet her. So just forget about it, Eva, the same way you forgot about her seventeen years ago!"

"Please," Eva said, her voice breaking. "Please consider giving me a chance. I know I don’t deserve it, but please."

Frederick stared at her, caught off guard. He had been waiting for her to shout back, to defend herself, to give him something to push against. Eva only sat there, pleading and crying, taking every word without a fight. With nothing to push against, his anger faded into a heavy silence. He drew a slow breath.

Eva let out a shaky breath and lowered her eyes to the coffee table. "Because the moment the press started speculating about our past and my child, the executives and brand partners changed completely," she said bitterly. "Men I’ve worked with for years men who respected me when I was associated with your name, started trying to take advantage of me. They told me that if I wanted to keep my contracts and protect my career without your backing, I had to sleep with them."

Frederick listened without interrupting. He wasn’t particularly surprised. He knew how ruthless the industry could be, and how quickly people turned on someone once they lost their protection.

Her voice cracked with anger and embarrassment. "In less than forty-eight hours, they treated me like a desperate rookie. They thought that because I was no longer under your protection, they could buy me. Years of hard work, and that’s how fast they turned on me... It hurt, Frederick. I couldn’t take the disrespect. I wasn’t going to degrade myself for them. So I gave the interview, told the truth, and walked away from all of it. Better that than sleeping with anyone to keep my position."

Frederick took a breath, his eyes narrowing slightly. Without his influence behind her, the people who had once treated Eva with respect had wasted no time showing their true intentions.

"What do you plan to do now?" Frederick asked after a brief silence.

"I’m relocating to New York," Eva replied, wiping away the remaining tears. "I want to stay there until I figure out my next step. And... I know Lily’s school is in New York. If you ever decide to give me a chance, it will be easier for me to be near her and try to make up for the years I’ve missed, little by little."

Frederick studied the woman sitting across from him. The proud, sharp-tongued Eva he had known seemed different now, humbled by her own choices and facing the cold reality of the world she had chosen over her family. He remained silent for a long moment, weighing her words and what they could mean for Lily.

He picked up his coffee cup, took a slow sip, and set it back on the saucer with a quiet click. His posture stayed cool and commanding, but the harsh edge in his eyes had receded.

"You made the right choice walking away from them," he said, his voice smooth and measured. "Those men only ever respected the power behind you, not the runway. If any of them cross the line further, or try to blackball you, tell my legal team. I won’t tolerate anyone using my name to harass you. And if you ever want your contracts back, they’ll be reinstated at once, and none of them will dare touch you."

Eva looked up, a flicker of surprise and gratitude crossing her pale face. "Thank you, Frederick."

"You don’t have to thank me. I’m not doing this because I have to. I’m doing it because I have the power to, and I see no reason not to." He paused briefly before continuing. "So, my question is, do you still want to work in this industry, or would you rather take a break and return when you’re ready?"

Eva considered his question for a moment before answering. "My decision remains the same for now. I want to go to New York for a while. When I’ve made up my mind, I’ll let you know."

"Alright," Frederick said. "You don’t owe me anything for this. I’m not saying you deserve it, and I’m not saying you don’t. You’re Lily’s mother. That’s reason enough. I hope you learn from this."

"I really appreciate everything you’ve done," Eva said quietly. "And I’m so sorry, for all of it."

Frederick leaned back in the leather chair and crossed one leg over the other. He slid the heavy folder off the table and tossed it onto the couch beside her.

"Take these back," he said calmly. "I don’t take back what I’ve already given. Keep the properties, the stock options, and the funds. You’ll need the capital to establish yourself in New York without answering to anyone or relying on sleazy executives."

Eva stared at the folder, her breath catching. "Frederick, I didn’t return them as a strategy. I truly wanted to clear the slate..."

"I know," he cut in. "Which is why you’re keeping them. Consider it a clean break from our past business dealings. You won’t be indebted to me, and you won’t have to depend on the modelling industry for your livelihood. Besides, I don’t think my daughter wants a mother who’s struggling financially."

Eva looked at Frederick. "I’m not broke. I still have money."

"I never said you were. I simply don’t want something that’s no longer mine. What’s the point of giving it to you if I’m only going to take it back later?"

Eva stared at him, tears slowly slipping down her cheeks. "Thank you so much, Frederick."

"You don’t have to thank me," Frederick replied.

His expression then turned serious as he approached the one subject that truly mattered.

"As for Lily," he began, his tone firm, "she’s seventeen now, Eva. She’s smart, perceptive, and capable of making her own decisions. I won’t force a relationship on her, and I won’t keep your existence from her any longer. I’m flying to New York next week because she asked me to come. I’ll use the opportunity to speak with her in person about our conversation today and your request."

Eva’s hands trembled in her lap, fresh tears brimming in her eyes. "You... you’re going to talk to her about me?"

"I am," Frederick said. "I’ll tell her the truth, and I’ll let her decide if and when she wants to meet you. If she agrees, you’ll get your meeting. But it will be on her terms, at her pace, and without pressure. If you try to rush her or cause a scene at her school, I’ll cut off access permanently. Am I clear?"

Eva nodded, wiping her eyes as a breathless laugh of relief escaped her. "Yes! Completely clear. I promise, Frederick. I’ll wait until she’s ready. Thank you. Thank you so much."

Frederick stood and buttoned his jacket. "I have to get back. My fiancé is waiting for me at home."

Hearing him mention Reynold so naturally and possessively, Eva offered a small, humbled smile. "Do you really love him that much, Frederick?" Eva asked.

Frederick’s expression softened. "Yes. More than I can admit."

Eva smiled faintly. "He’s lucky to have you, Frederick. And I can see how much he loves you, too. He’s stronger than I ever gave him credit for. You made the right choice. Please, tell him once again that I’m truly sorry for all the trouble I caused him."

"I will," Frederick replied, giving her a single, firm nod. "Safe travels to New York, Eva."

Without another word, Frederick turned and strode down the marble hallway, leaving the room behind.

Eva watched him go, a faint smile touching her lips. Sometimes, when you realize you can no longer win back the people you’ve lost, the best thing to do is let go and find a way to move forward.

She kept watching until he disappeared from sight. "I hope I find happiness one day, too," she whispered. "I deserve that much, no matter how many mistakes I’ve made."

Outside, the cool morning air brushed against his face as the driver held the car door open. Frederick slid into the back seat and settled against the plush leather upholstery as the executive sedan smoothly pulled away from the estate gates and headed home.

He pulled out his phone and tapped Reynold’s contact, a smile tugging at his lips as he pictured his fiancé waiting for him upstairs.

Frederick: Heading home now, sweetheart.

Reynold’s reply came almost immediately.

Reynold: You’re done?

Frederick: Yes. I’m on my way home. See you in twenty minutes.

A few seconds later, another notification appeared. This time, Reynold sent him two pictures with a caption: Okay, Daddy.

Frederick opened the pictures, and a slow smile spread across his face. Reynold looked incredibly sexy, and Frederick found himself staring at the screen a little longer than necessary. He shook his head with an amused smile before typing his reply.

Frederick: Get dressed, baby. I’m taking you out.

On the bed, Reynold rolled onto his back when the message arrived, a delighted smile spreading across his face.

Reynold: Alright. I’m waiting for you.

Frederick chuckled and looked up at the driver. "Drive a little faster."

"Yes, sir." The car picked up speed.

For the first time in a while, everything seemed to be falling into place. The past had finally been addressed, the hard conversations were behind him, and all he wanted was to get home to the man waiting for him.

For once, everything felt peaceful.