The morning hours in Noveira were calm and breezy. As they stepped out of the hotel, a gentle breeze greeted them, carrying with it the crisp promise of a new day.
Davis sat in his wheelchair, exuding an aura so cold and commanding that passersby instinctively kept their distance, choosing instead to admire him from afar and the ladies—they couldn’t help not drooling over him. Even in silence, he drew attention—his presence unmistakable. It was as though he is an emperor
Behind him, Jessica walked with quiet confidence, her hands steady on the handles of his wheelchair. She was not overshadowed by his presence. Despite Davis not standing on his feet, their striking appearance made heads turn and their grace and chemistry made onlookers marvel.
People around the lounge whispered in low voices their admiration for the couple.
While some rated them as —a match made in heaven, some termed them—a match written in the stars.
At the hotel lobby entrance, the driver stood by respectfully, holding the car door open. Jessica helped Davis into the car before sliding in from the opposite side.
Ethan took the front passenger seat, his laptop and phone balanced on his lap. With the turn of the ignition, the vehicle hummed to life, slowly pulling out onto the highway.
Jessica felt a sudden wave of fatigue. Turning her gaze toward Davis, she murmured, "I’m tired and want to rest," then gently rested her head on his shoulder.
Davis let out a soft sigh. Adjusting his posture, he created a comfortable space for her to nestle in. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he pulled her into his embrace.
His eyes lingered on her face, brows drawing together in concern. He had noticed her growing exhaustion lately, the weariness in her eyes, the heaviness in her steps. It worried him deeply. He knew it was the stress.
This was the very reason he had pleaded with her to stop working so hard. He had even considered returning to Country Y and managing things from there. But Desmond’s shadow still loomed too large.
Besides, this forgotten branch of the company—this scar on his legacy—might just be the key to reclaiming everything. "Baby, we need to leave Noveira tomorrow," he said quietly.
Jessica’s eyes fluttered open instantly, confusion flickering in them. "Why?"
"You’re already stressed out and need to go back and rest," he answered firmly.
Jessica chuckled softly. "Don’t worry, we’re not leaving. I know my body well. Besides, I’m not weak," she said, meeting his gaze with calm assurance.
"And you think you can’t be weak." He asked, his tone a few decibels higher. "I am sorry." He murmured almost scolding himself yet felt the frustration.
"Can you worry unnecessarily? I am not sick. Alright, I will take a good rest tomorrow." Jessica explained with a pout.
Her heart felt warm—he was worried about her health, yet she wouldn’t buy his idea of leaving the project halfway just because she was feeling a bit under the weather.
If you say so," Davis replied with resignation, silently deciding to monitor her work more closely from now on.
They arrived at the old office by midday. Though battered and worn, the building still stood tall. It had no signpost, yet it seemed etched into the landscape—as though refusing to be forgotten.
The efforts of the past year lingered in its silence—a quiet testimony to a vision and purpose long buried.
Mr. Stan stood at the entrance, dignified and calm. Dressed in a gray suit, his Noveiran accent was thick, but his English smooth and respectful.
As the car door opened, Jessica prepared to assist Davis, but he refused. "Let Ethan come," he said crisply.
Ethan stepped forward and helped Davis into his chair. Mr. Stan gave a polite bow. Even seated, Davis remained every bit as commanding—if not more so.
"Welcome, sir," he said.
Davis nodded curtly. "How have things been?"
"Very well, sir," Stan replied, then gave a courteous nod to Jessica, who joined them from the other side of the car.
Mr. Stan gestured toward the entrance. "Let’s go inside and have a look," he said, unaware they had already visited before.
"We’ve been here earlier," Davis said simply.
As they stepped inside, Mr. Stan’s emotions surfaced. "I thought you had forgotten us. The branch was shut down so suddenly... without explanation. It broke many hearts."
"I was in a coma when it happened," Davis said, his voice hard. "That decision was made by my uncle without my knowledge."
Mr. Stan’s eyes widened. "I knew something felt wrong. The memo was cold—no notice, no appeal. The employees were devastated."
Jessica stepped forward. "It’s unfortunate your workers suffered, but we’re here to fix that mistake—and make things better than ever."
Mr. Stan nodded slowly. "I was worried. But with you both here, I believe things will change."
"We’re reopening the branch," Davis confirmed. "Not just to resume business—but to rebuild stronger branch. This time, with the right people and systems. We hope you’re still up for the task, Mr. Stan."
For a moment, Stan said nothing. Then he turned away, wiping his eyes. "You don’t know what this means to me," he whispered. "I gave my all to this place, and was discarded like that... it nearly broke me."
Ethan walked through the building, assessing the structure again. "It needs full repairs and renovations. But with the right team, smart marketing, and a compelling rebrand, we’ll see a major difference," he said.
Mr. Stan nodded. "Don’t worry. The locals still remember the company and is still being mentioned in families and gatherings. If we relaunch properly, it will send a message and they will be back."
Jessica smiled confidently. "The plans are already drawn up. Stan, we’ll start interviewing former staff tomorrow. Spread the word—anyone who wants to return is welcome. You’re officially back in charge."
Davis nodded. "The renovation team’s been contacted. My wife gave them a design draft to match the new theme. Details are being sent to your email. Coordinate with my assistant. I’ll supervise remotely until I can travel more. And Stan—don’t stress her out."
Stan could hardly believe what he was hearing. He had expected it was just a simple visit to see the branch but never did he expect the relaunch to start immediately. Clasping his hands, he bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you... both of you."
Davis scanned the place once more, taking a deep breath. He committed every corner to memory, imagining what it could become after the necessary changes are made.
"Stan, we’re changing the company’s name. I’ll text it to you. Make the legal corrections. In seven days, this company must relaunch."
The group looked at him in shock. Even Jessica hadn’t expected such urgency—but she knew it was for the best.
"This is more than business," Davis said quietly to himself. "It’s a legacy. And we don’t let that die."
They headed to a nearby hotel, where they held lengthy discussions about the roadmap ahead.
Meanwhile, Mr. Stan scheduled a shareholders’ meeting for the key stakeholders—those who had been devastated by the company’s previous closure.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, they left with renewed hope and a mission burning in their hearts.
This branch wasn’t just reopening. It was coming back to life.
With the plans discussed, finalized, and set in motion, the group took a deep breath of relief.
It hadn’t been easy to embark on this and gather the materials and contacts necessary. Davis was grateful for the two people beside him—Jessica and Ethan.