Chapter 13
623words
Below, a deathlike silence fell as everyone held their breath.
Sylvia stood several steps away, frowning as she watched him, her eyes showing shock, confusion, and wariness.
Garrett's gaze locked onto Sylvia's face as if she were the only person in existence.
He opened his mouth, his voice like sandpaper: "Everyone… I apologize for the interruption."
He drew a deep breath, as if gathering every ounce of strength: "Today is Sylvia Sterling's last day. Over this past month, I… I feel I've truly seen her for the first time—this person who has been beside me for seven years."
Audible gasps rippled through the audience!
Seven years?! What exactly did he mean?! Were the rumors actually true?!
Sylvia's face drained of color. She instinctively stepped back, clearly wanting to stop him.
But Garrett gave her no chance. He plunged ahead, seemingly in a trance, his voice thick with emotion:
"Sylvia and I… we're married. We have been for seven years."
"BOOM!" The room exploded in chaos! Despite the rumors, hearing Garrett confirm it so publicly created unprecedented shock!
Reporters frantically snapped photos, executives exchanged stunned glances, and employees gaped in disbelief.
Sylvia closed her eyes, hands clenched into tight fists, body trembling slightly.
He'd finally said it! In this most unbearable way, he'd torn through her final defense!
"But for seven years… I was a goddamn blind fool! A complete bastard!" Garrett's voice broke, filled with raw emotion. "I enjoyed her care, relied on her brilliance, and took everything for granted! I never saw her exhaustion, never heard her pain. I didn't even know what she was allergic to!"
His bloodshot eyes fixed on Sylvia as tears streamed down his face, but he made no move to wipe them away.
"This past month, I haven't just lost an efficient secretary… I've lost my life, my soul! I wake up not knowing where anything is or what I'm supposed to be doing. I can't even get a decent meal! But none of that matters!"
He lurched forward, nearly falling to his knees before her, his voice a hoarse, desperate plea:
"What matters is… I've lost my wife! Sylvia… I was wrong… so terribly wrong… Without you, I'm falling apart… My life is a complete disaster…"
He resembled a lost child, rambling incoherently—nothing like the calculating, composed Mr. Grayson everyone knew.
The audience moved from shock to stunned silence, with several female employees discreetly wiping away tears.
Sylvia opened her eyes, staring at this man crying openly before her, humbled completely.
Seven years of grievances, heartache, and resentment surged through her, making her eyes burn. But she bit her lip firmly, refusing to let tears fall.
With trembling hands, Garrett pulled two documents from his inner pocket and held them before Sylvia.
"Sylvia… I don't expect immediate forgiveness… I only ask for one more chance… just one…"
Everyone strained to see the documents—
One titled "Grayson Enterprises Partnership Agreement," with terms granting Sylvia substantial power and equity—making them true equals.
The other document made everyone gasp—"Divorce Agreement," with property division clearly stating Garrett would surrender all assets to Sylvia!
He was literally wagering his entire fortune for a chance at reconciliation!
"Sylvia…" Garrett's voice was barely audible, carrying the desperation of a man with nothing left to lose. "The choice is yours. Please… don't go."
The venue fell completely silent. All eyes fixed on Sylvia, awaiting her verdict.
Lawrence stood watching, complex emotions playing across his face before settling into a resigned sigh.
Sylvia's gaze moved slowly from the Partnership Agreement symbolizing power and wealth to the Divorce Agreement offering complete liberation.
Her face remained completely unreadable.
Time seemed suspended.
