A Love Forgotten (Arianna and Elijah)

Chapter

223

Having a good lawyer really made things so much easier. Mr. Webb went over the settlement offer with me in detail.

The deal was pretty straightforward. Elijah had laid out two options-a ten-year installment plan, gradually paying me back my investment in Linden Group, plus dividends and interest

The second option was to keep my investment in Linden Group but with a spot on the board, voting rights, and a portion of any future profits.

"II Lindan Group has potential, the second option is feasible, Ms. York," Mr. Webb said. "But.. it sounds like Mr. Wood suggested a third option."

Curious, I asked. "What's he proposing?"

"Mr. Wood's advice was to have Elijah pay you a lump sum of 50 million dollars over three years, with annual interest payouts, settling everything within five years."

I was puzzled. "Why the rush

Mr. Webb chuckled awkwardly. "Mr. Wood might not have much faith in Me. Linden's company's future."

That made me pause. Elijah was capable-I knew that. But for Logan to suggest something so specific, he must have had real concerns. 1told Mr. Webb, "Alright. I sleep on for a couple of days" After I hung up, my phone buzzed again-it was Evan, calling from his new boarding school. Since it was mid-morning,

""Hey there!" I answered.

"When are you picking me up, i?" he asked bluntly.

Traised an eyebrow. "You've only been there a couple of days, and you're already homesick?"

He groaned, "I hate it here. It's wind being in a dorm."

was likely on a break.

In learn some independence."

I thought about Logan possibly staying over at my place soon and gently nudged, "You're old enough now, Evan. It's good to

But somehow, Evan had caught on "Come on! You just don't want me around as the third wheel with that Logan guy, right?""

Busted. I cleared my throat, "Even if you came back, you'd stay at your own place. You know that, right?

He protested, "I'd rather stay at yours! If I go home, my Mom will kill me, adli Elijah will just lecture me. I'm not going back there."

Upon hearing him grumble, Trould only promise to pick him up tonight and let him crash for the night,

Satisfied, he chirped, "Thanks, Arif I'm packing my stuff right now."

Before he hung up, I hesitated, "Hey, Evan.. about me and your brother."

There was a pause on his end "Are you really going through with the divorce?"

I took a deep breath. "Yes We're working on a settlement. He's aguired to pay me back

He sighed. "I get it."

A pang of regret hit me. He was still just a kid- this wasn't his burden to bear.

Trying to lighten the mood, I offered, "Hey, look on the bright side. Once it's all settled, I'll have money to take you out for some real feat. So, where do you want to eat tonight?"

He mattered a suggestion half-heartedly before ending the

I couldn't help but smile ruefully. Some big sister I was, huh? And knowing Evan, he'd likely figure out Logan was staying over soon enough. Thraced myself for whatever reaction he'd have

I picked up Evan, and just as expected, his spirits were pretty low, alamping in his seat as we do. I tried cracking a few jokes, but he barely cracked a smile.

With a sigh, I apologized. "Hey Evan, I'm sorry. I know all this with me and Elijah must be tough on you."