Chapter 8 I Can't Forget Where I Started

Kevin paused, the line going quiet as he chose not to push any further. "My grandmother can be demanding," he said evenly, his tone softening. "But you're still the person she worries about most. When you get the chance, go back and spend some time with her."

"Alright," Roselyn answered after a pause.

Without giving her space to dwell on it, Kevin continued, "I've already taken care of the arrangements. You'll be returning to work at the Warren Group."

The sudden turn of the conversation left Roselyn momentarily disoriented. "I don't think that's..."

Before she could finish, Kevin interjected without hesitation, "You just came back, so take it easy for a few days. You'll head in to work in three days."

His voice remained steady as he added, "You've been overseas for three years. Putting you in a high position right away would stir up objections. For the time being, you'll stay by my side as my assistant."

Another refusal rose to Roselyn's lips, ready to spill out.

At that moment, Kevin's voice softened, the edge fading as a trace of guilt slipped through despite his control. "You went through a lot those past three years abroad, Roselyn. Now that you're back, you don't have to push yourself so hard anymore."

Roselyn fell silent, every argument dissolving before it could take shape. It turned out someone among the Warren family understood just how punishing those three years had been for her.

Following a short silence, Kevin inquired, "Where are you staying now? Let me have the address. I'll come get you this evening and make sure you get a proper welcome meal."

A welcome dinner held no appeal for Roselyn at all. She only wanted to slip back into Radena quietly, to exist on the edges without anyone realizing she had returned.

Kevin, however, refused to take no for an answer. With nowhere left to retreat, Roselyn sent him the address to Vista Residences once the call ended, her fingers lingering on the screen a moment longer than necessary.

Frustration exploded out of Abby as she slapped her thigh. "Roselyn, I told you to bring up the Apex Stream branch and get Kevin to back you," she snapped. "Instead of saying a word about it, you somehow let him rope you into being his assistant at the Warren Group? Are you seriously out of your damn mind?"

Her voice rose as she continued, incredulous, "You're the CEO of Apex Stream. If you were stepping in as the Warren Group's CFO, I wouldn't say a thing. But an assistant? That's beyond ridiculous."

Placing her phone aside, Roselyn answered calmly, her tone steady despite the tension, "I have no intention of letting the Warren family-or Kevin-know about Apex Stream. Once the Radena branch is established, you'll be the one standing out front as its public head."

Apex Stream was the company Roselyn had built from nothing in Zoinbury. It had begun as a modest investment firm, quietly accumulated capital, and then steadily branched into multiple industries as its reach widened. Over the years, its name had become familiar within the overseas business circle.

The company represented every sleepless night and calculated risk she had taken during her three years abroad.

Irritation flashed across Abby's face. "I have to admit that Kevin really is quite something. One careless promise he made as a teenager, and you waited for him for years because of it. Meanwhile, he went from one woman to the next. Then, when it was time for him to consider a neat, strategic marriage, you suddenly became an inconvenience. As for what happened three years ago... Humph. In the end, he shoved you overseas without hesitation. And now that you're back, a few soft words were all it took for him to pull you straight back into the Warren Group."

Abby's voice dropped, sharp with disbelief. "Roselyn, tell me-what are you actually getting out of this?"

What was she getting out of it? Light and shadow flickered through Roselyn's gaze as she spoke evenly. "The Warren family-and Kevin-were kind to me. I can't forget where I started."

A sharp laugh escaped Abby. "So their so-called kindness gives them a free pass to hurt you whenever it suits them? Don't kid yourself-I've watched how the Warren family have treated you all this time..."

"Alright, Abby. That's enough," Roselyn cut in, lifting a hand to halt her. "Kevin is hosting a welcome dinner for me tonight. You should come with me."

...

Night settled over Radena, and the city surged awake beneath a blaze of neon and headlights, restless and alive.

From the entrance of Vista Residences, a red Porsche 911 burst onto the road, sleek, defiant, and impossible to miss.

Kevin had arranged the welcome dinner at one of Radena's most exclusive private clubs. Behind its doors, fine dining, curated entertainment, and quiet indulgence blended seamlessly, with entry limited to a tightly guarded VIP list-only the truly rich or influential ever crossed its threshold.

In the passenger seat, Roselyn leaned back and watched the streets slide past, their outlines familiar yet strangely distant, her thoughts drifting far from the car. Three years of absence had quietly reshaped everything she once knew.

Breaking the silence as she drove, Abby said, "I've made some progress on what you asked me to dig into. Wasn't the emerald necklace-the one that mirrors your pendant-sold at an auction not too long ago? After pulling more favors than I care to admit, I finally tracked down the buyer. Do you honestly think that necklace has something to do with your origins?"