Chapter 3 3

The sun rose over the city skyline, casting golden light through the windows of Travis's penthouse. He woke in a bed draped in silk sheets and surrounded by designer pillows. After stretching and a quick shower, he slipped into tailored trousers and headed to the kitchen.

His private chef had laid out eggs Benedict, fresh fruit, and champagne. Travis sat at the marble island, sipping coffee while scrolling headlines on his iPad. As usual, his name filled the news-business moves, charity events, buzz.

Later, he walked down to his private dock where his sleek, 100-foot yacht was waiting. Rachel joined him on deck for a business meeting, champagne glasses in hand, the ocean breeze brushing their faces. They discussed company expansions as the sun danced on the waves.

In the afternoon, Travis met with potential investors at a trendy co-working space. He pitched his latest startup with charm and precision, already knowing they were hooked.

By 7 PM, he was at an exclusive restaurant in Beverly Hills with Austin and Jamie-his childhood friends and now business partners. They dined on caviar and champagne, laughter filling the air while paparazzi snapped shots through the window.

Jamie smirked as Travis sat down. "We barely got a word at the Gala. You were busy entertaining half the room with that Travis charm."

Travis chuckled, loosening his collar. "Guilty as charged."

Then he leaned back in his chair. "Gentlemen... and lady, I'm thrilled to announce my company is expanding to my hometown-Georgia."

Austin raised a brow. "Seriously? You've always been West Coast."

Travis grinned. "True, but I've got a soft spot for the South. Time to give back to the place that raised me."

Jamie tilted her head. "What's the plan? New office?"

"Nope. Bigger. I'm building a state-of-the-art R&D facility. It'll be our Southeast hub for innovation."

Austin looked impressed. "Whoa. What kind of tech?"

Travis smirked. "Let's just say it'll shake up the industry and make our competitors sweat."

Austin laughed. "You're a genius. When do we get a peek?"

"All in good time," Travis said. "But trust me-it's going to be big."

Jamie raised her glass. "To Travis's new venture. May it bring success and pride to Georgia."

"Cheers to that," Austin added as their glasses clinked.

Flashbulbs sparked outside. The view through the window gleamed.

"Oh," Travis added with a smile, "I'll be throwing a launch party at the renovated old House in Georgia once the expansion is completed."

Austin perked up. "No way! That place is legendary. I'm in."

"Same here," Jamie followed

"I'll send invites to the who's who of Atlanta," Travis said.

Austin whistled. "This is gonna be epic."

Jamie chuckled. "I can already see the Instagram captions... Party with Georgia's heartthrob. #BillionaireLife."

They laughed, drinks flowing, memories forming. Travis enjoyed the nightlife almost as much as being around the people who knew him before the fortune.

Jamie, with her long brown hair and quick wit, had always had a special place in his heart-and Austin? Like a brother. He'd practically grown up in Travis's old house, playing hide and seek in the yard.

Later that night, back in his penthouse, Travis loosened his tie and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the glowing skyline. The city shimmered, busy as ever, but inside, everything was still. He poured himself a glass of whiskey and sank into the leather armchair beside his fireplace.

He picked up his phone and dialed. A few rings in, Virginia Lorrington-Scott appeared on the screen...

"Mom."

Virginia Lorrington-Scott was Elegant, composed, radiant even in her sixties. Her silver hair was swept into a neat bun, and she wore her favorite silk robe-the one with embroidered magnolias.

"Travis, darling," she said warmly, adjusting her glasses. "You're glowing on every social feed tonight. Another gala? Or did you finally crown yourself prince of California?"

He laughed. "Neither. Just dinner with Austin and Jamie."

"You're lucky to have them," she said, with that regal tone that always reminded him of Sunday dinners and old family lectures.

"I know. We've been through it all," he said, then sipped his drink. "Actually, I told them tonight. About Georgia."

Virginia's expression softened. "You're really doing it?"

"Yeah," he said, nodding slowly. "The R&D hub. Right in the heart of the South."

Her silence spoke volumes. She looked down, then back up. "Your father would have-" she paused, then gave a graceful smile. "He would've argued about the numbers, but he'd be proud."

"I'm not doing it for him," Travis said quietly. "Not for legacy. I just... I want to build something that matters. And maybe-maybe I want to go home in my own way."

Virginia nodded. "I understand."

They sat in silence for a moment. The unspoken memories between them floated in the space.

Then she chuckled. "You were always the kid building rockets in the garage and pretending your scooter was a private jet."

He smirked. "And you were always the mom who brought lemonade and said, Don't forget to land before dinner."

"You had ambition in your blood," she said. "Just don't lose your heart in the process, Travis."

His smile faded slightly. "Too late for that?"

"No," she said softly. "Not if you still call your mother at night."

They both laughed.

He ran a hand through his hair. "I miss you."

"I miss you too. But I'm always watching. Even from afar. And when you throw that Georgia launch party, you better believe I'll be there-hat, heels, and all."

"Deal," Travis said. "I'll have a seat reserved next to the Governor."

Virginia winked. "Make sure it's my good side."

They said their goodnights. The call ended.

Travis set down his whiskey and looked at the night sky one more time. Something in his chest pulled-not quite nostalgia, not quite longing. Maybe just the awareness that no matter how high you rise, the roots still call you home.

Then, finally, he slid into bed and let the hum of the city fade away.