"You can't go back there, Isla. Have you forgotten how you left?" I held her hand firmly, trying to calm her down. She shivered at the memories, and I could feel the tension in her body.
"It is okay, Isla, it's over now. I promised to protect you, and I will. Don't worry, I have a plan. There is a list of buyers on my computer. Message them, set up meetings, and bring me their proposals. I will review them together and choose the best buyer for the land."
"Me, I can't possibly meet up with them, can't Harper go?" Isla replied. I knew this would be her reaction, she wasn't used to these meetings, but I wanted her to go. It was a crucial part of my plan.
"Harper will only hand the land over to her husband, I am counting on you, Isla. You are the only one I trust. Just collect the proposals and let me handle the decision-making." I said, my eyes locked on hers, filled with a mix of desperation and hope.
"Where is the land deed now?" Isla asked, her brow furrowed in concern, and I paused, hesitant, at the question.
I gently touched her head, trying to reassure her. "Don't worry about that. Just do as I say."
"Okay, I will prepare, you will get out of here and raise our baby." She said, her face lit up with a warm smile, the beautiful smile I was so mad in love with.
"Of course, I wasn't planning to stay." I replied with a teasing smile and kissed her lips lightly. I watched as she left, I couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty.
"Don't let me down, Isla," I whispered.
Harry came to visit me too, I didn't know how to face the man who had been a close friend and mentor. However, I eventually mustered up the courage to meet with him.
Harry's eyes bore into mine, his expression filled with concern. "You have to get out of here, Damen," he said, his voice low and serious. "I would hate to see you throw away your future like that. That child needs a father, and I only agreed to this because of that child." He paused, his gaze softening slightly. "I will consider it a new life in exchange for an old one." The weight of his words hung in the air, and suddenly I couldn't stop my tears.
"Am so sorry, Harry," I replied, my voice cracking as tears streamed down my face. I couldn't believe he was willing to let his wife's death go, just for my happiness.
Harry's expression turned stern. "Will you stop saying sorry and thank you?" he asked, his voice firm but laced with a hint of sadness. "I have heard enough of those words already. I have just met Isla, she told me you are trying to sell the land to raise bail money. I had no idea it would come to this." He shook his head in confusion.
"I was still in the plans of selling it," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I couldn't raise the taxes on the loan so this just sped up the process." I couldn't meet Harry's gaze, feeling a sense of shame and defeat wash over me.
"Ohhh, you fought so hard, Damen, I am sorry you failed." He reached out, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder, and I felt a lump form in my throat as I struggled to hold back tears.
I nodded, "Me too."
"Consider partnering with Rose Corporation, we will give you a good deal." Harry suddenly replied.
"Isn't that your late wife's company?" I asked, my mind racing with questions. "I remember it was on the brink of bankruptcy, how can they afford to bid for the land?" The question hung in the air, I could sense Harry's hesitation to answer.
"Ohh, I have fought a tough war, but finally managed to restore it," he said, a sense of triumph in his voice. "I am the new CEO, I will give you a good deal. Then you can lead the development project yourself."
"That would be amazing, but I won't decide the buyer. However, I really hope your proposal wins."
"Who will decide then, if not you?" Harry asked curiously.
"The tenants," I said proudly.
Harry looked at me in shock. "You're going to let them decide?"
"Yes, most of them are educated and can read, so they will choose their next landlord." I said with a smile, "but I hope your proposal will win."
Harry's face turned red with anger as he snapped, "You're being ridiculous, you can't do that, they will make a mistake and mess everything up!"
I shrugged, my tone nonchalant, "It's their future at risk, not mine."
"Yes, but..." Harry trailed off, his voice laced with frustration, "don't you care about the consequences?"
"It's okay, old man. My father died protecting them, this is the least I can do." I had made up my mind.
ISLA'S POV
I lay naked in his bed, the one his wife had warmed not even a week ago. The thought sent a shiver down my spine. Men were heartless creatures indeed. Harry was a handsome man, even at his age, but he just wasn't the one I wanted. My mother's words rang loud and clear in my mind: "We don't always get what we want, Isla."
"I have talked to him, and hinted about the Rose Cooperation," Harry complained, his voice laced with frustration. "Make sure I get this deal. I am not going to put in this much effort only to lose to some other company." He laughed, his expression filled with anger and disdain. "He is actually letting those peasants vote. Such a weakling."
"Don't worry, he will sign," I offered a reassuring smile even though I had my doubts. Who knew Damen would give me so much headache.
"Ensure it," Harry growled, his voice firm and commanding. "I want a double win, my money will return to me, and so will the land." he emphasized, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
"Yes, love," I whispered, my lips brushing against Harry's in a tender kiss. I couldn't help but wonder who was more heartless between us two. Was it the woman Damen had loved at the expense of his freedom? Or the friend he viewed as a father and mentor.