The Billionaire Who Saved Me

Reluctantly, Elice had to make a decision. It seemed difficult for her to balance her job and responsibilities while caring for the Morales family. Something had to give between the two. And it didn’t take Elice long to make her decision.

It might seem a bit unprofessional, considering that Elice was very new to Metro. Especially since she had just taken over the position of editor-in-chief. But unfortunately, Elice had no choice. She had to put aside the discomfort and guilt that was growing in her heart. She was forced to squander the trust Hollis had placed in her. The middle-aged man, who had been her mother’s friend, had used his authority at Metro to facilitate Elice’s work all along. This made Elice uncomfortable not only as a subordinate and a superior, but also for more personal reasons.

“I’ve made my decision, Garrett.”

As Elice helped Garrett straighten his tie that morning, she said it.

“What have you decided?” Garrett asked, lifting his face slightly to give Elice room to adjust the tie around his neck.

Elice’s fingers moved gently and precisely, making sure Garrett’s tie was properly secured. Not the slightest bit crooked.

“I’m resigning from Metro.” Elice took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Garrett was taken aback by what he heard. “It’s done.”

Elice stepped back to get the distance she needed. So that she could reevaluate Garrett’s performance that morning. According to what Garrett had said last night before he went to bed, he had a morning meeting. So, Elice had to make sure that Garrett looked presentable. And Elice’s smile widened, indicating that she was satisfied with her work.

But now it wasn’t his appearance that Garrett cared about. Instead, it was Elice.

So, Garrett took a step forward to close the gap Elice had created between them. His hands reached out to grab Elice’s to make sure she wouldn’t leave anytime soon.

“Are you serious?” Garrett asked, making sure. “I’m not forcing you, Elice. So if you…”

The smile on Elice’s face stopped Garrett’s speech halfway. There was no hint of pressure or coercion in Elice’s expression. None at all. On the contrary, Elice seemed to radiate relief.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“I am not forced or reluctant at all, Garrett. And even if I was hesitant yesterday, it was definitely not because I was torn between two options,” Elice said, raising her head. She looked at Garrett with a soft gaze. “But because I doubted if I could do it or not. You know it’s not easy for me.”

Indeed, Elice and Daphne’s time together had been relatively short. Especially since they didn’t do many activities together. But that was more than enough to prove to Elice that there were many things Daphne had taken on all that time. And replacing Daphne was certainly no easy task.

While Garrett, hearing his wife’s explanation, reflexively let out a long sigh. His eyes returned to Elice’s.

“I will ask Mr. Carolus to schedule a meeting with you immediately. Mr. Carolus will guide you,” Garrett said. “Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll make it.”

About half an hour later, Elice and Garrett had left the house in their respective vehicles. Elice, who let Randi drive her car, used the time during the drive to think.

Elice was going to meet with Hollis that morning. Of course, it was to discuss her desire to leave Metro. And that wasn’t easy.

She took a deep breath, stood in front of Hollis’ door and gathered her strength. And finally, she knocked.

“Come in,” Hollis’ voice said. Elice entered immediately and greeted her boss politely.

“Elice, what brings you to me so early?” Hollis asked, motioning for Elice to sit in front of him. Across the desk, Hollis could see a hint of anxiety on Elice’s face.

“Sorry to take up your time, sir,” Elice said before answering Hollis’ question. “But there is something I need to discuss with you.”

Hollis remained silent, waiting for Elice to finish.

“Regarding my job, sir.”

Once, Hollis nodded. It seemed he could guess.

“It seems I can no longer work for Metro,” Elice concluded. “Forgive me. I know this is so sudden. Especially considering all the kindness you’ve shown me so far.”

Hollis took a long breath and seemed to smile shortly thereafter. His expression was relaxed. Nothing like what Elice had imagined a while ago when she had gathered her strength to discuss this.

“It’s not a problem, Elice.”

Elice froze while Hollis seemed relaxed.

“I understand your current situation,” Hollis continued, nodding repeatedly. “In light of the recent major events that have befallen your husband’s family, it is indeed a wise decision for you to resign.”

Hollis’ understanding made Elice feel both relieved and guilty. But there was nothing she could do about it. She had to take a stand.

“I sincerely apologize for my unprofessional behavior, sir. And I thank you for all the kindness you’ve shown me so far. I will submit my resignation as soon as possible.”

Hollis nodded and allowed Elice to leave a few seconds later.

Seeing his office door close again, Hollis reached for his phone. To contact someone.

“Hello.”

The greeting from the other end was heard after three seconds of ringing.

“Hello, sir. Elice has arrived and will be leaving soon.”

A long sigh was heard, followed by a thank you.

“Alright. Thank you for everything, sir. For everything you’ve done from the beginning, accepting Elice to work there, promoting her, and accepting her resignation, I thank you. I assure you that the Morales family will not forget your kindness. Please contact me if you need anything.

A broad, happy smile appeared on Hollis’s face.

“Thank you very much,” Hollis said happily. “Thank you, Mr. Carolus. Again, thank you.”

Hollis ended the call feeling incredibly light-hearted. He felt that he had never been happier. And it was all thanks to Elice.

“Thank you, Elice.”

In reality, Hollis wasn’t in such a special position to bring in new people. Metro was a big company, certainly very selective in its choice of employees. And since Elice’s educational background had nothing to do with journalism, relying only on her extracurricular activities in college, it was impossible for her to get in there.

So, of course, Elice needed more than just Hollis to get a job at Metro. Someone who had a lot of power. Because in reality there was a relationship that had been known since Daphne’s arrival in Crestdale. When she met with Garrett to discuss the inheritance and found out that there was a woman involved with Garrett.

In the form of surveillance camera footage from the club and the hotel. It didn’t take long for Daphne to find out her whereabouts in Ashford City. She arranged for Elice to be in close proximity to Garrett. And everything happened as it should.

Returning to her office, Elice found her phone ringing. She rushed to answer it, but was still late.

A new number was contacting her. And not just once. Instead, there were twenty-four unanswered calls coming to her phone.

Of course, Elice was surprised. It seemed like she had never been contacted so many times in her life. But aside from that, there was something that made Elice furrow her brow.

Who is calling me?

Looking at the new number, Elice was stunned. It felt familiar, but not entirely certain. But Elice’s curiosity was answered a moment later. When a message came in, Elice’s eyes immediately widened.

0 1 xxxxxxx:

Elice, it’s me, Ariel.

I beg you.

We must meet, Elice.

I have something to tell you.

*