Chapter 157

~ Franklin ~

I walked slowly back to my grandfather’s private ward, Octavia’s words echoing relentlessly in my mind. She hadn’t even given me the chance to explain. I wanted to tell her the truth—that it was Anthony who had sent those nude photos. The entire thing had been staged, a cruel manipulation designed to tear us apart. I had never left her at the resort to meet another woman. But she shut me down before I could speak, and the pain of that rejection settled heavily in my chest. For the sake of her fragile health, I would hold back the full story until she was stronger. Pushing her now could do more damage than good.

As I entered the dimly lit room, the steady beep of the heart monitor greeted me like an unwelcome companion. My grandfather lay motionless, his once-powerful frame reduced to a pale shadow beneath the crisp white sheets.

I sank into the chair beside his bed, the weight of responsibility pressing down on me.

The staff back at the estate still had no idea what had happened to him. I had kept the truth hidden from them, and I had strictly forbidden any leaks to the press.

The last thing I needed was the media circus turning my family’s tragedy into front-page news.

My thoughts drifted to the company. After the chaos of recent events, I had instructed security to alert me immediately if Anthony Rice ever showed his face at JeffTech or any Flemington Group building.

I was ready to deal with him personally.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Emma, the receptionist I had temporarily promoted to handle secretarial duties while we searched for a permanent replacement.

"Good morning, Mr. Flemington," she greeted professionally.

"Good morning, Emma," I replied, my voice sounding more tired than I intended.

Hearing my tone, she hesitated. "I hope I didn’t call at a bad time."

I glanced at my grandfather’s still form and forced a shrug, even though she couldn’t see it. "No, you’re fine," I lied, letting out a quiet sigh. "What’s going on?"

"There’s been a development with the Andes Corridor deal," she began.

I frowned, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "I thought that deal was already secured on our end."

"I’m afraid it’s more complicated than that, sir."

I leaned forward, tension coiling in my shoulders. "What kind of development?"

"They’ve scheduled an urgent executive meeting in Bogotá, Colombia, and they’ve specifically requested your presence."

The word Bogotá hit me like a quiet shock. I stilled, staring blankly at the wall.

"That was... unexpected," I said slowly. "We already have preliminary agreements. Why the sudden escalation?"

"There’s a competing firm aggressively pushing for controlling interest. If we don’t finalize the terms in person, we risk losing majority stake in the project."

My jaw tightened. Attending meant leaving my grandfather behind in this fragile state. The thought twisted painfully in my gut.

"What exactly are we locking in?" I asked, exhaling slowly.

"Primary investment rights in a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and logistics network—ports, transport routes, and commercial access connecting Colombia’s trade system with northern Brazil. If the Flemington Group secures this, we’ll control one of the most strategically vital trade corridors in South America."

A heavy silence settled between us as the magnitude of the opportunity sank in.

"And they want me there personally," I murmured, almost to myself. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"Yes, sir. Final negotiations will only proceed with the executive chairman present."

I rubbed my temples, the weight of the decision pressing harder. Seven days from now—Thursday morning—I would have to fly out, leaving behind everything unresolved: my grandfather fighting for his life, and the growing rift with Octavia.

"When am I leaving?" I asked, already calculating the days.

"Next week, sir. Thursday morning."

"That’s seven days from now," I confirmed, my voice flat.

"Yes, sir."

Seven days. Seven days to somehow bridge the distance with Octavia while my grandfather remained unconscious. The urge to cancel everything surged through me, but then I imagined my grandfather’s reaction if he were awake—his sharp eyes narrowing in disappointment.

He had always drilled into me that the family legacy came first. Hesitation was never an option. He had groomed me to become CEO and later executive chairman for moments exactly like this.

I could almost hear his voice in my head: Get up. Don’t back down. The company is counting on you.

"I’ll be there," I said finally, the words heavy with resolve.

"Shall I arrange your private jet and prepare the full itinerary?"

Emma asked efficiently.

"Yes. Make the arrangements."

"Understood, sir. You’ll be flying direct. The route will take you over northern Brazil before entering Colombian airspace."

"Just make sure everything is handled smoothly," I instructed.

"It will be, sir."

There was a brief pause before Emma’s voice softened with concern. "Is everything okay, Mr. Flemington?"

I snapped back to the present, the lie slipping out too easily. "Yes, everything’s fine."

"Shall I send over the full briefing documents?"

"Of course. Send them immediately."

The line went dead. I set the phone down slowly, my mind now split in two directions: the high-stakes deal that could dramatically expand the Flemington Group’s global influence, and the personal crises threatening to pull me apart—my grandfather’s life hanging in the balance and Octavia’s guarded distance.

My jaw clenched. For the first time in a long while, I wasn’t sure which battle I was more afraid of losing. Yet deep down, I knew what my grandfather would expect of me. He had always taught me that leadership meant making hard choices, even when your heart was elsewhere.

I stood up, grabbed my coat, and gazed down at his motionless figure. Reaching out, I gently took his cool hand in mine.

"I know this is exactly what you would want me to do, Grandpa," I whispered. "I’ll fulfill it. I’ll make you proud."

I gave his hand a final, gentle squeeze. "Don’t worry. I’ll handle everything."

With one last look at the man who had shaped my entire world, I turned and left the ward. In seven days, I would be on a flight to Bogotá.

Until then, I had a company to prepare, loose ends to tie, and a heart that felt dangerously close to breaking.