"Thank you, Madam. It has been an honor to work on this garden." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Gratitude and farewell.

Those were the words Castor wanted to express to Ashley. Just like everyone else, he had been waiting for her decision. But until now, she hadn’t brought anything up.

Not because she was busy.

Rather, Ashley had told him they would talk about it once the garden was complete. By then, things would be easier—or so she said.

But since tomorrow was their last day, Castor had already made peace with the idea that his contract was over. Although he had other projects lined up, he also listened to his people and understood their willingness to continue working with Ashley.

The work was stable, the pay was higher, and the environment wasn’t as exhausting.

Ashley smiled in understanding.

"Thank you, Castor," she replied appreciatively. "I’m glad Dominion is already part of your clientele. Otherwise, I don’t think this garden—or anything else—would have turned out the way I imagined without you."

He chuckled. "It’s all thanks to your blueprint from Madam Liza."

"No," Ashley shook her head. "The proposal was just a guide, but unlike the original plan, things turned out very differently."

If anything, they simply followed the principles of the blueprint to create the best environment for the trees and the greenhouse.

Ashley turned on her heel and faced the garden, smiling in satisfaction.

"And now that I’m looking at it, I feel like I’ve forgotten what it used to look like," she said.

From what she remembered, it had been filled with flowers—beautiful ones that only grew within this mansion, thanks to the soil and the gardener who had carefully maintained them.

Then there was the barren state it had been reduced to... after she vented her anger on the garden, foolishly thinking that destroying it would make Lucian kick her out.

"Now, look at this forest," she whispered, her eyes softening. "It smells like nature."

Castor also stared at the mini forest they had created, nodding. "It really does feel like we’re closer to nature."

Even though the mansion was vast and surrounded by land, everything had once felt artificial—carefully controlled for aesthetics. But now, this space felt different. Though it wasn’t as expansive as a real forest, the air itself felt fresher.

Castor fell silent, simply admiring their work with a smile.

"When I first took this project, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t skeptical," he admitted, turning to Ashley. "But over time—especially after seeing the results—I realized I’m grateful I accepted it."

His tone deepened with sincerity. "Madam, thank you again for trusting my people and me. Even if this is the end of our contract, I’ll never forget this experience."

"As they say, we keep learning every day—and this project taught me a lot," he continued, referring to how even he, with years of experience, had learned from Ashley and Betty, who were only just starting out.

"If you need people, I’ve prepared a list of recommendations—those who can help with the plantation, the garden, and even soil packing. They’re experienced, and I’m confident in their capabilities," he added. "I’ll hand it to Betty later."

"Thank you," Ashley nodded appreciatively. "Even after the contract ends, I’m grateful you’re still willing to help."

"Haha. It’s the least I can do."

She chuckled softly, taking a deep breath as she clasped her hands behind her back. Then she tilted her head, watching the workers in the garden.

"So, this is the end of our contract, huh?" she murmured.

Castor nodded quietly, standing a few steps behind her.

But then, the words that followed made him frown.

"I’m glad this contract is finally over."

Deep lines formed on his face as he looked at her in disbelief. For a moment, he thought he had misheard her. But then she turned back to him and added,

"I was getting a little impatient," she said. "But finally, this project is done!"

"..." Castor opened and closed his mouth before forcing a smile.

Disappointment surged within him. Even if he told himself she was referring to her business needing progress—which required this project to end—he couldn’t stop his emotions from reacting.

"Of—of course," he stammered, clearing his throat as a lump formed in it.

I guess... we just expected too much, he thought. At the end of the day, Dominion is still Dominion. And the Madam is still the Madam.

All these sentiments... I can’t expect her to feel the same way. How foolish of me... of all of us—

"Be my partner."

Castor’s thoughts halted instantly.

"Huh?" He looked up, catching her still gazing at the garden with a faint smile. "Madam, did you say something? I’m sorry, it seems—"

"I said, can you be my partner?" she cut in, tilting her head slightly, her eyes sliding toward him.

Seeing the blank look on his face, she chuckled and turned to face him fully.

"Castor, I meant it when I said I’m glad Dominion is part of your clientele—and that you were the one who took this project. Not only did you deliver, but you also helped. You didn’t just supervise your men, you taught Betty and me a lot," she said. "You didn’t have to, but I could tell you genuinely cared for everyone and for this project."

She paused, pressing her lips together. "That’s why I’ve been thinking about it. And honestly... I’ve been waiting for this contract to end."

"Betty’s been worried about my next steps, but I didn’t know what to tell her. I’ve just been waiting for Dominion’s lawyer to finish drafting a new contract for both of us," she explained with a smile.

Then she extended her hand.

"Castor, be my business partner. I have Betty, but she’s my assistant, and I’ll need her for other things. So I need someone else I can fully trust with operations."

For a moment, Castor could only stare at her in shock.

"Madam, are you... hiring me?" he blurted out, only for her to frown.

"Did I say that? I said, "Be my partner"." She sighed. "Castor, even if I’m Lucian’s wife, I wouldn’t insult you like that. You’re a businessman. I added terms to our new contract, but I promise you’ll get your fair share."

She gestured lightly again. "We can talk about your business later, but for now... be my partner. What do you say?"

"..." Castor exhaled sharply, trying to process everything at once. The offer felt overwhelming.

He was already running a successful business, but he knew Ashley’s would skyrocket. From a business standpoint — and considering the connections she had — this would become an empire. Not to mention, with Dominion’s backing, it might as well become a monopoly.

And she was asking him... to stand beside her.

To be a part of the empire she was building.

"I’m waiting..." she trailed off when he suddenly grabbed her hand.

"Of course!" Castor declared, his heart racing as he looked at her with deep gratitude. "Madam, you don’t know how big this opportunity is."

She laughed. "I know," she winked. "That’s why I already had the new contract drafted for you."

"Welcome," she added knowingly. "Welcome to the club, Partner."