**Я вижу цену всему и каждой Девушки. ч.4 — Transcript & Summary | SozAI**
Source: https://sozai.app/transcript/i-see-the-price-of-everything-and-every-girl-part-4/

Part 4 of a serialized story: Ryan, an art pawn expert, clashes with TV expert Sebastian Crow, sells him a forged canvas, and reflects on talent, greed, and integrity.

## Key Takeaways

- Greed and hypocrisy are easily exposed when someone is given the chance to act on them.
- Artistic growth comes from personal expression rather than chasing others' skill levels.
- Integrity and self-reflection matter more than reputation or public image.

## What the video covers

- Ryan Hayes, a pawn shop appraiser, confronts TV personality Sebastian Crow, who accuses Empire Pawn of inflated prices.
- Ryan exposes Crow's own steep markups on his online store, sparking public embarrassment and a rivalry.
- Crow is set to be a top expert on an upcoming TV show featuring the market's art finds.
- Ryan mentors young painter Sophie March, encouraging her to focus on expression rather than imitation.
- Jake's market closes as its famous paintings move to television.
- Crow secretly asks to buy a 'Three Millennia' painting for $100,000 off the books.
- Ryan sells him a canvas bearing Sophie March's signature, a deliberate trap that exposes Crow's greed.
- Crow discovers the signature and threatens revenge, which Ryan dismisses.
- Jake shares his reflections on his failed marriage and the difficulty of love under financial pressure.
- The chapter ends with Ryan reflecting that ambition and greed make people reveal themselves.

## Chapters

1. 00:00 Introducing Empire Pawn and TV Plans
2. 07:00 Clash with Sebastian Crow
3. 22:30 Mentoring Sophie March
4. 35:00 Jake's Market Closes
5. 46:00 Crow's Secret Offer
6. 57:00 The Trap Is Sprung
7. 67:30 Dinner and Reflections

Answers

## Questions about this video

Who is Sebastian Crow in this story?

Sebastian Crow is a TV expert and online seller who publicly accuses Empire Pawn of overpricing. Ryan exposes his own high markups, and Crow later becomes a rival.

How does Ryan trap Crow?

Crow asks to buy an early painting off the books for $100,000. Ryan sells him a canvas signed by Sophie March, so Crow's attempted fraud becomes evident when he later checks the signature.

What is the main theme of this part?

The chapter explores greed, integrity, and artistic authenticity, contrasting Crow's hypocrisy with the importance of genuine self-expression and honest dealing.

## Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown

00:00

Speaker A

changed the properties of herbal mixtures. Considering another capsule with a thin pattern on the shell, I thought that the TV show would be useful not only Empire. If you show the audience a really unusual thing, the show will be remembered for a long time.

00:15

Speaker A

In the morning, I noticed a man watching me too closely. He was about 35, wearing an expensive coat, and the expression on his face resembled a man who had previously been dissatisfied with the whole world. When our eyes met, the stranger turned away

00:31

Speaker A

and walked away. A few hours later, I saw him in Empire Pawn. He stood in the middle of the evaluation room and loudly accused employees of inflating prices.

00:42

Speaker A

"This box was bought for a maximum of 4,000 and exhibited for six. Do you call this fair trade?" Mr. Wilson noticed me first. "Ryan, it's good you came." The stranger smiled coldly. "Is this the famous young expert? And you?"

01:00

Speaker A

"Sebastian Crow. Some people call me Eagle Eye, although I don't like high-profile titles." Judging by how willingly he pronounced the nickname, he loved the title more than his own name. Crow turned out to be one of the visiting television experts. He became

01:16

Speaker A

famous early, ran a channel about counterfeits, and portrayed a merciless defender of buyers. "Empire's markup is no more than 20%," I said. "Customers pay for verified provenance, insurance, and a money-back guarantee." A beautiful excuse for greed. I opened

01:35

Speaker A

his company's website on my phone. "A bracelet bought for $300, you sell for 2,000. On your app, a regular vintage brooch costs four times as much as the market. You want to talk about greed together?" Laughter broke out around us.

01:51

Speaker A

Crow flushed crimson. "Online trading requires costs. Empire has hundreds of employees, security, laboratory, and insurance, but our markup is 10 times lower than yours. So, either trading for profit is acceptable to everyone, or you started from the wrong store. He headed for the exit,

02:12

Speaker A

then turned around. I will be one of the top experts on the show. Let's see how confident you can be there. If you are honest, there will be no problems. If you decide to settle scores, the nickname Eagle Eye quickly turns into a

02:26

Speaker A

joke. Crow left, slamming the door. Mr. Wilson sighed. I think we have a new enemy. No, just a man who likes his own reflection too much. I didn't think long about Crow.

02:39

Speaker A

People who play the role of an impeccable judge for years often begin to believe in him. Sebastian publicly exposed the fraudsters, but his stores lived on huge margins, and participation in the programs brought the right sellers fame. I stopped by Jake's market

02:55

Speaker A

this afternoon. Preparation of the TV show brought back crowds of visitors. People were hoping to find the treasure for a few dollars and get on the air with it. Crow stood beside the paintings with three elderly experts. They debated

03:10

Speaker A

whether the artist known as Three Millennia could be young. It takes decades to develop a technique like that, one insisted. The city is just making a legend for itself, Crow added.

03:22

Speaker A

Young genius sells well. I didn't interfere. Under normal circumstances, they were right. Sophie March came up to me. Teacher, the more I study, the worse my work seems. I used to believe that one day I would reach your level. Have

03:37

Speaker A

you decided to lose beforehand? I can see the difference. Seeing the difference is useful.

03:43

Speaker A

Treating it as a sentence is foolish. Sophie looked bewildered. I pointed to the market visitors. Drawing a similar face is not difficult. A real artist shows what a person thinks, what he is afraid of, and where he is in a hurry.

03:59

Speaker A

This requires not only technology and years of work. You have to watch people and love the process. What if talent isn't enough? Perseverance outlives talent more often than people think. But if every painting is your exam, you'll quickly hate painting. Look not for a

04:16

Speaker A

way to catch up with me, but for what you want to say. Sophie was silent for a long time, then smiled. Do you really think I have a chance?

04:26

Speaker A

I think you ask too many questions instead of drawing. She went back to the easel. I looked at my own paintings and realized that the advice wasn't just for her. My abilities allowed me to repeat almost any technique,

04:39

Speaker A

but the borrowed skill did not make me an artist. If I wanted to be one, I had to stop seeing art as another convenient way to make money.

04:48

Speaker A

Jake started removing the paintings from the stand. Are you closing yet? Crow asked. Permanently, Jake replied. The works of three millennia will soon be on television. They don't need to stay at the market anymore.

05:03

Speaker A

Sebastian was visibly nervous. He took me aside. Did Empire acquire these paintings? Some early work, yes.

05:11

Speaker A

At what price? Back then, prices started at 50,000. They've risen since. Crow looked around, made sure his colleagues couldn't hear him, and lowered his voice. Sell me one for a hundred grand. On the show, I'm not going to cause trouble for you or

05:28

Speaker A

Empire. Are you suggesting I steal company property? Don't be dramatic. You're going to tell me that the canvas wasn't on the balance sheet, and Jake has it. For a department chief, it's a trifle. I pretended to be thinking.

05:43

Speaker A

You're right, but no one must find out. I sent him an invoice with the name of the work and the name of the author.

05:51

Speaker A

Crow confirmed it without even opening the attachment and transferred the money. I handed him a rolled-up canvas and we exchanged happy smiles. When Crow left, Sophie frowned. "Why did you sell him your painting so cheaply?" I transferred the $100,000 to her.

06:08

Speaker A

"Because it was your painting." "What?" While he was looking at the payment, I replaced the package. Sophie tried to return the money, but I stopped her. "The artist was paid for her work. It's fair." "He didn't want to buy my painting."

06:24

Speaker A

"Then he should have read the signature before the payment." Jake laughed, but quickly became serious.

06:31

Speaker A

"Are you sure you need to piss off the person who's going to be evaluating our stuff on the air?" "He's already determined to hurt the empire. I just gave him a chance to show his character." We were two blocks away

06:43

Speaker A

when we heard a cry from behind. "Ryan, stop." Crow caught up with us, breathing heavily, and unfolded the canvas. "That's Sophie March's signature." "Correct." "I was buying a three millennia. You asked how much Empire paid for my early

07:02

Speaker A

works. You yourself offered $100,000 for a canvas without checking the signature. One of my new paintings has already sold for 2 million.

07:11

Speaker A

It's not worth that kind of money." "Then be glad I didn't sell it to you." Crow squeezed the canvas so that his fingers were white. "You'll regret it." "This is the third time you have promised. Try to at least come up with a

07:26

Speaker A

new phrase." Crow left, promising to give me 10 times the humiliation back. Sophie watched him go.

07:34

Speaker A

"He'll try to use the show against you." "He'll try, but to do that, he'll have to make a mistake in front one the cameras." "What if he's a really good expert? Then anger will not stop him from telling the truth, and everything

07:47

Speaker A

will end peacefully. Jake grinned. Do you believe that yourself? Not a second. To change the subject, I suggested dinner. Over fried meat and beer, Jake spoke calmly about Holly for the first time. It was hard at first, he admitted.

08:05

Speaker A

Then I realized that I loved the opportunity to have a family rather than her. That doesn't mean there weren't feelings. There were, but when you have to prove love with money every day, little of it remains. Sophie took us

08:19

Speaker A

home. On the way, she asked me again how I managed to change the painting.

08:24

Speaker A

Prepared two identical tubes. Crow saw what he wanted to see, so he didn't even look at the caption. How did you know he was going to offer a secret deal? I didn't know. I just left the possibility open. A greedy person finds the bait

08:39

Speaker A

himself. Sophie looked at me in the rearview mirror. You're scary sometimes. Only sometimes? When you're silent more often. Jake laughed. His mood finally improved.

08:52

Speaker A

Outside my building, I transferred Jake his half of the proceeds from paintings sold at the fair. At the time, he had sent me everything, refusing his share.

09:02

Speaker A

I had kept it for him ever since. Buy a car. You have to carry goods and constantly ask for a van from the neighbors. I told you this money is yours. Half is yours under contract. I got into the project because of your

09:16

Speaker A

name. I was able to sell paintings because of your work. Don't turn friendship into bookkeeping. He wanted to argue, but he changed his mind.

09:26

Speaker A

Then I'll get a cheap pickup truck. Take a reliable one and don't give it to the next girl without permission. Will you never forget this story? I plan to tell it at your wedding. The next morning, Mr. Wilson reported that Crow had again

09:41

Speaker A

staged a scene at Empire Pawn. Sebastian sat in the appraisal room with Sophie's painting in front of him. You sold it for a hundred thousand.

09:51

Speaker A

He said in front of witnesses, your employees are offering ten. Explain the difference. The name of the artist affects the price no less than the technique. I replied, not many people know Sophie right now, so the market is

10:04

Speaker A

cautious. I'm sure her work will go up in price over time. If you're sure, buy it for fifty thousand. No.

10:14

Speaker A

So yesterday you lied that Empire was buying such paintings. I said Empire bought several of my early works at that price. Sophie didn't paint them. Her name was on the invoice you confirmed before paying. Crow hit the table with his hand. You deliberately

10:31

Speaker A

misled me. You secretly offered me to appropriate the property of the employer and forge a report. Do you want to repeat the claim in front of lawyers and surveillance cameras? It was quiet in the hall. Sebastian quickly put the

10:45

Speaker A

painting in the tube. We'll talk differently on set. The fourth time is the same threat. You disappoint me as an author. When he left, the appraisers made noise. Some people thought I was too harsh. Others were overjoyed. Mr.

11:00

Speaker A

Wilson waited for silence. Let's say he deserves a lesson. A crow could ruin the company's reputation on the air. That's why three independent specialists will check each of our exhibits before the show. If he undervalues one, viewers will see his bias

11:18

Speaker A

rather than an Empire mistake. At this point, the marketing department called. The organizers rejected all the proposed lots citing the coincidence of the categories with other participants. It wasn't a coincidence. I specifically chose rare items. Send me an official refusal. I

11:37

Speaker A

said, and don't call anyone yet. You could complain to Howard or Graham, but then Crow would say Empire has connections. I needed a solution that could not be called patronage. I took the file of documents and went to the TV

11:51

Speaker A

channel. The main expert of the program was Edward Rowan, an elderly historian with an impeccable reputation. Unlike Crow and his friends, he did not sell antiques or take private orders. I found him in the conference room. He reviewed hundreds of

12:07

Speaker A

applications and put a short mark next to each one. Repeat. Weak history. Fits. Mr. Rowan, will you take a look at Empire's proposals? He went through my consultant's ID and took the folder.

12:21

Speaker A

Within a few minutes, his fatigue disappeared. Why am I seeing this for the first time?

12:26

Speaker A

I was told that the categories were repeated. There is a laboratory oven, a set of restored ceramics, and rare painting. There's nothing like that in the program. I handed him a second folder with photographs of the finest objects in my personal collection. Rowan

12:43

Speaker A

took off his glasses. If half is genuine, the show will receive material for the entire season. I guarantee authenticity. The owners are ready to come.

12:53

Speaker A

Then these applications go through. From now on, all Empire rejections will come to me. I thanked him and left without talking to anyone else. That evening, Crow gathered three expert acquaintances at a restaurant. A television employee later told me about their conversation.

13:11

Speaker A

Each had received gifts from shops they had promised airtime. Empire's lots interfered with those arrangements.

13:18

Speaker A

Rowan put them back in the program, one said irritably. Then we'll undervalue their items during filming, Crow replied. There's one of him and four of us. Viewers will believe the majority." "What if our agreements come out?" "They won't. Rowan's too decent to

13:36

Speaker A

look for dirt. They were wrong about one thing." I was going to look for that dirt. The next day, Howard and Graham showed me the final list. A third of the program was occupied by Empire items and some

13:49

Speaker A

commercial applications advanced by Crow were excluded. "Someone will be very unhappy." Graham said. "Let it be." I replied. "Don't change the order of the first two comparisons and only you, Rowan, and I should know the prices before the shoot." Howard looked at me

14:07

Speaker A

carefully. "Are you setting a trap again?" "I create conditions in which an honest expert has nothing to fear." The premiere was recorded before an audience. Above the stage shown the title The Find beside Empire Pawn's logo. Nolan was sitting in the front

14:24

Speaker A

row. Empire employees occupied several sectors, but I forbade them from interfering. If the program was supposed to build trust, cheap extras would only hurt. Six collectors and five guest experts led by Edward Rowan stood on stage. I watched from the control room

14:41

Speaker A

and could stop recording if a serious error occurred. The host removed the covers from the first two subjects. On the tables were almost the same small porcelain bowls for brushes. One was provided by a private collector, the other by Empire. "They look the same."

14:58

Speaker A

admitted a contestant named Sarah. "But I'll choose Empire. The company gives a guarantee of authenticity." Crow chuckled.

15:07

Speaker A

"Did you get paid to advertise?" "If I'd been paid, I'd have rehearsed a better speech." The audience laughed.

15:15

Speaker A

Other participants also chose the Empire bowl, focusing not on signs, but on reputation. The moderator recalled, "Today, any combination is possible.

15:26

Speaker A

Two genuine things, two copies, or one copy. The name of the owner does not guarantee anything." Sebastian was the first to pick up the microphone.

15:36

Speaker A

Both cups date back to the mid-19th century. The Empire has survived a little better, but I don't see a significant difference in price. Three of his acquaintances agreed. Rowan was silent, waiting for the results of the audience vote. Most

15:52

Speaker A

valued each bowl at about $8,000. They added a little for the Empire bowl's better condition. The prices of the owners appeared on the screens.

16:02

Speaker A

A private collector asked for 8,000. Empire, 750. The audience murmured. Crow frowned. "It's a publicity stunt. The company deliberately lowered the price." Rowan finally got up. "No, the private bowl is authentic. A copy of Empire is a modern

16:22

Speaker A

copy made for training appraisers. $750 is an honest price for a quality replica." On the big screen showed differences in the composition of the glaze and the traces of the instrument.

16:35

Speaker A

They were only noticeable under the magnification. "I could have made a mistake without laboratory light." Rowan continued, "The first lesson is simple.

16:45

Speaker A

The reputation of the seller is important, but it is not a substitute for verification." The audience applauded. Crow tried to smile, but the camera caught his face close-up. The first round wasn't even over, and Eagle Eye had already missed a forgery that

17:00

Speaker A

should have been obvious to an expert of his claimed caliber. After the break, two paintings were taken to the stage.

17:07

Speaker A

The first belonged to Eastbrook Antiques, a store that paid Crow's people for a lucrative appearance on the air. The second came from Empire.

17:16

Speaker A

Sebastian praised the Eastbrook landscape for almost 5 minutes. The work of the late 19th century, a confidence school of famous author. This is a museum level item. Of the painting Empire, he said otherwise.

17:30

Speaker A

The technique is interesting, but the author is modern. Prominence is short-term, investment value is questionable. His colleagues agreed amicably. Rowan took the floor last. A canvas's age matters, but doesn't determine its artistic The landscape was indeed painted by an acknowledged

17:49

Speaker A

master. The second work, however, belongs to the artist known as three millennia. His paintings rarely appear on the market and have already attracted major collectors.

18:00

Speaker A

Crow interrupted. This artist is known for cityscapes. There haven't been any female portraits. Not publicly, Rowan calmly replied. But the manner of working with light and the multi-layered preparation of the canvas coincide. I watched Sebastian realize that the order of the lots had been

18:20

Speaker A

changed specifically to test his impartiality. When the signatures were opened, there was no doubt. On the first canvas was the name of the old master, on the second my pseudonym. Then the prices came.

18:34

Speaker A

Eastbrook asked for $240,000, about a third above the market. The Empire put up my portrait for 750,000.

18:43

Speaker A

A little cheaper than the last public sale of the portrait. There was a noise in the studio. Instead of advertising, Eastbrook received accusations of overprice.

18:53

Speaker A

And Empire looked an honest seller. On the internet, viewers were already disassembling the first round and asked why four experts made the same mistake at the same time. After the recording, I met Crow at the service exit.

19:06

Speaker A

Congratulations on the success of the broadcast. You changed the program. I changed the order of two comparisons.

19:14

Speaker A

The object's authenticity stayed the same. That wouldn't have hindered an honest appraiser. The manager of Eastbrook approached him and silently showed him the phone. Judging by the expression on his face, the conversation promised to be unpleasant. Nolan was watching them from

19:31

Speaker A

the hallway. Did they want to humiliate you on television? Empire, I just happened to be a convenient target. So, what now?

19:41

Speaker A

Now they'll try to repair their reputation in the next episode. That will make them even more predictable.

19:48

Speaker A

After the disastrous broadcast, Crow returned Eastbrook's money and promised to restore the shop's reputation. Howard wanted to replace the entire group, but I suggested waiting. If you remove them now, they will declare themselves victims of editing, I explained. Give them another chance to

20:06

Speaker A

tell the truth. Three days later, recording began on episode two. Crow checked the program beforehand and made sure Eastbrook's lots wouldn't be compared with Empire's.

20:17

Speaker A

He decided the danger had passed. The evening's main pair was two antique greenstone inkwells. Eastbrook supplied one.

20:25

Speaker A

A collector from the state capital supplied the other. Sebastian had long admired the former. Exceptional carvings, top quality material, mid-18th century. Such a thing could stand in the office of a governor or a major industrialist. I'd value it at $800,000.

20:44

Speaker A

The audience gasped. The second inkwell was inspected much more quickly. Not bad work, but the stone is worse, the carving is rougher.

20:53

Speaker A

No more than second thing, a man of 45, turned pale. Are you sure? My conclusion is based on 20 years of experience.

21:06

Speaker A

Then explain why 3 years ago I bought it for 220,000. Buyers often overpay. Edward Rowan checked the contract and inspected the inkwell. It's really overpriced. Today it is worth about 130,000.

21:21

Speaker A

Crow sat back in his chair deciding that the argument was over. But the collector pulled a second document out of his inner pocket. I'm not arguing with Mr. Rowan. I want to ask Sebastian Crow why he forgot his signature. The

21:36

Speaker A

close-up brought the paper to the screen. It was a certificate of authenticity and a written estimate of $220,000.

21:44

Speaker A

At the bottom was Crow's signature and the seller was a company associated with his app. It was quiet in the studio. You have convinced me that the price will only go up.

21:55

Speaker A

The man continued. Today you call the same thing ordinary and blame the buyer. So who were you then?

22:02

Speaker A

An incompetent expert or a salesman who knowingly de- ceived me? Sebastian opened his mouth but found no answer.

22:10

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Rowan took off his glasses and looked at him without being polite. I think we'll have to stop the recording. We need to check not only the certificate but also all the commercial connections of the invited experts. The camera's red light

22:24

Speaker A

went out. For the audience the shooting is over. For Sebastian Crow the real trial was just beginning. The collector raised the inkwell so that the camera showed the bottom and the engraved mark.

22:36

Speaker A

My name is Quentin Hartley. 3 years ago I borrowed money to buy it. The seller showed the conclusion of Sebastian Crow.

22:43

Speaker A

$220,000. The price will rise. I called Crow himself and he confirmed every word. Then why did you keep quiet while I was evaluating the thing?

22:54

Speaker A

Asked Sebastian. I wanted to hear what you would say without a hint. Rowan compared the signature and date to the archive. The document turned out to be authentic. Sebastian offered to buy the inkwell for the amount indicated in it,

23:08

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adding interest. Quinton shook his head. "Three years ago, you sold me hope. Today, you called me a fool. Money won't explain which of your two appraisals was honest." Shooting stopped. Backstage, Crow saw me. "You brought him." I suggested he take some papers with

23:27

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him. I couldn't convince you to value one thing twice. His phone was bursting with calls. Buyers checked old deals, and the organizers asked for information about its application and paid recommendations. I met Quinton at the exit. Before the show, we'd agreed that

23:44

Speaker A

if the experts undervalued his inkwell, I would buy it for 300,000. Rowan valued it much lower, but my ability revealed the work of a rare workshop beneath later finishing. "Is the offer still valid?" asked Quinton.

23:59

Speaker A

"Yes. First, an independent review and a contract." He nodded. The next segment was being filmed in the hall, and I was already preparing Jake's appearance in a new episode. The next morning, I got a call from a woman whom I had promised to

24:13

Speaker A

answer after filming was over. "My dad can't sleep anymore because of the pain. If you have an hour, I'll pick you up myself." Her name was Mira Garrison. A car stopped at the hotel. A girl in a thin sweater came out of it and quickly

24:28

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hid her frozen hands in her sleeves. "Sorry. I thought New York was warmer in the winter. Get in the car. You can tell me on the way." Lawrence Garrison built a trading company for many years. After surgery on the spine, he felt better,

24:43

Speaker A

but after a few years, the pain returned. He tried various recovery programs, and yet it got worse. "Do you promise to cure him?" Mira asked. "I promise to examine him and tell the truth. We can probably ease the pain.

24:58

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The rest depends on the examinations. She brought me to Empire Wellness where her father was recovering. Lawrence rose to meet me holding the armrest.

25:09

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"Richard Quinn and I used to be competitors." he said. "If it interferes with your work, say it now. You're a patient now. You can discuss the rest with Richard after the appointment." Lawrence smiled for the first time in a

25:23

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day and handed over his medical papers. The images showed traces of an old operation and inflammation around the damaged tissue. The case required caution.

25:33

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I asked for the attending physician of the center. "We're not going to repeat what didn't help you." I told Lawrence.

25:40

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"Let's start with a soft work with the muscles and check the reaction. Extreme exposure is dangerous now." His wife, Carol, placed a glass of water nearby.

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Mira watched my face as though she could read a diagnosis in it. "When will my father be able to walk without pain?" "Time will answer that question. Today we can see if he will feel better." While the doctor was reading the

26:04

Speaker A

pictures, I noticed a strange recollection of childhood in Lawrence's old notes. A short phrase about a creek and an unusual root suddenly echoed the image that showed my ability. "Did you have an accident in the woods when you were

26:18

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young?" I asked quietly. Lawrence looked at me for a long time. "How do you know?" "You can tell me if you want. That's not the case with today's treatment." The doctor allowed a short session and stayed to observe. After 20 minutes of

26:34

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careful work, Lawrence got off the couch. He took his first steps slowly, then stood up in surprise. "It hasn't been so easy for me for months." "It's a temporary relief." I warned. "To see if it can be fixed, you need observation."

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Mira hugged her mother. An unfamiliar voice came from the doorway. Who allowed him to touch my uncle? The man's name was Tobias Garrison. He was Lawrence's nephew and had once recommended his surgery. When the pain returned, Tobias left for research work in Boston.

27:08

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Now he had brought new findings and a drug under development. Are you walking? He asked his uncle. After one session. A little better, Lawrence replied. And I'm glad you came. Tobias turned to me.

27:22

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Have you seen the last pictures? Who approved the treatment plan? The center's attending physician. He's here. You can talk to him.

27:31

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I'm talking to the person who did the procedure. What is your education and the right to do it? Carol tensed. Mira tried to take her cousin's hand, but he pulled away. I remember choosing that operation. I said. You wanted to help.

27:47

Speaker A

The pain that comes back does not make you a criminal. And my intervention today gives no reason to declare a miracle. Then don't call it a cure.

27:56

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Lawrence hit the armrest with his palm. Enough. This is a man I permitted to help me. If you doubt the documents, check them. There's no need to shout in my room. Tobias was still standing in the middle of the room. I closed the

28:11

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medical file. I'll give you time to talk. We will continue when you decide with your doctor. Ryan, wait. Said Mira.

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I packed my things. Lawrence asked his nephew to apologize. But Tobias only repeated that he was responsible for his uncle's safety.

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That's exactly why you should check everything calmly. I said. I won't work where the family considers me a threat.

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On the doorstep, Lawrence barely rose and extended his hand. Excuse him. I want to continue.

28:43

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When everyone agrees on a plan, call me. Frank and I entered the corridor. I was walking too fast and stopped by the stairs.

28:52

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My shoe had left a thin crack in the old tile. You're angry. Frank remarked.

28:57

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Angry that I'm judged by my voice and age. And at myself for losing my temper in front of a patient. In the room, Tobias started talking about charlatans again. Carol stepped to the door.

29:09

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Stepped on broken tiles. And cracks ran across the floor. Did he do that? Mira asked quietly. Lawrence looked at the footprints left by my shoes and thought about it. I saw his movements. He hides more than he says. But I want to

29:25

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understand his methods, not worship them. Tobias sat silently at the first crack. Lawrence sat down next to his daughter.

29:34

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When I was 12. I once wandered to a creek in the woods. There I saw something that I would not believe if I heard from another person. Lawrence described finding an unusual root in the water. Shaped like a small figure.

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Frightened. He tied a thread from his shirt to its stem and released it. The current carried it under the rocks. The thread pulled taut.

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He fell into the creek and reached home only after dark. Do you think it's connected to your illness?

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Tobias asked. I don't know. Another thing surprised me. Ryan asked about the creek. Even though I didn't tell anyone the story. Tobias didn't argue. He studied the center's pictures and the session report. Then admitted. The impact was careful. And

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there's a clear improvement. I said too much. Mira picked up the phone. I'll text Ryan.

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Let him rest until morning. Lawrence stopped her. I'll apologize in person. I got a message from Mira the next morning. She didn't exonerate her cousin and only asked if I could come back if Tobias accepted the doctor's conditions.

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"Yes," I replied, "but first, Tobias has to look at the documents and talk to Lawrence." I had other work, too. I discussed a new episode of The Find with Rowan, then called Jake. "Do you want to go on

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stage with your collection? After what happened to Crow, all the experts will be watching every word. Then it's time.

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But first, I'll show you the test results." For the next episode, I prepared another small batch using the recovered crucible. After the initial experiments, the composition had been laboratory tested.

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Now we needed to study its effects under medical supervision. Olivia arranged research oversight at Empire Wellness.

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Jake came on stage with nine sealed capsules. Rowan presented them as a rare result of working with historical technology. The rest of the experts examined the crucible in the photo and the pattern on the shelves, but did not

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portray confidence. "You can talk about the composition and origin of the method," Rowan said. "The therapeutic effect should be studied separately." In the audience were Lawrence, Carol, Mira, and Tobias.

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Lawrence listened intently. "Why did you bring them to the show?" asked the host. Jake looked directly at the camera. "I have a friend who believes that a thing becomes valuable when it helps a person.

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We're going to invite Lawrence Garrison to participate in the study. The first capsules will be given to him if his doctor deems it acceptable." Lawrence didn't immediately get up. Tobias's look met mine backstage. He didn't interrupt this time. The host asked,

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"How much will the entire course cost if the study confirms the result?" Jake squeezed the microphone. We discussed the answer, but uttering it in front of hundreds of viewers was not easy. "We'll discuss money after the results," Jake

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said. "The Garrison family pays nothing to participate in the study." There was a whisper in the room. Someone shouted out an offer to buy the whole batch immediately. "They haven't been tested on humans yet." Tobias retorted, siding with our plan for the first time. Rowan

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supported him. "We're demonstrating an old technology. The show isn't a marketplace for selling treatment." Lawrence stood up. Carol held his elbow, but he took several steps on his own.

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"Yesterday, Ryan helped me cross the room without my usual pain. Today, I came to find out whether we can achieve more. And I want my nephew involved in monitoring." Tobias didn't expect those words. "Do you trust me after everything?" "I never

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stopped, but you have to learn to listen to others." After the recording, we gathered at the exit. Mira shook my hand too tightly. "I thought you weren't coming back after yesterday." I promised her father help, not abandonment over an

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argument. Carol hugged her husband. At that moment, the money they were offered to pay for the capsules didn't matter.

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More importantly, there was once again a man next to Lawrence who he thought was his son. At Clear Views office, I offered Jake an office. After leaving the partnership with the Reeds, he looked for ways to develop the

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painting trade without depending on Vanessa and Marcus. "Are you hiring me?" he asked. "I'm offering you responsibility for collection sales and exhibitions. We'll put the terms in writing." "And the paintings?" "Our old contract remains. Here, you will work for a separate reward." Jake

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sat across from me and studied the proposal for a long time. Once, he would have refused money for friendship.

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Now, he understood that clear terms would help us both. "Will I sell the capsules, too?" "No.

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There's a doctor's report on them. You can talk about the exhibition and the construction of the crucible, but you cannot promise healing or take orders.

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All right, 20 people wrote to me after yesterday. Answer the same. Research is underway. The date of sale is unknown. He sighed.

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Finally, a job where the main skill is to say no to a wealthy person. We looked at new batches of stone for the market.

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Naomi noticed that the proportion of usable material was falling and Jake was already collecting supplier data. The problem can be solved, I said. Just have to come with me and check everything on the spot. Jake beamed.

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That sounds like a job. Tobias was waiting for us at the entrance to Empire Wellness. This time he said hello first, then handed me the verified documents. I got the wrong tone. Yesterday, I decided I was protecting my uncle and I didn't let you

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finish the sentence. I'm sorry. Apology accepted. What did your scans show? Damaged tissues respond to soft loads better than I expected, but I want to be involved in every stage. That's exactly what I'm asking. Lawrence watched us from the chair and barely hid his

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relief. You two have a deal? Can we finally talk about me? I laughed. We made a follow-up plan, repeated a short session, and agreed not to change anything without a doctor. Mira brought hot tea. Tobias touched the cup and was

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surprised. Hot. Did you just pour it out of a thermos without heating? You have a medical mystery that should be solved sooner, I said. Lawrence took a few steps, carefully holding onto the handrail. It seems that now in this room

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they can talk again without a quarrel. Tobias looked at me with the interest of a researcher. When we're done with my uncle, will you show me how your center works?

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On one condition, no more conclusions before reviewing the documents. He nodded. Fair enough. After the reception, Mira insisted that she would escort me to the car. On the steps, she stumbled.

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I managed to grab her by the waist. Now we can let go. She said when we got to the ground. I've been waiting for you to get back on your feet. Mira laughed. Then immediately blushed when she saw her parents at the

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window. Lawrence and Carol had already seen enough to draw conclusions that had nothing to do with me. Later, Frank sent a photograph of us beside the stairs.

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Show Olivia? He asked. Show her and caption it. Catching someone who fell. No other versions. Frank didn't reply. That probably meant Olivia already knew. That afternoon, I stopped at Clearview. Jake was checking stone shipments.

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Usage had risen while promising finds in the new lots had declined. The buyers will soon notice, he said. We need another supplier.

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Better to source them ourselves. You'll go to the warehouse, inspect the lots before dispatch, then arrange transport.

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That's why I asked you to get a commercial driving license. Jake flipped through the bills and showed a line.

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Over the past month, the number of returned lots has doubled. Until now, he patiently handled the showcase, although he was as good at supplying as any manager. I didn't offer him the job for comfort after the breakup.

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He could actually stop the losses. Did you come up with all this in advance? I wanted to suggest when the time would come. He set the statement aside. Next time, say it right away. After Tessa's story, it's good for me to take up a

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case where I'm responsible for the outcome myself. I nodded. This time he really smiled. On the way to the garrisons, my car was blocked by a sedan. Out of it came a man in an expensive coat and introduced himself as

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Kieran Sterling. I know Lawrence. I can pay for his treatment instead of his family. Give me the amount. Let the garrisons decide first. I'll pay three times more. Kieran smiled, but his tone held no request. I named a sum large

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enough to stop him pretending generosity. He transferred it and received a receipt confirming payment for Lawrence's treatment. Now stay away from Mira. That's not in our contract.

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How much will another contract cost? I said the price was higher than what he offered for the treatment. Kieran stopped smiling. I put the receipt in the glove compartment. He could pay for a service on Lawrence's behalf, but he

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was trying to turn a payment into permission to control Mira's life. Before we'd finish talking, the driver was already awaiting a signal. Kieran was relying on more than money. I've pursued her for 7 years.

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Did Mira not have 7 years to agree? He closed the door of his car so hard that the driver shuddered. Nothing, Kieran said. We'll talk later. The driver got out and stood between us, stretching his fingers. I put my phone

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away and got out of the car. There were a few blocks to the center.

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The street was crowded, but that didn't bother him. Kieran's driver hit first. I took his hand away and stopped the second attack. He knew he couldn't win, but he didn't want to back down. I was ordered to stop you. He exhaled. Tell

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your boss he could have asked in words. I pried his fingers open and pushed him away. Just then, Mira ran over. She had followed me to ensure I reached the center. Kieran, what's going on here? A little misunderstanding,

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he replied. He said he could fight, my driver wanted to check. I saw who started. The driver held his arm. I rubbed my wrist, although I'd barely felt anything. I didn't want to explain in front of Mira. She already had enough

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worries about her father. "Let's get to Lawrence," I suggested. "You can't skip the exam. Show me your hand first. At your doctor's house, they'll check it out." I didn't want her fighting someone she'd known since childhood over a

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pavement scuffle, but she had noticed Kieran give the driver a brief order before I left the car. Mira no longer wanted explanations from me.

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She wanted them from him. She drove my car. Kieran stayed on the sidewalk with the driver, who had already dialed the doctor's number. When we left, Mira asked, "He threatened you because of me?" "He wanted to settle it with money. I

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refused to discuss your life." She tightened her grip on the wheel. "Then I'll talk to him myself." At the center, Mira told her parents about the confrontation. Lawrence heard me out and asked to see the receipt. "Kieran paid

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for the treatment," I said. "I promised him nothing but to work with you. Does he think he can pay for my decision?" Lawrence put the paper down. "When his father started his business, I helped him. It seems that the son only

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remembers money from this story." He called Ernest Sterling and told him what had happened without threats. Ernest apologized for a long time and promised to talk to his son. "Don't interfere with treatment or trouble Mira," Lawrence concluded. When he hung up,

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Mira asked, "That's it? He sent a man to hit Ryan." "I heard it, too," replied the father. "But now it is more useful for us not to give him a reason to continue." After the session, the doctor confirmed that Lawrence tolerated

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exertion better. Our happiness was brief. Mira stopped me in the corridor. I'm not interested in Kieran, but I want to understand something else. You and Olivia together? I didn't shirk.

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Yes. I'm sorry if I gave you a reason to think otherwise. Mira nodded slowly.

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It's good that I asked now. She walked me to the door, watching her footing carefully this time. Kieran waited outside my house tonight. He put some pictures on the hood.

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I was supporting Mira on the stairs. A convenient moment for someone dating Olivia Quinn, he said. Mira stumbled.

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Caught her. If you want to show Olivia the pictures, she already has a copy.

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Frank sent it. Kieran frowned. He was counting on a secret that wasn't there. You understand that I want Mira. We've known each other for years. She knows you as much. You've heard the answer.

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Kieran straightened up. So, how much for a promise not to see her again? I'm not going to date her, but I can take the money for you to stop following me. On one condition, you don't use it against Mira. I could

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see he had heard only the first half. He didn't care what Mira wanted. He asked only where we would meet and how to hand over the cash. I had the unpleasant feeling that he had been preparing for our next conversation for a long time.

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He would bring the cash tomorrow. Before bed, I texted Mira about our conversation and warned her.

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He'll probably try to put on a show. If I take the money, your family will get it. Don't believe anything you hear without me there. The message went unanswered. I was hoping she'd read it before Kieran made his next move. The

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next night, Kieran showed up with a suitcase of cash. Before I could open it, my parents got out of Frank's car.

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There was an unfamiliar girl next to them. Ryan, my mother began. She came to us and said she's expecting your child. I looked at my father. He squeezed the belt of the travel bag so that his fingers were white. It's the

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first time I've seen her. We wanted to think so, too. My mother replied. But she knew where you worked and she said a few things she couldn't think of. Mira arrived in a minute. Hearing the charge, she stopped by the car. Kieran was

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watching her face. S- Mira arrived in a minute. The girl asked for $5 million and promised to raise the child alone. The amount coincided with the money that Kieran allegedly brought under our agreement.

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If it's my child, I said, it won't be without me. But first, we'll establish the truth. You will be provided with accommodation and medical assistance during the checkup. I'm not staying here. She whispered. My mother tried to calm the young woman. She knew

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me better than anyone, but the shock was overwhelming. The stranger named my school and our old address. Mom decided she deserved a hearing. I didn't blame her for a moment's doubt. Enough so that no one can intimidate you. That's when Olivia

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came. She said hello to my parents, then looked at the girl. If the child is Ryan's, I'll help him take responsibility. Now, tell us who sent you. Kieran was the first to break his silence.

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You believe him too easily. Olivia turned pale, but her voice remained even. I trust Ryan and this girl needs protection until we find out what happened. The mother clutched Olivia's hand. Kieran grinned. Protection from who? Ryan just got the money from me

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yesterday to leave Mira. Do you trust someone who sells promises? Mira turned away. I opened the phone and showed her the message I had sent the night before.

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There was money in it and my warning that Kieran was making the scene. Myra read it twice. "I didn't notice the message." She said. "Ryan warned me before you brought his parents." Olivia looked at the screen, too. Then I showed

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her my correspondence with Frank and a photo by the stairs. Kieran tried to joke, but the girl suddenly asked, "You said they would fight and I would be given the money immediately. Why didn't you tell me they'd try to leave me here?"

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The room was quiet. I turned to her. "Because he doesn't need your help. He needed a scandal." The father slowly lowered the bag to the ground. Mother closed her eyes. Kieran looked at where Frank was for the first time all night.

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Kieran took Myra's phone and read my message. He never said I made it up again. "Take your money." I said, returning the suit. "Take your money." I said, returning the suitcase. "Ernest and Lawrence will handle the treatment." "What kind of girl?"

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"The one you brought to my parents. You promised her payment." Frank noticed Kieran glance quickly at the driver.

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This time, he couldn't conceal the envelope behind a story of unhappy love. I demanded payment in front of Myra and Olivia.

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The young woman had already paid for someone else's scheme with her own reputation. The girl exhaled. "50,000. I need to pay for Ben's operation. He's my boyfriend, the baby's father. I didn't know you'd reveal everything." She introduced herself as Leah Marsh. Kieran

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had found her through an intermediary, promised money, and supplied details about me so my parents would believe her. The driver paid Leah while everyone watched. "You have every right to be angry with me." She told my mother. "I lied because I

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was frightened for Ben. I don't excuse you." My My replied. "But go see him." Olivia asked Frank to make sure Leah got to the hospital. Mira walked away from Kieran and no longer answered his words.

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That evening, our parents met Lawrence and Carol. They invited us to dinner after the next appointment. My father accepted immediately. My mother kept glancing at Olivia, troubled by her own haste. The next day, my mother came with me to Empire Wellness. Lawrence

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demonstrated how far he could now walk without stopping. Carol stayed close, ready to catch him, though he waved her away. "Your son gave him hope again." she told "Your son gave and took money for it." Mom replied, "Let him finish

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the job." She always knew how to be proud of me at the same time and make sure that I was not proud of myself.

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While my father spoke with Lawrence, Olivia took my mother to the center's doctors. After her examination, Mom admitted, "I thought you were just protecting Ryan from scandal. I was scared and stopped listening to him." "I was scared, too." Olivia said. "I was

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scared, too." Olivia said. Lawrence later asked why we still live apart. Lawrence later asked why we still live apart when we're so close. "We're taking our time." I replied. "I still need to understand my own worth beside her." The

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mother wanted to object, but she stopped. The mother wanted to object, but she stopped. The mother wanted to object, but she stopped. She remembered me going to New York with almost no money and taking up my first job. Now

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she had the same "Ryan." Olivia said, "You already know the answer. You're just used to arguing." Lawrence laughed, and even my mother stopped Lawrence laughed, and even my mother stopped Lawrence laughed, and even my mother stopped frowning. The

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Garrisons had booked a table at the Empire restaurant for that evening. Olivia and I had recently bought it through a joint company and kept its existing manager. I suggested and Frank came in this morning with the news. Leah

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and Ben were kicked out of a university dorm after claiming fraud. The money Kieran gave in front of the witnesses, someone demanded back. Ben was in the hospital again. "They think I did it." I said. "Yes, Kieran tried to make it look

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like that. Yes, we paid for Ben's treatment and we got him a lawyer. We paid for Ben's treatment and we got him a lawyer." Frank already had Leah's receipt, eye witnesses, and a recording of the conversation at the entrance. I sent

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Kieran a check through his office refunding Lawrence's treatment payment. If he was trying to make me beholden to him, returning the money ended it.

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Later, he called himself. "You treat me like I'm more dangerous than you think. I think you should never have targeted people who need I think you should he offered to meet in the cafe he offered to meet in the cafe he offered to meet

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in the cafe Kieran looked bad. Soon after he was handed the check, his face swelled.

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He thought I was the one who had done something to him, even though the doctors had not yet determined the cause of the reaction. I did Frank sat at the next table. The swelling Frank sat at the next table. The swelling didn't look

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fatal, but Kieran spoke quietly for the first time and kept his trembling hands hidden under the table. I didn't want to pity him after what he'd done to Leah and stop the case against Leah and Ben first. Stop the case against Leah and

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Ben first. Stop the case He took out his phone. Minutes later, he took out his phone. Minutes later, he took out his phone. Minutes later, the lawyer confirmed that the An Empire Wellness doctor saw Kieran that day. An Empire

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Wellness doctor saw Kieran that day. An Empire Wellness doctor saw Kieran in day. The reaction was subsiding, but he needed observation and rep- Did you want me to be scared?

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he asked. Did you The doctor warned that even if the external symptoms go The doctor warned that even if the external symptoms go away, the source of the reaction still needs to be determined.

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Kieran was expecting a simple pill from me and a definitive answer. I could only promise him that the test results would not be concealed and that the treatment You're already scared. Decide what to do with You're already scared. I returned

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Leah's money, withdrew the I returned Leah's money, withdrew for you to leave Mira alone, and for no one else to suffer because of our argument. He was silent for a long time. Then he said that the father is going to choose an

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heir from two sons. Connecting with the Garrisons seemed like Kieran's way to win that rivalry for sure. So you were fighting for the company. I So you were fighting for the company. I said. I thought I had feelings for her, too.

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Ask yourself the last time you heard her answer. He lowered his eyes to the agreement the law- He lowered his eyes to the agreement the lawyer had prepared. It covered Leah's money, dropping claims against Ben, and correcting false accusations at the

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university. Fixing a record was Kieran signed a written no claims agreement against Leah and Ben and promised not to show up at the Garrison home. Before he left, he stopped. You know I can find other people who are interested in Mira,

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right? I know. They will be held accountable for their I know. They will be held accountable for their actions.

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Frank was dissatisfied with how easily I Frank was dissatisfied with how easily He'll come back with a new plan. Maybe.

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If we made him lose in front of witnesses again, he'd come back for sure. We confirmed that Leah and Ben were protected We confirmed that Leah and Ben were protected and their reinstatement paperwork filed. Then I asked Frank to leave them alone.

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By evening, I had taken my parents to a restaurant. Olivia arrived separately with Emma and Aiko. Lawrence and Carol were already waiting at the entrance.

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Mira brought Emma a folder of university materials. "Sorry, it's more like an interview." she said. "After my brother, I'm ready for anything. After my brother, I The waiter escorted us to the reserved room.

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But someone else's company was already going there. The waiter escorted us to the reserved room.

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But someone else's company was already going there. The waiter escort "Our time is on the confirmation." Olivia "Our time is on the "Then let your manager call me. I know the "Then let your I noticed how Mira prepared herself to

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protect her parents. This time, we didn't have to intervene. Olivia took out the phone herself. The man at the door was called Colin Maddox.

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The man at the door was called Colin Maddox. The man at the door was called Colin Maddox. The man at the door was called Colin "We have a corporate agreement." he reminded Olivia. "They're company clients. They can't be sent to

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another room. Your agreement does not have the right to cancel someone Your agreement does not have the right to cancel someone Your agreement does not have the right to cancel someone Your "Who is it?" "Me and Ryan." The manager offered Colin another room.

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The manager offered Colin another room. The manager offered Colin another room. The manager offered Colin "Right." said Olivia. "Just in "Right." said Olivia.

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"Just in Right." Colin left without a word. My mother watched him go, then took Olivia's hand.

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"Yesterday, I thought Ryan depended on your family and had to endure whatever it decided.

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Forgive me." "We both have to choose." Olivia replied. "And today we chose to have dinner with you." I stepped between them. "First we sit down, then we have the hardest conversations. Dad's already looked at the menu." "I looked at the

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prices." he admitted. "There's a difference." Olivia laughed for the first time all night. At the table, my father looked around and asked why we had invested in a restaurant he had heard about on television. "Should I tell you the price first or bring the

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food?" I asked. "Food first. The price will ruin my appetite. We bought it from the previous owners and kept the manager." I said. Olivia insisted that guests receive the same good service after the sale. The father left a bag of

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presents under the table and began to ask Lawrence about the treatment. They spoke without business gloss. One recalled the workshop of the plant where he worked for many years, the other the first warehouses of the company. I heard

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my father's laughter come back after the anxious days. Lawrence said he and Carol were looking for a house in the city during treatment. My parents exchanged a glance.

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Mom wanted to return to work while dad would happily stay longer with Emma. "Buy the house next door." Lawrence suggested. "We will walk together and the children will stop worrying if someone gets sick." Carol gave my mother an agent's card. Mom politely declined

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the gift of a discount and suggested seeing the neighborhood first. I also wanted to make the Garrisons a useful offer. I gave Lawrence a contract to supply our wellness drink, the release of which was being prepared after a

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check of the composition. He was asked to conduct regional sales on normal commercial terms. "Is this a gift?" He was surprised. "Work. You're better than me at building a supply chain." Olivia looked at the document and smiled. "He's

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already agreed to it with me. You don't have to look for a catch. With two of these negotiators, I'd rather have a lawyer read it. Lawrence said. We laughed. For the Garrisons, the contract meant more than an expensive gift. We

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expected to work together after treatment was over. Halfway through dinner, the manager asked me to step outside. Colin Maddox's group had occupied a room downstairs without a reservation. Uninvited people were entering and staff reported a pungent smell near

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the ventilation. Do they want to repeat the scandal? Asked Olivia, catching up with me in the hallway. My parents were walking by. The mother saw the alarmed waitress and realized that it was more serious than the table. I asked her to go back to

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Emma, even though I couldn't tell you what happened in the next room. Let's get the men out first. Then we'll find out why.

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Frank blocked access to the service floor. A doctor called by the manager examined the downstairs guests.

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Several were coughing and dizzy. We opened windows, shut off that ventilation section, and called the emergency service. At our table, the mother was alarmed. Someone else because of you? We don't know yet. Stay with Olivia. Service will check the air. Next

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to the grill, traces of the substance and work gloves were found. Colin disappeared before the police arrived.

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No one was seriously injured, but the evening was ruined. The manager recorded the names of guests who needed a doctor and promised to pay for examinations.

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Frank checked the kitchen and storage area. If the ventilation was responsible, staff shouldn't pay for someone else's crime. Lawrence suggested rescheduling dinner, but my father stubbornly raised his water glass. We're all here at last.

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Let's at least finish dessert. Olivia sat down next to him. I first noticed that she was angry, not because of lost revenue, but because the attack might have hurt my parents. The next day, the police found out who had ordered the

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work at the ventilation. Colin called in an acquaintance who promised to ruin the restaurant's evening and force Olivia to accept its terms. The substance was sprayed near an adjacent hall.

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Cameras recorded both people and time. "Was that your idea of negotiating pressure?" Olivia asked when Colin arrived with a lawyer. "I wanted you to understand that without the consent of the shareholders, the restaurant will not be allowed to work peacefully. Now

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explain it to the investigator." His father contacted Richard and offered to compensate for the damages as long as the story did not reach the press. Olivia refused to trade the safety of the guests. Only reimbursement, the transfer of police

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records, and the withdrawal of the Colin family from one joint project were agreed. Colin's father paid the compensation himself, and his son was told to come home. Richard offered a private settlement, but Olivia insisted on a written record of the damage. Colin

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had relied too long on an older relative's phone call making everything disappear along with the security footage. "Do you think they'll stop there?" Olivia asked. "Colin maybe, the people who pushed him hardly. We checked Empire's other agreements with this

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group. The same surnames recurred, and one led us to the parcel of land Lawrence had mentioned. I showed Olivia a little piece of paper last night. It fell out of an old handbook that her family had kept for decades. My ability

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allowed me to trace how the sheet got there. Once in the reference book hid part of the document on the land of the Garrisons. Do you have an entire contract?" asked Olivia. "No. There is a registration number and the name of the

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notary. That's enough to get the archive up. According to the record, the lake site used to belong to the Lawrence family. Many years ago, he mortgaged the land for his first venture, and the right of disposition passed to a company

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associated with Richard's partners. At his next appointment, I asked Lawrence whether he wanted to do something with that land again. I thought about a recovery home for people after major operations, he replied, but the land was lost long ago. Maybe not. There's a

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trace of a deal in the archive that wasn't shown to you. He read the statement and held it in his hands for a long time. I was told the contract had been destroyed. He traced the old number with his finger. As a young man,

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Lawrence had signed papers beside his father. Sure, he was only temporarily pledging the land as collateral.

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Business then went badly, and the family property slipped beyond his reach. He still remembered his signature. We'll need a lawyer and a review of every ownership transfer. If the rights can be restored, we could open a rehabilitation center there. Shall we invest equally?

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He asked. We'll invest equally. We'll discuss management once we've seen the actual documents. The lawyer found a copy of the first collateral agreement in the archive. The old record was not canceled, but later the site was resold along with the land around. On a small

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part of it was a family memorial to one of Richard's former partners. If you build the center, the memorial will have to be preserved and separated from the public zone, Lawrence said. And first decide who owns the land, Olivia added.

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Learning of our investigation, heirs of Empire's former partners gathered in the city. Colin came with the sister of the man who had once taken Lawrence's pledged property, and a developer acquaintance, Winston Bentley. Ryan will get to your family's memorial, Colin

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warned. "He's going to build right there." Winston was silent for a few seconds, then put the cup so hard that the tea splashed out on the table. "Do you have a construction plan?" "Not yet." admitted his companion. "But do you want

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to wait?" "Then don't ask me to wage war over a rumor." Winston replied, "I'll find out for myself first." The others didn't expect rejection. Colin tried to recall the family pride, but Winston had already called his architect and told him to request the

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plans officially. What annoyed him most was that someone thought he was gullible in advance. Colin stopped talking. I later learned of the conversation from a man who heard it in the next room. We had to meet Winston before he heard

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another version. "We can't touch the memorial." Olivia said as I laid out a map of the site. "We're not going to. It is already possible to allocate a separate territory under it." But it wasn't just the land that bothered her.

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The names in the old contracts reminded her of the conversations Richard interrupted when she appeared. According to the documents, the father and Winston Bentley cooperated in the years when they publicly argued. Olivia wanted to see if it affected the history of the

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Garrison land. "Do you think their feud was a spectacle?" "So far, that's just a guess. Some of the decisions of the last few years benefit both of them. I want to understand why." Olivia brought a folder with an old ownership scheme. On

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the back was Richard's signature next to Winston's, though they had already argued publicly that year. "One signature is not enough to judge their motives, but now we had something to ask both of them." Olivia opened the list of

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Empire executives and settled on one person, Miles Quinn, whom Richard took under his wing a few years ago. Formally, he was a distant relative of the family, but some circumstances forced Olivia to think about a closer relationship. "If

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that's true, my mother doesn't know." she said. "We'll check first. I could be wrong." She put the phone away.

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"I'm not sure I want to hear the answer." Richard called her at that moment. She looked at the screen until the call repeated. Olivia responded with restraint. Richard asked about her health, then suggested that Ryan and I come and talk about the land of the

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Garrisons. "Has Winston called you yet?" she asked. "He wants assurances that his family's memorial won't be affected. I took the phone and confirmed that the project could occupy another part of the property." Richard fell silent. "Then why go into conflict?" "Because Lawrence

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wasn't shown the paperwork when he lost the land. He has a right to know what happened." After the call, Olivia stood by the window. Downstairs, the lights of the cars were burning, and she kept her phone in her hand. "If my father was

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hiding miles from us, maybe he was hiding something else. The contracts will give us facts. We'll talk to him about the rest when you're ready." Meanwhile, Richard called Winston. Their conversation was supposed to remain private, but the rumor bypassed the

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families faster than any document. Some were waiting for an open quarrel, others that two old friends would again find a way to negotiate behind the backs of others. Olivia turned to me.

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"Let's finish the project first. Then I'll ask him myself." For the investors, I painted the Lakeside Center so its buildings blended into the trees. Paths skirted the slope, while the rehabilitation buildings stood apart from the old memorial. "It's more like a

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landscape than a project." Olivia said as she unfolded the canvas in the Empire Hall. "Engineers will get the blueprints. Guests need to see why they should go there. I didn't want to turn the Lakeside Forest into another huge

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hotel. If people stopped recognizing the familiar slope after construction, Lawrence would have a right to regret confiding in me. So, we limited the height of the buildings, and we left the existing trail free. The contractors encircled the drawing. One wanted to

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take a photo with a flash and almost hit the surface. Olivia took his hand away before I could say the word. Please read the working conditions. Works of art shall not be touched without permission.

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The man apologized and withdrew from the tender. The others immediately became more attentive. I was sorry for his awkwardness, but in a week of work, I managed to get attached to the picture more than to any sketch. Frank took a

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separate memorial plan to Winston Bentley. I attached a utilities map and a letter offering Winston's family access at any time. Olivia read it twice and removed two words that sounded defensive.

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Restrained politeness sometimes persuaded better than requests. I wanted him to see it before negotiations, when others would claim we planned to demolish the graves. "If he asks, why are you doing this?" said Olivia. "Tell the truth. We want to build in peace."

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She placed my hand over hers. Beneath the painted forest, both hands seemed part of one landscape. Winston studied the plans with an architect he trusted.

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He confirmed that the memorial remained accessible to the family. The approach to it was preserved, and the new buildings did not violate the view.

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"He even designed around the old trees," Winston said in surprise. "It seems that Ryan does not want to quarrel with you," the architect replied. By evening, Winston had called Olivia himself. I sat next to her and heard her prepare for an

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argument. "Is Ryan home? I want to thank him for the plan. Are you serious?

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I didn't expect such attention from him. If Lawrence confirms the right to the site, I won't stand in the way of construction. My family should be able to come to the memorial. It is provided, I replied, picking up the phone.

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Winston, after a pause, offered to meet and discuss another issue, the work around the old road. His company kept it at its own expense for many years. The parties could conclude a contract for repair and joint access.

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Olivia, when the conversation ended, shook her head. I was preparing to protect you. You can protect me from another evening with the designers. She pulled me close.

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I can't promise you that. Olivia came to see Winston before I did. When I walked in, she was arguing with him about the timing of the road repairs and looked as if she had already said everything she thought about our father's past

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dealings. I asked you to make a deal, Winston said. Don't repeat their quarrels. He led us to the road map. In the place where we planned to park, there was an old drain. His engineers warned that after the rain, the lowland

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would become a trap for cars. I crossed out the parking lot in front of him.

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It helped the conversation more than any reassurances. Olivia stopped short. I sat beside her. The family will be able to visit the memorial at any time. We build the road together, we divide the costs after the estimate. Agreed.

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Agreed. I expected that after his earlier arguments with Richard, he would at least bargain. Winston instead asked who would keep an eye on the memorial in the winter and whether its former fence could be preserved. These questions were

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easy to resolve. They were about place, not pride. Winston extended his hand. We didn't pretend to be a friendship that didn't exist, but for the first time we on what everyone really wanted. Later, Olivia elbowed me. You could tell he was ready

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to cooperate. You could have asked first, too. She was going to object, but she laughed. We have informed Lawrence that Winston will not interfere with the project. However, the rights to the site had yet to be confirmed by the lawyer.

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Before that, only estimates and preliminary plans could be prepared. Lawrence proposed to select a team and sites for a family drink. It was decided to release it only after the completion of the mandatory inspection. Shortly before the holidays, my parents and Emma

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went home. For the first time in months, the apartment seemed large and empty. Olivia suggested choosing gifts for them and invited Madison, who knew what my mother would like better than either of us. Madison met us outside the shop and

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hugged Olivia. While they chose gifts, a former classmate visiting New York on business called out to me. Ryan Hayes?

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What a meeting. Trevor Alden. I didn't recognize him immediately. As children, we'd been in a school bus accident in the snow, and his father had helped us. Trevor remembered it and readily brought it up in front of others.

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Shall we have dinner? He suggested. I have news about the Lakeside construction. In high school, Trevor liked to talk about how soon he'd run his father's business. I worked after classes, and our paths rarely crossed.

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Seeing him now, I realized he remembered the old me. Someone too embarrassed to refuse at the dinner table. I agreed out of respect for his father, but I warned Olivia and Madison, "If you get tired, leave. I'll pay for the past myself."

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"Your face looks like it's about interest-bearing debt." Madison whispered. "Almost. Only interest he accrues with memories." Trevor would take us to a restaurant and tell us about his situation in the city.

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He was particularly excited when he found out that I lived in New York City and worked for Empire. They probably pay well there. The real money is in construction, he said. We'll wait for the project by the lake. Olivia and I

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exchanged a glance. We decided to keep quiet for now about who had invited the architects and paid for the design.

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Before ordering, Olivia and Madison went to talk. Trevor reached across the table. You're lucky. Two beautiful companions at once. Which one is yours?

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Olivia, Madison and I are friends. Trevor, just in case, flipped through the menu and noted the most expensive dishes. I was curious what other acquaintances he was going to show Olivia when she came back. Does she speak for you at work, too? I hear the

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Quinn's relatives are helping their own. I put down the menu. We're here for dinner. If you want to discuss Olivia's family, we'll wait for her to come back. Trevor took the hint and switched to his own successes. His

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father was engaged in landscaping and Trevor expected to get a contract on the new site. According to him, it is necessary to give the right name and the job is in his pocket. Madison returned and listened with the expression of

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someone wondering how much more he had invented. Why would builders need landscaping before the project is approved? She asked. We are working ahead of schedule, Trevor said. Olivia raised a glass of water. To common sense, then. He sometimes catches up

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later. Trevor took it for a toast in his honor. I looked at Madison and realized it took her a lot of effort not to laugh.

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For dessert, Trevor called the amount he was hoping for. A few million for landscaping. He even offered me a position as a mediator if I would introduce him to the leaders of Empire. It's not just Empire, I said.

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You're always careful. It's your business to set us up. I'll decide the rest." Caleb Quinn, Olivia's father's cousin and an old acquaintance of Trevor's family, entered the restaurant. He stopped when he saw her at our table. "Olivia, are you here?

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Has Ryan met Trevor yet?" "We studied together." I replied. "He wants to build a center by the lake." Caleb looked at Trevor. "Then you were lucky to meet the man who conceived that center over dinner." Trevor turned his eyes from me

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to Olivia. "You said you were just working for her." "That's true, too." Madison finally laughed. I didn't humiliate an old acquaintance. His father's help to the family didn't disappear because of dinner tonight.

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"Send the estimate." I said. "No promises. If it fits, it will be considered along with the others." I remembered his father once bringing tools to our school bus driver and helping him out of the snow all night long. Duty did not demand to give the

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contract to his son, but demanded to speak honestly with him. Trevor seems to have heard me for the first time right after everyone found out who was paying for the project. Trevor pushed back the plate. "I think I've said enough today."

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After dinner, we stopped by George and Margaret Quinns. We took them a box of good tea and a little album of my drawings of the city. George recognized my handwriting on the front page. "So you drew the new album yourself, too."

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he said. "Why do I have to hear about it from strangers?" "I wanted to surprise you." "You did. One more and I'll stop buying newspapers." Olivia sat beside her grandmother while we discussed the Lakeside Center. Here, talk of heirs and

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shareholders briefly lost its importance. Before I left, her grandfather asked me to look after Olivia and keep her from working every day. "She told me the same thing about you. I replied. The next morning Jake came for his share of gifts for my

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family. He planned to develop purchasing for Clearview, but admitted he knew the roads less well than the painting market. So I'm going to the warehouse with you after the holiday.

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I said. Frank waited by the car. Olivia asked him to accompany me on the trip home. I texted her thank you and got the answer.

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Call when you see your parents. The winter was cold and there were warm new things in the trunk for Emma. Mother will ask why we brought more than we promised. In the back seat Jake found two packages with identical gifts.

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Olivia bought this for me? If you're in doubt, you can give both to Frank. I suggested. Don't even think about it. Frank said at the wheel. He didn't have to go with us on the holiday.

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He was referring to the work. But I saw him staring at the lighted houses by the road. He and Jake didn't have a family to come to uninvited. It's cramped at our place. I warned. Mom will put you to

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work in the kitchen, too. I'll wash the dishes. Frank replied. Jake teased him at first. Then stopped when Frank turned toward the window. I knew that expression too well.

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Serving the Quinns gave him work and loyalty. But at a holiday table he wanted to sit without a job title. Emma ran out to meet us before the car stopped. She hugged Jake. Said hello to Frank. And looked in the trunk. Why so many things?

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I'm just learning. I'm not going to conquer the pole. If mom sees you don't have a warm jacket. I'll be the one to blame. Father opened the door. My mother first scolded me for not calling from the road.

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Then saw the guests and called everyone inside. You'll take off your shoes after the hug. She said. Frank froze on the doorstep with a gift bag in his hand.

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As if he didn't know where to put the other one. By evening, Jake was arguing with my father about grilling meat while Frank helped Emma set the table. Mom called them both into the living room.

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Jake, you've been ours for a long time. Frank, you take care of Ryan every day.

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Come and see us for no reason. We don't want to impose, Frank replied. I already invited you. You'll argue over dinner.

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Father raised his glass. To those who found their way here. Frank carefully set his glass down. Public praise embarrassed him and he only nodded to my father. Jake stood and unexpectedly serious, thanked Mom for all the years she had

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called on days everyone else forgot. After dinner, we played cards. Jake cheated so badly that Emma caught him every time. Frank once won and immediately gave her all his prize, a bag of candy. At midnight, we went out

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to look at the lights above the city. I didn't think I was going to celebrate like this, Jake said. Me, too, Frank quietly added. In the morning, they both tried to leave money for food. She returned the envelopes.

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Next time, you'll bring the cake. The cake costs less, Jake objected. The mother pointed to the sink. You'll pay for the rest with work.

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I watched Frank roll up his sleeves and for the first time in a long time, I wasn't in a hurry to go anywhere.

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Trevor Alden and his father came first on the new day. After the restaurant, he was informed that his estimate for landscaping would be considered along with the others. He still didn't seem to believe I wasn't taking revenge on him.

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Your father helped our class on that winter road, I reminded him when we were alone in the kitchen. Let the quality of the proposal determine who gets the work. You could have kicked me out after that dinner.

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It'd be a steep price to charge for overconfidence. Then a neighbor and daughter came in. My dad proudly introduced Jake and Frank as the people were waiting for every holiday. The neighbor immediately began to find out if they were married and where they

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work. Frank, able to withstand any questioning on the job, was confused. Jake came to his rescue. Let us get used to the family first. There's time for weddings. The neighbor clearly intended to introduce one of them to her

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daughter. The young woman blushed and reminded Mom that she had come to wish Emma a happy holiday, not inspect prospective husbands. My father laughed and poured tea.

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The tension faded. Emma laughed, and my father suddenly grew serious. You don't have to prove anything to anyone here.

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No job, no salary. That sounded just in time. A neighbor was already about to ask Frank about his income and asked instead if he liked homemade pie. Aunt Linda West, the mother's younger sister, arrived for lunch with her younger son

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Simon. Her eldest son, whom she bragged about at Emma's holiday, couldn't make it this time. My aunt hadn't taken her coat off yet when she remembered the neighbor's daughter she had been trying to introduce me to that summer. You

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never called her after those messages. She has her own apartment now. I have Olivia.

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Linda had seen Olivia at Emma's celebration before we became a couple. Now she wondered how I'd live beside a wealthy heiress. I could have described Olivia answering staff emails in the morning, dozing in the car at night, and finding

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time between them to buy Mom a present. But Linda thought first of the Quinn family's fortune. That Olivia Quinn?

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Then think with your head. These people have their own rules. Simon was embarrassed to look at Olivia's picture on my phone. My mom didn't exaggerate, he muttered. I asked about his girlfriend. He hoped to get a job at her

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father's firm, but talk of a wedding increasingly turned into a discussion of a lucrative position. I don't know what I want more, he admitted. Deal with this before you promise someone a life together. Linda heard the end and

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decided I was teaching her son to leave his fiance. See, she told my mother, New York has changed him. Changed? My mother replied, now he can speak honestly.

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Simon lowered his eyes and I thought that not too long ago I was choosing between love and someone else's idea of success. Olivia called my father while Linda kept explaining how affairs with wealthy families ended. He turned on the

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speakerphone so that everyone would congratulate her on the holiday. How did you get there? Olivia asked. Was Ryan in a hurry again?

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He was the quietest person in the car, Jake said. Frank was driving. She promised to visit the next day, but first asked me to collect her from her parents.

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Richard had invited us both to the holiday dinner. The father asked about the road and reminded her that she could stay with us as long as she wanted.

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Olivia did not immediately respond. After recent worries coming to my house, where she was already expected, meant more than she was willing to explain in front of all her family. The mother immediately began to figure out what to

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prepare for her arrival. Linda later saw Emma and Ico's page. Girls would post videos about training, studying, and old things. Advertising would make them money. My aunt decided that Simon should be on the air immediately. Mom, I don't

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even know what to talk about, he said. Think about it first, my mother said.

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Ryan will advise when the case comes up. That evening, Linda awkwardly apologized for what she'd said about Olivia. I accepted and asked her to let her son choose his own job and fiance. "It's harder than it seems." She admitted. "It

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was difficult for my mother, too." I replied. "But she did." The next day, I went to collect Olivia from her family's house so we could return to my parents together. I brought a drawing for Eleanor, a rare book for George, and an

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antique for Richard. Olivia met me at the door. "Ready to talk?" If you're around.

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At the table, her grandfather raised the subject of our wedding. Richard tried to joke it away, but Olivia wouldn't let him change the subject. "Are you still demanding that Ryan build a company the size of Empire first?" I wanted to say

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that the conversation can be postponed until the end of the holiday, but she was not looking at me, but at her father. To procrastinate meant to live under his terms again. I stayed close and didn't try to speak for her. "I want

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you to be protected." "Then stop making him prove that he didn't come to me for money. I'm ready to relinquish my inheritance." Her mother abruptly placed the cup. Miles, sitting next to Richard, did not raise his eyes. "Are you saying

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that because of him?" The father asked. "I'm saying this because of us. You can give the company to whoever you think is right, but my life doesn't have to be a condition of the deal." Richard looked at his daughter for a long time. Grandpa

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didn't find an answer for the first time this evening. Olivia put her hand on mine. "Ryan and I can live on what we created ourselves." she said. "I don't want to know who owes who." Richard asked Miles to sit next to him.

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"You have a right to know." he told Olivia. "Miles is my son. I should have said that earlier." Her mother closed her eyes. The revelation was not new to her. Her grandparents looked confused.

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"How many years were you going to hide?" asked Olivia. Richard didn't respond immediately. Miles grew up alongside the company's management, trained with him, and attended family dinners as a proven assistant. For Olivia, the recollection of such dinners in a minute changed the

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meaning, and she struggled to contain the trembling in her voice. "I was afraid of losing my family and tried to hold on to the company. I nearly lost both." Miles looked at his sister for the first time. "I didn't ask him to

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tell you today, and I wasn't going to take your place. That place no longer exists. I chose to leave." Richard asked his son what he would do if he took control of the empire. Miles replied without solemn words.

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He would remove from the board people who hold a stake only for the sake of access to the company's money, and would look for new partners. "I'm going to need you and Ryan," he added to Olivia.

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"We can consult. Inheritance is another conversation." Richard turned to me. "Are you still going to fulfill the old condition?" "I'm already building my own company. I'll show you the numbers if it helps you stop measuring me and Olivia."

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I showed Richard ClearView's reports, painting income, and my property stake. Separately, I opened an account I hadn't even told Olivia about.

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Several successful investments let me fund new projects without Quinn family money. "When were you going to tell me?" she asked. I closed the banking app and let her examine the table of dates. Some investments predated our arguments with

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Richard. Had I told her, she would have stopped working herself to exhaustion for my future. Now I saw how wrong my silence had been. When we stop arguing who did what for whom, Richard returned the phone. "I underestimated you. I put

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my daughter in a position I am ashamed of. "I made mistakes, too." I replied.

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"Today, I just want to be able to come to you together." He nodded. Grandpa clapped his hands. "Can we congratulate the young people now?" Olivia's mother removed a thin old bracelet from her wrist and put it in her daughter's palm.

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"I got it from my mother. It's a gift to you, not a share in someone else's business." Olivia hugged her. Richard turned to the window and no one demanded more confessions from him. Miles came to me at the door.

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"I don't want our first conversation to be about inheritance. Next time, we'll talk about work. It's easier to meet." Miles shook my hand and didn't call himself Olivia's brother in front of everyone. That word had to stick if she

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wanted to say it one day. I didn't know if he was an ally, but this is the first time he's allowed his sister to choose her own distance. Olivia was silent on the way back. I held her hand and didn't

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try to speed up what the family had taken years to do. My parents were waiting for Olivia downstairs. My mother immediately noticed the bracelet.

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My father, after two questions, found out that Richard no longer objected to us. He hugged me so tightly that I begged for mercy. "You've earned it." he said. Jake and Frank, standing next to each other, straightened up at once.

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"I'm not going to touch you." my father laughed. "Do you still remember the dishes?" At home, Mom brought Olivia a box. It held my school photographs, first drawings, a crookedly sewn toy, and small shoes. In a folder beside it,

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she kept brief notes about what I'd loved at different ages. "I wanted to give you something worthy of a bracelet." said the mother. "We have no money for an equal answer, but no one else has that except us." Olivia took a

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long look at the picture of me standing in front of the house with paint on both hands. Did he ruin the door? She asked.

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He said he was painting a window for me, my mother replied. The door is still in the house. I said the window was beautifully designed. No one supported me. Mom left us with the box so Olivia could read the notes in peace. She

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paused longest on one page. May he, after leaving home, remain someone who helps others even when no one is watching. She knew you well then, said Olivia. Not always. In school, I sometimes tried to sell her pies without

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permission. Olivia laughed and then put her head on my shoulder. Outside the door, Jake and Frank were talking too loudly about the film to make me believe they weren't listening. Will we leave the box here? She asked. It's yours.

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We put on an old comedy. An hour later, I realized that Olivia hadn't been following the story for a long time. She dozed off holding a picture of me smiling with two baby teeth. I carefully took the picture out and put it in the

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box. Later, my father stopped by to see if we were comfortable, saw Olivia sleeping, and quietly closed the door.

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In the morning, he asked if she'd rested. Mom made breakfast and wouldn't let me tell our guests how late she'd worked the night before. In this house, she told Olivia, it takes a long time to have breakfast after the holiday. Jake brought coffee,

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Frank found more dessert in the fridge, and Emma asked Olivia to show the bracelet again. Yesterday, it had been part of a painful conversation. Now it lay beside photographs of the boy I'd once been. Trevor called after breakfast. Several of our school

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acquaintances gathered in the city. He offered to come for at least an hour. Are you sure you want to see me after the restaurant? I asked. I looked stupid back then. I hope to be silent in time today. Olivia stayed with my family and

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I went alone. I met Nora Garrison at the entrance to the cafe. She turned out to be Lawrence's niece, but we'd only seen each other briefly before. My uncle says he's going out for walks again, she said. The whole family side freer. So,

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he's feeling better? I asked before she realized I was overseeing his recovery. Yes, he suffered for several years after the operation and now he trusts a new specialist. Nora wanted to enroll in a research program, but so far she has

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been helping sick parents. At the table classmates asked if there was a place for her in the family company. I don't want to turn into someone's last name on the staffing table, she said. Then look where you will be given your own

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business, I replied. Nora looked at me with surprise. You're the first person today who hasn't advised me to ask Lawrence for a job. She said she had written to program managers and had been rejected twice because of a lack of

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experience. She needed real data work, not someone's protection. I suggested sending her open-source projects of the center if she was ready to start with a small assignment. Trevor was already telling the others about his construction tender. When he saw me, he

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stopped short as though finally remembering his promise to stay quiet at the right time. One former classmate boasted about his job at a large firm and asked why I still appraised old objects. Trevor hinted at an imminent contract while Nora discussed the

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research she wanted to begin. You need contact, she told me. Lawrence is always happy with smart people. We know each other. I'm helping him recover. Nora stopped talking. Trevor dropped the fork. Is that the Ryan that Lawrence was

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talking about? If he didn't have time to find another one, I replied. After a brief pause, conversation grew loud again, but now everyone tried to guess my wealth. I suggested discussing Nora's project later and brought us back to how

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long it had been since we'd met. At the end of the dinner, one of the kids asked to take a picture. Trevor stood next to me. Thank you for not telling them how I behaved in the restaurant. You tell it

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better yourself. Send your estimate when it's finished. Nora heard and shook her head. So, we're the last to know about the lake project, too? Too much is still unresolved there to make it sound impressive. When the check arrived, it

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turned out that dinner had already been paid. The waiter said only that the money had been deposited at the request of a person familiar with our table.

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Trevor looked at me. This time it's not my fault, I said. Me, neither, he admitted. But I loudly promised to treat everyone. The manager came to the table. He delivered desserts and explained that there was a separate invitation from a regular client for our

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guests. Trevor wanted to know how much the service cost and got an answer, after which he began to study the vase with flowers. If that's your man, Nora whispered.

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He might have warned you. Trevor offered to pay for someone else's cocktails a minute ago. I really don't know, I replied. Now he has a reason to keep his word next time. One of the classmates flipped the phone and suddenly raised

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his head. Ryan, the girl in the ICO video is Emma Hayes. She's not your sister by any chance? Trevor stopped laughing. Nora looked at the screen and found out the name of our center. I looked at Emma's picture among people

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who didn't know who she was until recently, and I said, Sister, but her success is her own job. A classmate enlarged the photograph. Emma smiled holding an antique vase while Aiko demonstrated movements from her family's technique in the

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background. I didn't discuss Emma's followers. At home she still argued with Mom over an unwashed mug and was only learning what fame meant to her. The phone rang as I uttered my last words. Olivia's name appeared on the screen. I answered

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the phone without leaving the table. "Are you still at the reunion?" Olivia asked. I was about to leave.

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A familiar voice was heard in the background. Olivia was home to Adeline Moreau who returned to New York after filming. Several classmates immediately recognized the actress.

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"Show them you weren't kidnapped." Adeline laughed. I turned on the video. It was quiet at the table. "Is that really her?" whispered Trevor. Adeline said hello and said that the series shot in Clearview will soon be released on

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screens. When asked how she knew me she replied "Ryan saved our project a few people and my faith in decent men. The last one was the hardest for him." Everyone laughed except Derek Sloan. In high school he turned every conversation

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into a competition. "Actresses are well paid for such advertising." he said. "Or is it a pre-recorded video?" Adeline looked directly at the camera. "Would you like me to name the amount you owe the waiter for cocktails?" Derek blushed. Olivia

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took the phone. "Ryan Frank's on his way. Don't be too long." Before hanging up she added "and stop proving yourself to people whose questions aren't well-intentioned." I put the phone away. Derek chuckled.

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"Nothing. Soon we will be working in the same industry." Derek announced he had been offered the position of head of creator relations at North Star Media.

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The company managed several video platforms and invested in series. Your sister and Ico are working with our partners, he said. So, you'd better be polite. It depends on one manager who is shown to millions and who is forgotten.

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Trevor left the glass. Was that a threat now? Business advice. I specified the name of the unit and took out the phone. Who are you calling?

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Derek asked. The man who invested in Northstar. Nolan responded in a sleepy voice. I called Derek's name and repeated it without exaggeration.

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He hasn't started yet, Nolan said. The offer is conditional. Human resources will investigate in the morning.

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You can do nothing, I replied. Just make sure he doesn't get access to Emma and Ico. Derek laughed.

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Thinking the conversation was played out. Trevor and Natalie agreed to confirm his words to Northstar employees. You even know the investor's name. Prepared. Natalie, who arrived shortly before the call, intervened for the first time. You threatened his sister in front of witnesses.

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And now you wonder at the consequences. I didn't threaten anyone. Then repeat it to the HR officer. Derek's phone rang before he could answer. The name of Northstar Media appeared on the screen.

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Derek put on speakerphone, hoping to prove I was bluffing. An employee of Northstar said that the registration was suspended pending inspection. The company wanted to understand the threats to the creators of the platform and possible conflicts of interest. I was

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just kidding, Derek indignant. Tomorrow you will be able to state your position. We'll also talk to witnesses. After the call, he turned to me. You cost me my job over one sentence.

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You haven't worked there yet. Now explain to the company how you were going to use the position. The next call was made by his uncle, who recommended his nephew to the management. He spoke without a loudspeaker, but in a quiet room, everyone heard. I

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vouched for you, and you threatened the company's customers the first night. Don't put my name on your resume again.

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Derek wanted to break something, but he noticed the cameras and headed for the exit. You could have stopped earlier, Trevor said. You've all just chosen a comfortable side. When the door closed, Natalie looked at me. You've changed.

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I learned not to let people touch my family. I didn't feel the victory. Derek may have lost his chance because he decided to exercise power before his first day at work.

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10 minutes later, Frank's car stopped near the cafe, but Olivia came out first. I thought you'd need a more compelling reason to leave, she said. Talks subsided again. In the photos, Olivia looked like a cold heiress to empire,

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but now she was wearing jeans, a light coat, and my mother's scarf. Trevor recovered his composure first. So, you came after him after all. I promised, Olivia replied. Even though Ryan sometimes makes up a reason to skip dinner. I introduced her to people she

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didn't know. When it came to Natalie, there was a short pause between them. We dated after college, Natalie said calmly. I know, Olivia replied, offering her hand. Ryan told me the truth, sometimes even voluntarily. Nora asked Olivia about Clearview, and Trevor

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remembered someone paying the bill. Did you do that? I asked. Yes. You named the restaurant, and I asked the manager to pay for the dinner. Then why did he keep a secret? I asked him to. I wanted to see how long Trevor would keep

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promising to treat everyone. Trevor raised his hands. I'm paying next time. Natalie caught up with us in the parking lot.

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Now I understand why you don't look back. She told me. Olivia went to Frank leaving us to talk. It's not about her last name. I said. I can see. For the first time there was no resentment or competition in her voice. Natalie asked

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if I had ever imagined our life together. Once upon a time, yes. After the breakup, I wanted to prove you wrong for a long time. And now?

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Now I don't need you to be sorry. She looked at Olivia talking to Frank outside the car.

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She's not afraid of my presence because she trusts me. I've spent too long learning how not to destroy that trust.

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Natalie nodded. Our conversation did not correct the past but finally stopped continuing it. I'm sorry I measured you in other people's money and jobs. And forgive me for trying to make every success a message to you after we broke

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up. She smiled. So we were both unbearable. Only at different times. Back at the car, I told Olivia about the conversation. That's everything? She asked. That's it.

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Then let's go home. Adeline ate the dessert I left you. I kissed her before I opened the door. Is this for dessert or honesty?

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She asked. For coming here. Frank pointedly looked at his watch. If we're done with a teenage drama, we've got an adult problem. Richard's getting his family together tomorrow night. The following morning, Nolan wrote.

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North Star spoke to Trevor, Natalie and Derek and withdrew his offer. I put my phone away without feeling happy. On the same day, the parents arrived at the Clearview Recovery Center. The mother had long complained about her back and

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the father only agreed to be examined after her threats. Emma met them at the counter. Iko finished her practice with a physiotherapist, and Natalie, having mastered the work of the administrator, explained the rules to a new employee.

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"Our whole family will be working here soon." my father said. "No." replied the mother. "Ryan's going to make you wash the floors after the first joke." While the doctors attended to my parents, I reviewed the center's reports. Bookings

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were full for 2 months, but growth caused problems. Staff were overworked, and suppliers were raising prices. Olivia saw the tables on my screen. "Did you come to support your parents, or do you manage everything at once?" "I'm trying to

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figure out where we're losing quality." "Exactly. Clearview, market, fund, recycling, manufacturing, real estate. Every company grew faster than you could appoint people. We told Richard about it last night. Eleanor and Miles were sitting at the table. After the festive

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conversation, the family has not yet become close, but at least stopped pretending that nothing happened. Richard listened to us and said, "You don't need another project. You need a structure that allows you to abandon projects." Miles proposed the creation of a Clearview

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investment unit with independent project verification and professional managers. "Ryan makes decisions faster than the board." he said. "But if every decision depends on one person, it's not a system." At last, someone said it out loud.

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Olivia said, "I asked why Miles was helping an Empire competitor." "Because I want to run a company, not a family war. If Clearview gets stronger, Empire will have to get more honest." Richard didn't argue. He admitted he was going

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to gradually hand over the operational work to Miles, retaining the board's control until an audit of old assets was completed.

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Eleanor looked at her husband. You told us that before the press. It's progressing. There was pain in her voice, but for the first time there was no lie at the table. We decided to create ClearView Ventures. Olivia was

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responsible for analysis, contracts, and the team. I reserved the right of final refusal if I saw a risk that could not be eliminated. How many projects will you take on in the first year? Richard asked. Not more than 10, replied Olivia.

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Five, I corrected. She raised her eyebrow. Write it down. Ryan Hayes has voluntarily limited the amount of work he does.

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Frank, standing at the door, said quietly, We need witnesses and a notary. A week later the documents were ready.

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We did not create another beautiful brand. ClearView Ventures explained directly what the company does and whose rules it undertakes to comply with. Our own medical project became the first test.

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Several recovery formulations produced good results, but a full launch required research, licenses, and transparent ingredients.

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We could sell them as dietary supplements, the consultant suggested. That's faster. And to shift the responsibility to the buyers? Olivia asked. We refused. Production was suspended until clinical testing and the formulas were divided into safe combinations with understandable action.

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It's going to be more expensive and slower, Miles warned. No one will be treated with promises, I replied. Lawrence Garrison called after the meeting. His old friend came to New York after several attacks of suffocation and arrhythmia. Doctors did not find a

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single cause. His name is Elliot Fraser," Lawrence said. "He spent half his life assessing people for banks and government contractors.

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Now he's certain he understands doctors better than they understand themselves. The most difficult patients are always sure that they have already made a diagnosis. That's why I'm calling you." An hour later, Elliot was waiting for us in the center,

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studying each person who came in as if he were conducting an interview. Elliot Fraser introduced himself as a specialist in negotiation and behavioral analysis.

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"I noticed a lie for 20 years before people had time to finish a sentence," he said. "But I can't read you. Perhaps because you're here for treatment, not to assess me." He kept watching. After a few seconds, the breathing increased,

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the fingers trembled. I sat him down and asked the doctor to plug in the monitor.

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The attack was short. Analysis showed overload with stimulants, chronic lack of sleep, and impaired heart rhythm.

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Elliot took several medications to keep his attention during the hours-long consultations. "They're allowed," he objected.

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"Individually and in prescribed doses. You mix them with concentrates that no one checked." He admitted that without them he stopped noticing the small reactions of the interlocutors. "That's my job." "Not anymore. Now it's a dependency on a sense of control." Elliot asked if I

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could get the clarity back. "Partly, but first you will give up the mixture, undergo an examination, and stop night consultations for a few months. You're asking me to give up everything that made me famous." "I suggest you decide

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whether you want to save your profession or your life." Elliot asked for a night of reflection. He came back this morning with a box of drugs and a list of clients.

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"Canceled appointments for a month. We'll see next." Doctors have developed a safe withdrawal scheme. I was engaged in restoring sleep and breathing, but immediately warned, "There will be no miraculous return to the previous regime." After 2 weeks, the attacks

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became less frequent. Elliott first admitted that many of his infallible conclusions were guesses to which customers attributed too much importance. So, I lied to people?

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You were sometimes wrong. It would become deception if you kept hiding that. He offered a large reward. I only took the cost of treatment and recommended that the rest go to a free diagnostics program for people who have

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been putting off doctors for years. After he left, Olivia asked, "Why do you always give up money and then look for money for charity?" Because I don't want help to depend on the patient's sense of duty. We decided to fund free programs

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from Clearview Ventures profits. There would be no fundraising with patients' photographs or public thank you displays. We'll make money first, then we'll help, Olivia said. And we'll do it at the same time. She sighed.

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I knew you'd ruin my sensible plan. In the spring, Aiko was training in the yard of the center when Daichi Sado, a representative of the Heritage Combat Arts Institute, approached her. He proposed a paid program.

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The institute would digitize the Yamamoto family's technique, grant Aiko a scholarship, and organize performances. "Grandpa dreamed of preserving the school," she said. "But why does the contract give you ownership of all recordings?" Daichi explained that the institute pays for filming and

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archives. Then pay for the work, not take the tradition, I intervened. He recognized me from publications about the restored Yamamoto notebook.

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You're not family. That's why Aiko makes the decision. The contract prohibited teaching outside the institute or using the family name without board permission. Kenji would effectively lose the right to control his own school. Aiko returned the folder. I'm not signing.

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These programs are received once, Daichi warned. Then I'll say no once. He asked to discuss terms without outsiders. I stepped away, but Aiko shook her head. Ryan stung. If the offer is honest, you have nothing to hide.

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Daichi first looked at her not as a talented archive material, but as someone who could walk away. Kenji, a ClearView lawyer, and a representative of Aiko's university attended the next meeting. We offered other conditions. The family retains the rights to the title and

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technique. Kenji approves the materials, and Aiko decides when to perform and who to train. The institute receives a license to store records, but not the right to appropriate tradition. That way we won't be able to protect the archive from copying, Daichi

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said. Monopoly is not a protection, either, Aiko replied. Art will disappear if you lock it in a vault. After a long discussion, Daichi admitted that the original contract had been drafted for families without lawyers of their own.

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The council won't immediately agree. Then the program will wait, Kenji said. A month later, the institute adopted major amendments. Aiko decided to complete a summer internship without dropping out of university. Before leaving, Daichi warned me, there are closed organizations that are

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interested in the techniques and medical formulas that you have restored. They're more assertive than we are.

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Let them learn to write honest contracts first. He didn't smile. I'm afraid they're the least interested in contracts.

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Frank, upon hearing the conversation, stepped up security at the lab. After Grant's story, we no longer saw caution as paranoia. A few days later, Miles arrived at Clearview with a woman in her 50s. Her name was Marion Ellis. "That's

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my mother." he said. "She doesn't want to go to the Quinn family, but the usual treatment doesn't help much." Marion suffered from an autoimmune disease that affected her muscles and nervous system.

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Several drugs relieved inflammation, but caused severe side effects. "I don't promise healing." I warned. "We can review the therapy together with specialized doctors and try to return some of the mobility." "An honest answer is enough for me." she said. Olivia

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arrived during the examination. Meeting a woman whose existence her father had concealed for years couldn't be easy.

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Mary Ann was the first to break her silence. "I didn't come to apologize to you. Adults made decisions long before you and Miles could make a difference." "Okay." Olivia replied. "Then let's start without pretense." She stayed until the end of the consultation and

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helped collect medical records. When Mary Ann was taken away for examination, Miles said, "I expected Olivia to refuse to be in the same room with her. She can be angry and still do the right thing.

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I'm only beginning to learn that from her." Doctors adjusted Mary Ann's treatment and began a recovery program.

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The changes did not appear immediately. At first, the night pains decreased, then she was able to hold a cup longer and walk the corridor on her own. Miles came every day after work.

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"How much do I owe you?" he asked. "Exactly as much as indicated in the account of the center. I'm not just talking about money." "Then help Empire pass the check on old contracts. Not for me, for people who might lose their jobs

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because of other people's decisions." He agreed to hand over documents to independent auditors that the board had previously withheld. Richard only visited Mary Anne after she had given her permission. They talked without Miles and Olivia. When he came out, he

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looked older than he did this morning. "Some debts cannot be paid." he said. "But we can stop increasing them." Olivia later asked if I had let Miles into our business too easily. "I don't trust him without checking." "But he

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came to ask for help for his mother, not a place in the family." Olivia looked through the glass at her brother. "I'm not ready to call him that yet." "You don't have to. The kinship has already been decided for you. You decide the

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relationship." Miles led Empire's operational reform. He closed unprofitable projects, removed purchasing from the long-time shareholders control, and published conflict of interest rules. The council resisted, but the initial results were convincing.

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Expenses were down and employees saw for the first time who was getting bonuses and for what. Clearview Ventures, meanwhile, has selected just four projects out of several hundred entries.

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Olivia was turning down beautiful presentations with no confirmed numbers, and I was checking assets, team, and hidden liabilities.

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"You'd buy half of those companies before." Jake said. "I used to confuse the ability to help with the obligation to save everything." Richard announced that he would leave the day-to-day management after the audit was completed. Olivia took the

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news hard, although she was not going to return to Empire. "I've spent my whole life preparing to take his place." she said. "Now I'm glad I don't have to." "And I still feel a loss." "You didn't give up the future." "Only from the

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future that was chosen for you." She put her head on my shoulder. "And our three-year deal?" "We'll fulfill it for our own sake, not the board's. Independence was no longer proof to Richard. It became the foundation of the life we built

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together. In the fall, Dr. Cora Bellamy from the private Blackwood Institute came to Clearview's laboratory. The organization studied toxins, rare plants, and methods of recovery from poisonings. Cora proposed collaboration, but demanded that some research be concealed from regulators until patents

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were obtained. "Scientific data will leak to competitors." She explained. "Then protect the patent, not hide the risk from patients." Olivia said. Cora decided to test me. She supplied two anonymized toxin samples and three antidote variants. According to the

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documents, Blackwood's preparation was the best. My ability showed otherwise. When heated, one component decayed and increased liver damage. "This option is excluded." I said. "On what basis?" "Perform a second analysis at human body temperature." The results confirmed my

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concerns. Cora demanded a second blind test. "If you're right again, I'll admit that our models are incomplete. You will confess not in front of me, but in front of people who were going to be administered the drug." There was an

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irritation in her look, but there was a fear behind it. The error was too serious to be considered a common expert dispute. For the second test, Cora brought four test tubes. This time, neither she nor the lab staff knew where the control sample

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was. I noticed that one lid differs in the shade of plastic. The ability showed traces of another preservative.

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"The test has been compromised." I said. "This tube was prepared separately." Cora checked the log. A Blackwood technician had indeed replaced the sample after its packaging was damaged, but the change hadn't been recorded in the protocol. "Does the preservative

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affect the reaction?" she asked. And makes your antidote more dangerous than the toxin itself.

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Retests confirmed that. Cora stopped the research and contacted the institute. She was ordered to pick up the materials and not hand over the results to outside experts. She turned off her phone.

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"If I follow the order, they will continue the project in another lab." "Then make it official." "You don't understand. Blackwood paid for my education and gave me a house.

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That doesn't give them the right to hide a mistake." Cora looked at the test tubes for a long time, then signed a report to stop the tests. "You won." she said. "No one should have won here. We noticed the

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problem in time." For the first time since she arrived, she stopped arguing. Cora said she lost her parents after a chemical plant accident. Blackwood paid for treatment, school, and university.

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Later it turned out that the institute was studying the consequences of the accident. "I thought of them as family." she said. "Now I don't know whether they helped me or observed a convenient patient." In her contract, the institute

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owned all the research, personal records, and even the right to ban work from competitors. "If I leave, they'll call me ungrateful. Gratitude should not require silence about someone else's danger." "Olivia said. We suggested that Cora not go to Clearview immediately, but first

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hand over the materials to an independent regulator and get legal protection. Frank arranged for the safe storage of the copies. Blackwood sent a request to come back and destroy the external report. Cora refused. There's no going back after that. "But there

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will be a way forward." I said. A week later, the tests were were suspended.

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Several researchers confirmed that management was aware of the drug's instability. Cora didn't celebrate. She sat in an empty office holding her old institute ID. "I lost my only home. A house you can't leave is more like a cage." She put the pass on the table.

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Clear View has granted Cora a temporary research fellowship. All results remained the property of the authors and the publications were independently verified. "The conditions are too good." she said. "Then find flaws in them and suggest corrections." Olivia replied.

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"The Blackwood affair made us reassess our own growth. In 2 years we'd accumulated too many lines of business.

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Gemstones antiques recycling medicine, manufacturing, and property. If we continue to buy everything useful, one day we will become like Empire." Olivia said, "Big enough to stop noticing the people inside. We have suspended new investments for 6 months.

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Each project was assigned an independent leader and employees were given the opportunity to report violations directly to an independent committee.

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Jake was the head of the art trade. Nolan took up logistics and media projects. Miles reformed Empire separately. Until the end of the 3-year agreement, our companies did not contract with each other. It was the first time I had free days.

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"What are you going to do?" Olivia asked. "Draw, learn, sometimes nothing." "The latter sounds the most implausible." That same night Winston Bentley called. On the site near the lake found a rare natural area and the construction had to stop. On the shore

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we were met by Winston, an environmentalist and county representative. During the clearing of the old road, workers found a wetland with rare plants and remnants of stone foundations.

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If we move the pavilion, we will lose the view of the lake, the contractor said. If we fill the wetland, we'll lose our permit and the project's purpose. I replied, we decided to change the plan. The rehabilitation center will be located up the slope and

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the lowland will become a protected training area. The old foundation will be included in the memorial garden instead of being disassembled. Nora Garrison came as a research assistant.

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After the reunion, she completed her first small assignment and earned a place in the project. A rare mushroom was found on the northern trail, she said. Perhaps it is related to plants that the locals used for inflammation. A

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sample was required for analysis, but the site was outside the construction area. We got the county's permission and agreed to go in the morning. Winston wanted to pay for it himself. I refused.

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We're partners. Costs and decisions are divided by contract. Even when you can take the project for yourself, especially then.

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Frank looked at a map of the trail. I'll come with you. After all your stories, the phrase routine walk sounds like a warning. We left before dawn. Frank was carrying a first aid kit and a satellite phone. Nora was carrying sample

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containers and I was carrying permits and a map. 2 hours later, the trail vanished beneath fallen trees. On the northern slope, we found white plants with no green leaves. Nearby, the mushroom mentioned in the report grew on a rotting cedar. We take only what's

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authorized, Nora reminded us. One mushroom sample and soil from around the roots. My ability showed a high potential value, but did not explain whether the find could be used safely. It will take years of research, I said. You finally saw

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something expensive and didn't decide to buy it right away. Frank said. When Nora opened the container, an elderly reserve keeper emerged from the forest. Close it. He ordered.

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Nothing may be collected here. I showed him the permit. The ranger read it twice and said the county had no right to authorize the work without the reserve administration. Then we won't take anything until you confirm the terms.

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I replied. Nora looked at me in surprise. We came all the way. That doesn't make it ours. The caretaker relented a little and offered to return to the station to check the documents.

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At the station, we discovered the county had indeed issued an outdated form. The ranger could have confiscated our equipment and closed access to the site.

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But we hadn't collected anything yet. I explained the project's aim. Preserve the wetland, study the species, and prohibit commercial harvesting until research was complete. Everyone promises to keep it until they see the price. He said. The results will therefore be

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overseen by the university, the county, and an independent environmental board. Nora showed the center's new plan. The construction site had already been moved. Although this increased costs by almost a million dollars. The caretaker contacted the management of the reserve.

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We were allowed to take a minimal sample from a fallen tree and were forbidden to touch living plants.

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If the information leaks, collectors will come here. He warned. The coordinates will remain confidential.

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Before leaving, he gave Nora the old notes of a local botanist. They described the same colony 40 years ago.

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This is more valuable than the sample. She said. On the way back, Frank asked why I had so easily turned down the find. Because the ability to see the price does not give you the right to own a thing. My phone regained reception at

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the foot of the slope. Seven missed calls from Richard appeared on the screen. Richard was taken to the clinic after about of weakness and severe tremors. The old poisoning left damage that could not be repaired with a single

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course of treatment. When I came in, he tried to get up. Do not pretend to be healthy, at least in front of doctors. I wanted to see how fast you could take over. His condition was stabilized.

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There was no immediate threat to his life, but recovery required rest and stepping back from Empire's daily management. So, Miles will get the company sooner than we planned. Richard said, He'll get the job. The company is not an inherited title. Richard

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chuckled, then became serious. I spent too much time deciding if you were worthy of Olivia. Now, I'm afraid I won't have time to see how happy she will be. Do not use the hospital to set a date for

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our wedding. I would have already if I could. He asked me not to put life on hold for the 3-year agreement. I replied that Olivia and I would decide together.

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That's the right answer, Richard said, but slow. Olivia waited by the door. Seeing her father, she went pale, but didn't argue. She simply sat beside him and took his hand. After discharge, Richard temporarily moved to his country house. Miles took over Empire's daily

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operations, and for the first time Eleanor personally made sure her husband followed doctor's orders. I went to my parents' house alone. I want to propose to Olivia, I said over dinner. Mom immediately burst into tears. Dad shook my hand, then changed his mind and

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hugged me. Are you asking permission? He clarified. No. I want you to know before the press does. Then we raised you right, Mom decided. Back in New York, I told Olivia about my conversation with Richard. She immediately tensed. Is he

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pressuring you again? No, this time he asked me not to wait. What did you say?

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I took a jeweler's receipt from a drawer. It was dated 2 weeks before Richard's attack. That I'd already made my decision. Olivia looked at the paper, then at me. You just ruined your own surprise. I only confirmed it exists.

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Ryan. I'm not showing you the ring. She tried to open the drawer, but I closed it in time. Now, Olivia said, I'll be suspicious of every walk and every dinner. Then I'll have to choose somewhere you'd never want to go dressed

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up. I took Olivia to the recycling warehouse on the pretext of a new find.

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She stepped out of the car in her work coat and looked at me suspiciously. If there's an orchestra hidden here, I'm leaving. There was no orchestra. Inside stood a restored old cabinet. The same one whose broken pieces had yielded the

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first object in our exhibition. It held photographs of our projects. The pawn shop, Clearview, the clinic, my parents' house, and the lake. A small box sat on the last shelf. You deliberately chose somewhere I couldn't accuse you of showing off, Olivia said.

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This is where it's clearest that value often hides in things others are ready to throw away. I opened the box. The ring held a stone from an old Quinn family brooch. Eleanor had given it to me with permission from Olivia's

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grandmother, Margaret, but Olivia knew nothing about it. I can't promise a quiet life, I said, but I promise to tell the truth, come home, and never make decisions for you. Will you marry me? Yes, she answered before I'd

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finished. Emma's stifled cry came from behind the shelves. My parents, Jake, Madison, Ico, Nolan, and Frank were hiding there. Olivia wiped her tears. No orchestra, but half of New York is hiding behind the furniture. We decided to marry by the lake on the first

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Saturday of the following November. Over the year, the memorial garden and pavilion were completed without disturbing the protected area. The rehabilitation center was still under construction. We asked guests not to send expensive gifts. In response, the house filled with boxes.

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Food from Arizona, carved frames, books, children's drawings, old photographs, and letters from people our projects had helped. "This is worse than gifts." Olivia said, reading another letter.

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"You can't return something like this." We gave some of the food to the chefs for the wedding dinner and the rest to city shelters. The guest list grew.

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Factory employees, patients, small business owners, artists, appraisers, and the families of Clearview workers arrived. Jake handled accommodation.

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After 2 days, he announced he would never organize another wedding. "You're only booking rooms." Nolan reminded him.

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"Exactly, and Ryan knows half the country." The press noticed the stream of guests and decided the lake would host a private conference of major investors. Olivia tried on her dress and forbade me to come near the room. "We

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live together." I protested. "That doesn't concern the groom." The wedding was 3 days away, and for the first time, I was more nervous than I'd ever been before a deal. That morning, the road to the lake filled with cars. Journalists expected several

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events, but all the guests headed to one pavilion. Olivia stepped out to speak to the press for just a minute. "What does Ryan Hayes mean to you?" they asked.

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"He's the person beside whom I don't have to be Empire's heiress. What's his greatest achievement? She smiled.

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Today he's marrying me. Isn't that enough? Frank, Jake, and Nolan stood beside me. Emma, Madison, Aiko, Sophie, and Adeline accompanied Olivia. Richard walked slowly but put aside his cane at the aisle's entrance. Giving me his daughter's hand, he said quietly, "Now

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the two of you make the decisions." We exchanged brief vows. I promised not to turn love into an obligation. Olivia promised to walk beside me rather than shield me from every risk and to tell me in time when I became

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unbearable. After the wedding, Clearview continued to grow but no longer depended on one person. We opened rural clinics, preserved craftspeople's archives, returned lost objects to their owners, and funded people who had never been given a chance. Olivia and I traveled

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often. She built systems that worked without grand promises. I still saw the price of things and confused it with their value less and less. It had all begun with $500 for taking part in an experiment. The most important thing I

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gained was priceless. Guys, the story has [music] come to an end. I hope you enjoyed it.

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Speaker A

I look forward to your comments. I put a lot of work into creating [music] this story.

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Speaker A

Be sure to check out my other stories, too. And subscribe to the channel if you haven't already.

133:53

Speaker A

There are lots [music] of awesome stories coming up. Thanks for watching. [music] Mhm.

Topics: art pawn forgery TV drama serial fiction Sebastian Crow Ryan Hayes art market greed sting operation Empire Pawn

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