The Billionaire Who Saved Me

When the drops of drink fell, wetting Norah’s head and face, it was not just Garrett who was startled. Instead, all the guests present reacted in disbelief. How could an in-law do that to her own sister-in-law? In public?

As a result, the once lively party quickly changed its atmosphere. Tense whispers spread like wildfire, and all eyes focused on the same scene.

Farrah let out a heavy sigh and placed the empty glass on a nearby round table. Her gaze was unwaveringly fixed on Norah before shifting to Garrett.

Words could not express the intense emotions swirling within Garrett at that moment. His face turned deep red, a clear indication of his anger. Anyone who glanced at him, even briefly, could see it.

Norah hurriedly tried to restrain Garrett, fearing that her son might act. Though Garrett had never raised a hand against a woman, who could predict what might happen tonight?

“Garrett.”

Norah called out, attempting to bring him back to his senses and prevent him from doing something regrettable. But her efforts were in vain, as Farrah challenged Garrett even further.

“Why are you looking at me like that, Garrett? You know, it’s impolite,” Farrah said, her jaw tightening. Veins were visible on Garrett’s forehead as his anger grew.

“And what you just did was polite?” Garrett retorted.

Farrah blinked once, then burst into laughter. Indifferently, she pointed at Norah. “I was just giving a warning to your mother and you. Just so you know.”

Norah tightened her grip on Garrett’s hand, ignoring the wetness and stickiness on her face. She did not want her son to lose control.

“Shouldn’t it be you who should be more self-aware?” Garrett shot back.

Although he could not move due to his mother’s restraint, it did not mean Garrett could not take any action at all. On the contrary.

“Dad’s blood flows in my veins. Blood that cannot be denied by anyone in this world. Because my late father was the only son in the extended family. Watch your behavior, Aunt.”

Farrah was aware of that fact. It was an unchangeable natural law. She and Allan Alexander Morales were siblings, destined to have different fates.

In the family, all the benefits and privileges flowed through the veins of male children. It was a tradition ingrained in their culture. Some said it was unfair, while others believed it was the way it should be. Daughters were meant to become part of their husbands’ families, while sons carried the responsibility for the extended family. Fair or not, it all depended on the perspective.

For Farrah Isabella Morales, it was an injustice she could not accept. Especially after her brother’s passing. She believed that she had a chance-a chance that would never come, as she was later surprised by the will that didn’t support her in the slightest.

Garrett and Norah stood in the way of her future. That’s what Farrah believed. If they were not there, everything would rightfully belong to her and her family.

Now, with Garrett openly touching on the undeniable truth in front of everyone, there was no telling how furious Farrah might become. Her emotions might drive her to retrieve the empty glass and throw it at Garrett.

However, the presence of the host and several security personnel made Farrah think twice before taking any action. She suppressed her desire while Garrett took his own course of action.

Garrett grabbed his mother’s hand in response. At least the host, Luther Johnstone, approaching them provided a momentary pause to his emotions, as his face showed embarrassment.

“Garrett,” Luther called out.

“This is a fun party, but I think it’s time for me to head home. Excuse me.”

Without waiting for a response from the older man with white hair, Garrett immediately pulled his mother away. Ignoring the lingering gazes of the onlookers, he led Norah to leave the party that had turned unpleasant.

Luther approached Farrah, his eyes wide with anger. He shook his head with embarrassment, pointing his finger at her. “If you have an issue with Garrett, don’t do it at my party, you bitch!”

Farrah was taken aback. “W-what did you say? Are you calling me bitch? Do you even know who you’re talking to?”

“I know exactly who I’m talking to. I’m talking to the second child of the Morales family who has no sense of propriety. And let me tell you, I regret allowing you to come here.”

Luther’s words struck a nerve with Farrah, intensifying her anger towards Garrett and Norah.

“You sycophantic lapdog, Luther,” Farrah hissed. She knew very well why he was defending Garrett.

Luther grinned, momentarily ignoring the guests who seemed interested in their exchange, finding it an entertaining replacement for the earlier drama.

“That’s right, isn’t it? Because no matter what, you should have some self-awareness. You wouldn’t stand a one percent chance of taking all of your family’s wealth away from Garrett. Just be content with your husband’s wealth.”

Farrah’s face turned crimson. She decided not to prolong the conversation any further and promptly left Luther and the party without saying a word.

“Just be content with your husband’s wealth.”

It was widely known that the Ramirez family was among the wealthiest in Oceana. Farrah would not have married anyone who wasn’t from a suitable background. However, this did not stop her from harboring desires to secure her own share of her family’s fortune.

All that wealth should never fall into Garrett’s hands. No matter what, I must possess it. Ariel deserves it more than the child of that lowly woman.

*

Inside the car on the way back, Garrett could not stop asking about his mother’s well-being. The wetness on Norah’s face had dried up, but certainly not her embarrassment.

“Mama, are you okay?” Garrett, who had decided not to use a driver that night, clenched the steering wheel. Despite being thirty minutes away from the incident, the burning sensation inside him had not subsided. It still felt as intense as when he saw Farrah humiliating his mother in front of everyone.

“Don’t worry, Garrett. I’m fine,” Norah sighed, giving her son a gentle pat on the shoulder. “You don’t need to worry. And, most importantly, forget what happened earlier.”

Traffic lights changed colors at the right moment. Garrett used the time to turn towards his mother. Norah smiled back at him despite the smudged makeup.

“Don’t think about what Aunt Farrah said.”

It was impossible for Garrett not to think about what Farrah said and did earlier. He would never forget it. Farrah had humiliated his mother, who had raised him through the hardships of being part of a prominent family.

Garrett could not count the accusations, ridicule, and condescending treatment that Norah had endured over the years. She had endured it all to maintain the marriage and raise him. It was no longer a struggle; it was a sacrifice beyond measure.

So, Garrett took a deep breath and decided not to say anything more. He allowed the rest of the journey home to be filled with silence. Norah gave him space; she knew Garrett was trying to calm himself.

However, if Norah thought Garrett would follow her request, she was mistaken this time. Perhaps for the first time, Garrett went against his mother’s wishes.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

“Don’t think about what Aunt Farrah said?”

No. Garrett chose to think about it because when they arrived home, he hurried to make sure his mother was indeed okay. Then, he headed to his office, using his phone to call someone.

“Hello, Garrett. Is there something important for you to call me at eleven o’clock at night?” It was Nelson’s voice, sounding puzzled by the late-night call.

“I need you to come to my office on Monday. We’ll discuss the inheritance and all the wealth that comes with it.”

“Are you serious?”

“I’ve never been more serious,” Garrett stated firmly. “As soon as you can, I want everything to be in my possession.”

“Alright then. We’ll discuss all the details on Monday.”

When the call ended, Garrett closed his eyes and squeezed his phone. Even though he did not want to do it, he remembered Nelson’s words from a few days ago.

“I’m sure Madam Norah would be delighted to see her son, whom she raised with struggle, at the top.”

Garrett knew his mother did not care about wealth and riches, but he could not bear to see her humiliated like that. He was certain that any child in the world would take similar action if their mother experienced the same.

In the end, Garrett realized that the only way to secure the honor his mother deserved was by embracing his Morales heritage and all the wealth that came with it. He would set aside his ego and any pride that prevented him from having a relationship with his father’s family. He would accept his inheritance, every single cent.

Maybe people would call him a disgrace for suddenly crawling back. But he did not care about that. He did not want Norah to continue receiving such low treatment from others.

And so, regardless of the incident at the party, there was Nelson, full of enthusiasm, visiting Garrett at his office on Monday. He filled Garrett’s desk with various documents, explaining everything related to the transfer of the inheritance and the company. However, there was one point that made Garrett jump from his seat.

“What?” Garrett asked, shocked. “I had no idea there was such a clause in the will.”

Nelson took a deep breath briefly. “For the company, it’s not an issue. It’s an open asset, and I just need some time to go through the usual regulations. But for the inheritance, which is your father’s personal asset, there is an additional clause attached to it. And, you need to know that these two are connected. You must take everything, or you’ll lose it all.”

Garrett put his hands on his hips, looking at Nelson incredulously. The explanation had not helped him at all.

“How could that be one of the clauses?”

“Why wouldn’t it be one of the clauses?” Nelson retorted. “Don’t you know that nothing is more important for a conglomerate family than the bloodline?”

Nelson’s response made Garrett dramatically close his eyes. Suddenly, his head was throbbing. And then, in the next moment, Nelson clarified everything with two sentences that struck Garrett’s heart.

“It’s simple, Garrett. You just need to get married.”

*