They Made Me Confess To A Bricklayer, Then I Saw The Comments Chapter 03
On my way out, the reader feed was still going off. Every single comment was convinced I’d ditch Rowan and that I was only messing with him for fun.
What I did next left the entire school speechless.
During morning lectures, I cornered him outside his classroom with a hot latte. When he headed to the library, I sat across from him and slid an iced drink his way.
When he went to the construction site, I planted myself on the curb and handed him a towel. When he went back to his apartment building, I waited outside, pacing circles on the sidewalk.
Wherever he went, I followed. I’d never chased anyone this hard. Not even Preston.
One afternoon, I was sitting by the construction site eating a popsicle when the reader feed popped up again.
[The second male lead’s company just landed a patent for an AI algorithm, but their cash flow is a disaster. They’re desperate for funding.]
[Holy crap, Preston talked to his father yesterday about investing in Rowan’s company. If he gets in first, the second male lead is going to side with him for sure!]
I froze mid-bite. My stomach dropped.
If Preston got in first, Rowan might actually side with him. And then my family’s business would be next.
The comments said he was down bad for me, but what if getting a second chance had finally knocked some sense into him?
No. I had to get there first.
I went straight home and wore my mom down until she agreed to give me three million dollars.
I walked into Rowan’s office building with the check tucked in my hand and ran straight into Preston and Chloe stepping out of the elevator.
Preston spotted me and lifted his chin, looking as smug as ever.
“My dad just gave me five million to start an investment company, and you always said you wanted to back me, right? Here’s your chance. Invest with me, and I’ll cut you in.”
I scoffed and barely spared him a glance.
“Who said anything about investing in you? You think you’re worth my money?”
I walked right past his livid face and straight into Rowan’s office.
Rowan was at his desk, reworking a proposal on his screen. He looked up, saw Preston trailing behind me, and his brow creased.
I set the three-million-dollar check down on his desk.
“Rowan, I know your company needs cash. Three million. It’s yours. Seed money.”
Preston stormed in behind me, pointing a finger in my direction.
“Are you out of your mind? You’re putting money into a broke construction worker who can barely cover rent? You think he’s ever paying you back?”
I didn’t even look at Preston. I leaned across Rowan’s desk and smiled.
“You don’t have to pay me back. Consider it an investment in you. I know you’ve got big plans, and I want to help you get there.”
I held his gaze, waiting for him to agree.
But he picked up the check by its corner and slid it back across the desk. His face didn’t give a thing away.
“I’m not taking this.”
I froze. Something sharp and cold pierced my chest.
Preston’s laugh cut in from the doorway.
“You hear that? He doesn’t even want your money, and you’re still throwing yourself at him. Aren’t you embarrassed?”
I took a breath, rounded his desk, and dropped my voice right against his ear.
“Then don’t call it an investment. Call it my birthday wish. Just accept it.”