Alexander stood at the edge of the Madu estate's private golf course, his father's voice echoing from behind him.
"You've made your point, son. You stood by the girl, and it made for good PR. But now, it's time to refocus."
Alexander didn't turn. "She's not the girl, Dad. Her name is Maria."
His father exhaled sharply. "Fine. Maria. But let me be clear: the investors aren't comfortable. The board is shaky. If you continue down this path with her—especially if you talk marriage—you'll be forced to step down."
Alexander finally turned, slowly.
"So I either keep my position… or keep her?"
His father nodded. "Exactly."
Alexander's chest rose and fell. "Then you already know my answer."
---
At Maria's new office…
She was helping hang posters for the upcoming outreach event when her phone buzzed. It was Alexander.
"We need to talk," he said.
Minutes later, he arrived. There was something different in his eyes—not fear, not stress. Freedom.
He held out a folded letter.
"My resignation from the board," he said quietly.
Maria froze. "Why would you do that?"
"Because I'm tired of running a company that treats love like a liability."
She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came.
He stepped closer. "I'm not asking for a decision tonight. But I'm clearing the road… for us. If you want it."
Maria's heart pounded.
She wasn't the girl in the hotel anymore.
And he… wasn't the cold billionaire.
They had both changed.
Now, all that remained… was choice.