The Rose He Killed novel Chapter 12

Chapter 14 The Transter 1

Chapter 14: The Transfer-1

Bella pov

+25 Points

“And in that year and a half, you’ve saved us from bad deals, restructured four others for better returns, and brought in three new clients who specifically asked to work with you.” He leaned back in his chair. “Our London office is expanding into international acquisitions. They need someone brilliant, someone who sees what others miss. I recommended you.”

London. An ocean away from Silverton, from Caleb, from my parents. A fresh start in a city where no one knew my history, my shame.

“What about Tom?” I asked carefully. “He’s still so young, and moving to another country”

“The London office has excellent childcare facilities, and the expert package includes relocation assistance, housing allowance, and international schools when he’s older.” Robert smiled. “This is a real opportunity, Bella. To build something bigger than what you could do here.”

I looked down at the contract, at the salary that would give Tom everything I never had, at the title that meant I’d finally matter.

“Henry will celebrate,” I said quietly.

“Henry already quit, he left for a competitor last week after I told him about your promotion.” Robert’s smile widened. “Good riddance.”

I thought about Maya, the only friend I’d ever had. About leaving the small life I’d built in Crestwood, the safety of familiar. struggles.

Then I thought about Caleb’s laugh when I’d told him I was pregnant. My parents throwing me out like garbage. Every person who’d ever looked through me like I was invisible. “When would I start?” I asked.

“They’d like you there in three months. That gives you time to get Tom’s documents in order, finish your current projects, say your goodbyes.”

I stood and extended my hand. “Then I accept. And thank you, Robert. For seeing something in me when I was just a cleaning lady.”

He shook my hand firmly. “You were never just anything, Bella. You were always brilliant, you just needed someone to give you a chance to prove it.”

That night, I told Maya over dinner at my tiny apartment. She cried, but she smiled through it.

“London,” she said, bouncing Tom on her knee. “You’re going to take over the world, aren’t you?”

“Just a small part of it.” I wiped my own tears. “But it’s closer to that than staying here.”

“Promise me you’ll video call. That I’ll get to watch this little guy grow up.” She kissed Tom’s head. “And promise me you won’t forget who you are in the process of becoming who you need to be.”

“I promise.” I took Tom from her, holding him close. “And Maya? When I come back-when I’m successful enough-I’m coming back to Silverton. To show them all what they created when they threw me away.”

12

<Chapter 14 The Transfer 1

+25 Points

“Then I’ll be there to watch,” she said fiercely. “Front row seat to your victory.”

Three months later, I stood in Heathrow Airport with Tom on my hip and two suitcases containing everything we owned. The Gregory Company’s London office had sent a car to pick us up, and as we drove through the city streets, I felt something shift inside me. This was it, the real beginning.

**

The London office was sleek, modern, and intimidating. My new boss, Catherine Wells, was a sharp-eyed woman in her forties who didn’t believe in small talk.

“You’re the analyst Robert won’t stop praising,” she said, shaking my hand firmly. “I hope you’re as good as he claims.”

“Better,” I said, meeting her gaze without flinching.

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