Traction (The Driven World)

Each person shifts in their seat when I fall silent. I give it a moment before I nod when nobody leaves. A few of the old members are still here, and they seem focused on me, but half the board my father had in place has stepped down. Those who wanted me to allow them to take over. Thankfully, those who are seated around the table have chosen to be here.

“Now, without further ado, I have brand new contracts set up, with terms I’m sure you’ll find beneficial. If there are questions or concerns, I trust you will contact me. Once you’ve signed, I will make a public announcement of the new board, and we will then meet to talk about any concerns regarding Mercer Industries.”

One man, Philip Gordon, who was here when my dad was lifts his hand and I give him a nod to speak. “What about your time spent at the office? We know you’re still racing. Or is that something you’ve given up?”

“I would like to continue, but that is something I will look at once I’ve spoken to Mr. Donavan. I can assure you, whatever my decision on that topic, I will be here when I’m needed. Mercer Industries is my legacy, and I’m not about to let it slip through my fingers.”

I mean not only for the company, but my promise is for Haelee as well.22HaeleeMy chest aches. My heart feels splintered. I’ve never had my heart broken, but the first man I give it to took it and looked after it. It was my choice to walk away because his legacy means more than a relationship that might not work. At least, that’s what I’ve convinced myself of.

Kayden was everything I wanted. Knowing each other for four long weeks, going on a few dates, but nothing could have prepared me for the feeling of agony that sliced through my chest when I saw his face crumple.

I’ve kept my distance. I haven’t answered his calls, because I need him to do what he needs to for his father’s company. Even though deep down I know his mother was trying to hurt me, and I’m nothing like my own mother, Mrs. Mercer hit me where it hurts.

The memory of what his mother said hits me as I stand under the hot spray of the shower.“You’re going to be nothing to him if you force him to choose between you and the legacy his father left him.”She was right. He would always regret losing the company because of me, and I couldn’t live with myself if he did. He’s better off without me, running the company his father built from the ground up.

But it doesn’t stop the pain that slices through me. It doesn’t mend my heart at all. Those tiny cracks only seem to get bigger with every passing day. Two days, forty-eight hours, and I can’t remember how many fucking minutes, but there are far too many.“You’re not good enough for my son. The daughter of a junkie whore. You’ll only end up like her.”The words cut deep. They slice and stab at my strength, and I slide to the floor as I allow my tears to disappear in the spray of the water that hits me with a vengeance.

She knew about me. She knew everything. About where I’m from. About my birth mother and the past. And she even knew my birth mother was dead. The sneer she graced me with was nothing short of evil.

Thankfully, Mom wasn’t here to see her. But I’ve hidden away in my room and haven’t faced the woman who adopted me and gave me a life I never thought I could have.

And all those doubts that plagued me for years, that I’m not good enough, take hold and refresh themselves in my mind. They remind me that I’m nothing but a charity case. As much as I attempt to fight off those thoughts, I can’t stop them from replaying in my mind in a constant loop.

I’m not sure how long I sit on the tiles, but when the taps shut off suddenly and a towel appears, I glance up through wet lashes to find Mom standing over me.

“You’re getting out of there now, and you’re coming down to talk to me,” she informs me with a tone so hard, so rigid, it causes me to shiver. I’ve seen her angry a few times while growing up, but this is something else. I’m afraid I’m in deep trouble, so I quickly scoot up, and I take the offered towel.

“I-I—”

“Get dried and dressed,” Mom says. “We have to talk.” Without waiting for me, she spins on her heel and leaves me in the bathroom, shivering. I quickly wrap myself in the towel and race into my bedroom to get some clothes on. I have a feeling I’m in for it now.