When Garrett presented the Harbor Point waterfront project to major investors at Armitage Tower, Malcolm Reeves saw his chance to strike. Malcolm had lost several bids to Garrett and was determined to win this one.
During the meeting, Malcolm stood and addressed Franklin Bishop, the senior investor. “Before you trust Garrett Sullivan with this project,” he said, “you should know his marriage started as a financial arrangement.”
The room grew quiet. Harper felt her stomach tighten.
Garrett did not look at Malcolm. He looked directly at Franklin Bishop. “What Mr. Reeves said about how my marriage began is true,” he said clearly.
Harper’s heart pounded.
“It started as a deal,” Garrett continued. “My company needed stability, and her family needed protection. I treated marriage like a contract.”
He turned to Harper, and his voice softened. “I have apologized to my wife before, and I will say it again. I was wrong.”
He faced the investors once more. “What began as strategy became something real. Harper stood by me when my reputation was questioned. She believed in me when I doubted myself.”
Malcolm shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable.
“You can judge how our marriage started,” Garrett said firmly. “But the man standing here today has learned from his mistakes. My wife is not a weakness. She is the reason I am stronger.”
Franklin Bishop studied them for a long moment, then closed Malcolm’s folder. “We are here to discuss business,” he said calmly. “Mr. Sullivan, continue.”
Malcolm’s attempt to embarrass Garrett failed. By the end of the presentation, the investors approved the Harbor Point project.
Back home that evening, Harper finally let herself breathe. She wrapped her arms around Garrett. “I thought we were going to lose everything,” she admitted.
“We were never going to lose as long as we had each other,” he replied.
Their relationship changed completely after that day. The mansion slowly became a real home filled with laughter instead of silence.
Harper finally opened the event design studio she had always dreamed of in Pioneer Square. Garrett supported her fully, investing in the space and celebrating her success as proudly as his own.
Months later, Garrett came home early and found Harper standing in the garden with a shy smile. She handed him a small white box.
Inside was a pair of tiny baby shoes.
He looked up at her, stunned. “Are you serious?”