My Composure After Divorce Became His Greatest Torment Chapter 14
I lived alone in Portland for more than six months.
I spent my days at the gallery and my nights in my house by the sea. My life was so quiet it felt like a blank page.
When Tessa came to visit, she did a slow tour of the gallery, then asked, “Have you ever thought about starting your own company? Taking this to the next level?”
I froze.
“I’ve only ever been an investor. I’ve never thought about running it myself.”
“So the plan is to spend the rest of your life guarding a house and a bank account? Become a wealthy recluse?”
I didn’t answer right away.
My marriage had taught me that a house, jewelry, even a quiet life—if they depended on someone else, they could be taken away at any time.
I never wanted anyone else to be in charge of my life again.
I looked at the unsold paintings on the wall and said slowly, “I want to try.”
Tessa nodded, satisfied.
“I’ve already contacted a business consultant for you. You’re meeting him tomorrow afternoon. Your taste is excellent. What you lack is operational experience.”
She pulled a proposal from her bag. It already outlined a company structure, online strategy, and a first-round budget.
When I turned to the equity page, she pressed her hand over it.
“You can have partners. You cannot give up a controlling interest.”
She looked me straight in the eye. “And even if you become wildly successful, don’t ever let a man become your business partner too easily. Protect your equity. Understood?”
I smiled and nodded.
Outside the window, the sun cast a broken path of gold across the sea. For the first time, I felt a flicker of excitement for a future built entirely by my own hands.