Chapter 269
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Caitlin’s breath hitched as she recognized the small hill where she used to have picnics as a child.
And then–there it was.
The ancient cherry blossom tree.
But what truly shocked her was what hung from its branches.
Dozens of red wish plaques.
The wind blew gently, rustling the plaques, causing them to sway.
Caitlin and Sebastian ran toward the tree, their eyes drawn to the words written on them.
One by one, she read them-
[Mom, Caitlin, Harrison is back. ]
[Mom, Caitlin, Harrison misses you both . ]
[ I hope Mom comes home soon. ]
【 I hope Caitlin finds happiness . ]
Caitlin’s heart clenched.
The pain was unbearable, slicing through her like a thousand knives.
Tears streamed down her face, falling silently into the earth.
Harrison really was back.
And it seemed like… he had regained his memories.
Otherwise, why would he have written these messages?
She read through every single plaque, her vision blurring with tears.
Until she reached the last one-
【Caitlin, I’m sorry. Please forgive Harrison.]
Her chest constricted.
The pain was suffocating.
She clutched the plaque tightly, her voice trembling.
“Harrison… I’m the one who should be sorry… I pushed you away…”
She sobbed uncontrollably, her shoulders shaking.
Sebastian gently grasped her shoulders. “Caitlin…”
She turned to him, tears staining her face.
Alt.
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“ Sebastian , it hurts so much…
Sebastian pulled her into a tight embrace. “Don’t cry. Don’t break down. We’ll find him. We’ll bring him back
“Really ? ”
“Yes. Together.”
### The Search Begins
After Caitlin cried her heart out, Sebastian wiped away her tears and took her hand.
“Come on, We’re going to find him–right now.”
They left Sakura Ridge and returned to the city.
Caitlin no longer cried, but her expression was heavy.
Her mind replayed every interaction with James.
She was grateful that he had survived, that he had grown into a bright, strong man.
But she was also heartbroken.
Her brother had been right in front of her this whole time.
And she hadn’t recognized him.
How could she have been so blind?
She remembered his shocked expression when he saw the photograph in her study.
That was when he realized the truth.
But she had been too cruel to him.
She had pushed him away.
And now–he had left.
### Tracking James
Sebastian dropped Caitlin off at DanCa Estate so she could rest.
Then, he began searching for James.
But James had disappeared completely.
He had always been a mystery, and now, after cutting all contact , tracking him down was nearly impossible.
Sebastian had Tyler and his team dig through all possible leads.
Nothing.
No flights booked, no credit card transactions , no known addresses.
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James had vanished.
But there was one thing Sebastian was certain of.
James was still in New York.
And if James was truly after the Yun’s Aromatic Codex, then he would show up eventually.
Sebastian explained this to Caitlin, and she reluctantly agreed.
If the rumors about the codex surfacing were true, then soon, it would be up for auction.
And when that happened-
James would come out of hiding.
That thought gave Caitlin strength.
She needed to see him again.
### LIG’s Grand Deception
The business world was buzzing with news about LIG’s partnership with 4EVER Capital.
The investment had caused LIG’s stock prices to surge.
Joshua had prepared a grand welcoming ceremony for the new investors.
Jonathan checked the time. “Has Garrett from 4EVER Capital arrived?”
“They should be here soon. I’ll go meet them.”
Joshua left his office, leading a group of executives to the lobby.
Before long, a convoy of luxury cars pulled up.
The moment Garrett and his team stepped out, Joshua eagerly welcomed them.
“Garrett! Welcome, welcome!”
He shook hands enthusiastically. “Please, come inside!”
A lavish conference room awaited them, decorated for the celebratory event.
Jonathan personally greeted Garrett, shaking his hand warmly.
“We’re honored that 4EVER Capital sees potential in LIG. We deeply appreciate your investment.”
Garrett smiled politely. “Shall we review the contract?”
Both sides had their lawyers go through the details.
Due to 4EVER Capital’s large investment, LIG’s shares were redistributed.
Jonathan’s original 34% stake was reduced to -19%…
4EVER Capital now held 15%.
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However, Jonathan remained Chairman and legal representative of LIG
Once the contract was signed, the stock transfer was finalized.
Jonathan was elated.
He had secured the deal.
He even posed for a photo with Garrett, grinning ear to ear.
But he had no idea what was coming next.
### The Last Celebration
That night, Jonathan hosted a grand party to celebrate LIG’s successful investment deal.
Meanwhile-
Garrett arrived at CL Group and met with Caitlin.
He handed over the finalized contracts.
Caitlin reviewed them carefully, then nodded.
“Well done, Garrett. Now, as planned–tomorrow, you will initiate a shareholder meeting. Invite all shareholders.”
Garrett’s eyes flashed knowingly. “Understood, Ms. Lewis.”
Everything was falling into place.
Tonight would be Jonathan’s last night of celebration.
Because tomorrow, his world would come crashing down.
### The Next Morning–A Storm Hits LIG
By morning, the financial landscape had shifted.
4EVER Capital called for an urgent shareholder meeting.
Jonathan followed protocol and notified all shareholders.
By 9 AM, the biggest names in the industry gathered at LIG’s headquarters.
– Garrett (4EVER Capital)
– Charles (SKE Group)
– Terry (BH Corporation)
– Zoe (SD Enterprises)
– Executives from CR and GSI
LIG’s top management was also present.
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Jonathan, still believing himself in control, stood before the room.
“Ladies and gentlemen, before we begin, I’d like to formally introduce 4EVER Capital,”
Then, he cleared his throat.
“As Chairman, I’d also like to announce a new executive appointment. Since our former CEO, Scott, is no longer available, I am officially appointing Joshua as LIG’s new CEO.”
Joshua was thrilled, standing up to accept his promotion.
But-
Garrett’s voice suddenly rang out.
“I disagree. The appointment of a CEO should not be rushed. Since 4EVER Capital is now a major shareholder, I believe we should first discuss LIG’s future leadership.”
Jonathan frowned.
“Garrett, I thought we already agreed that I would remain in charge.”
Garrett’s lips curled into a sharp smile.
“ Apologies , Jonathan. But as the largest shareholder, we have the right to remove
Jonathan’s expression twisted.
“What?!”
His head spun as if he had been struck with a hammer.
For a long moment, he couldn’t even process what had just happened.
e you from your position as Chairman.”
AD
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