Yearning for Love

Her inheritance

*ANDREW'S POV*

Andrew absorbed Mr. Pak's ingenious proposal that could propel his business to new heights. He marveled at the sharpness of the man's mind.

"Do you really think the Gideons will be open to the idea of selling their land to us?" Andrew inquired, his brows raised in curiosity.

"With the right reasons presented, I believe so. The capital in Norway is booming, and expanding your business to that region could be a game-changer," Mr. Pak nodded in agreement.

"I can't believe I never thought of that..." Andrew muttered, both impressed and slightly taken aback.

"As long as you continue making my daughter happy, I've got a plethora of ideas at your disposal," Mr. Pak grinned playfully.

"Caroline is doing well," Andrew reassured with a smile, though he carefully avoided discussing the specific details of their most recent interaction. While he knew Caroline was fine the last time he saw her, he couldn't shake off the memory of their shared moment.

As he conversed with Mr. Pak, Andrew's office door swung open, revealing his new and rather buxom secretary.

"You have a new letter," she informed him, placing the letter on his desk. He nodded his appreciation, focusing his gaze on the paper to avoid lingering on inappropriate thoughts. She turned to leave.

"Katerina," he called out, halting her before she could exit.

"Yes?" She turned back, her gaze meeting his.

"Meet me after this meeting. I need to discuss something with you," he instructed, a subtle yet unmistakable undertone in his voice.

"You do have a tastefully decorated office, Andrew," Mr. Pak observed, admiring his surroundings.

"I'm a stickler for organization. I like things impeccably neat," Andrew replied, his pride evident.

"Caroline inherited that trait from her mother and grandmother," Mr. Pak shared.

"That's true," Andrew acknowledged, though he hadn't given much thought to those aspects of her personality.

"In fact, that's why her grandmother left her an old coal mine in her will when Caroline was just six. Though, considering she's rarely at home, I thought you might help her bring it to her attention when the time is right. Assuming, of course, my daughter doesn't find any reason to complain about your behavior."

Andrew was taken aback by Mr. Pak's revelations. His statement held layers of surprises – Caroline owned a property?

"How vast is this coal mine?" Andrew inquired, his demeanor serious as he considered the implications.

"My mother collaborated with numerous foreign contractors during her time. It spans four acres, so you can imagine, it's quite sizable," Mr. Pak clarified.

Andrew's mind raced as he assessed the situation. Mining wasn't his area of expertise, yet he had contacts within the industry who could assist. All he needed was Caroline's agreement and her desire to initiate mining operations.

"Should I inform your daughter about the coal mine? I could guide her through the process of starting it up. Of course, she'd need to be the CEO," Andrew proposed, his thoughts unfolding.

"Absolutely, she's the CEO by virtue of it being under her name. You should discuss this with her. I'm confident she'll be receptive," Mr. Pak encouraged.

"She better be, considering she spends her days doing next to nothing," Andrew mumbled under his breath, retrieving his phone.

"Pardon me?" Mr. Pak inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Nothing, just my thoughts," Andrew brushed off the comment, sending a message to Caroline.

"Alright then, I should be on my way. Let me know if you need anything," Mr. Pak concluded, rising from his seat. They exchanged a parting handshake before the older man exited the room.

"Drey, I need your expertise with mines. Can you help?" Andrew reached out, eager to get started on his plans. Katerina walked in as Andrew requested, prompting him to apologize and dismiss her presence.

"Apologies for the confusion. I'm busy at the moment. Forget I called you in," Andrew instructed, only to be met with Katerina's understanding nod as she retreated.

"Sure, I work with mines. What's the matter?" Drey's voice came through the phone.

"Caroline..."

"You mean your wife," Drey interjected knowingly.

Andrew's frown deepened. "You know I dislike it when you do that. My wife, yes. It turns out she owns an old coal mine that was operational for years before her grandmother's passing. I need your insights on how to revive it."

"But it's her mine. What does it have to do with you?" Drey queried, his curiosity evident.

"I want to help her kick-start something. She lacks innovation, and that needs to change."

"How can you be so sure she isn't innovative?"

"That woman is void of dreams and aspirations. All she seems to care about are her romantic fantasies. If she's to be with me, she should make herself useful," Andrew remarked as he adjusted his coat, preparing to leave.

"You're rather cold-hearted..."

"That's her opinion too," Andrew smirked, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

Drey's sudden exclamation pulled Andrew back from his thoughts. "What's wrong?"

"Today is the company hangout. I completely forgot!" Drey checked his watch, his face etched with concern. "I need to make preparations at the venue. I can't make it home."

"Sending Caroline alone would be crossing the line."

"I have no choice. I'll ask Rachel to ensure she's taken care of. The event was funded from my own pocket, after all."

"Why do you insist on perfection in everything?"

"You know I care about work and beautiful women. That's all that matters."

"And you won't make an exception for your child?"

"The idea of becoming a father still terrifies me, Drey. I can't wrap my head around it. It's overwhelming."

"You didn't exactly hold back when you slept with her without protection. What did you expect?"

"I wasn't thinking clearly – she was captivating, and I couldn't tear my gaze away from her," Andrew confessed, tapping his steering wheel in contemplation.

"What?" Drey's voice held disbelief.

"Yes, Drey, I said it. She's a beautiful woman, and she deserves someone better than me."