He Gave Me Brother’s Life To Her Dog Chapter 09
Derek eventually accepted the project director position.
But before starting, he had to return to Sterling Holdings to
collect the last of his personal items.
The HR manager escorted him into his old office.
The nameplate on the door had been removed.
The bookshelves were half empty, and a thin layer of dust covered the desk.
While sorting through papers, Derek spotted a gray metal case at the back of a cabinet.
A note was taped to it.
[Grant Sterling–Personal Effects.]
He stared at it for a long time.
After Derek and I woke up, the company attorneys had sorted
Grant’s personal belongings from the office.
Some went to me and my parents. A smaller portion labeled
with Derek’s name was sent to his office.
His secretary had reminded him several times.
But back then, he was busy taking Lauren and Luna to
appointments. He never opened it.
Derek crouched down and unlatched the case.
There was nothing valuable inside.
Just a work journal, an old watch, a stack of project files, and a silver USB drive.
Tucked inside the journal was an unsigned draft of an equity incentive plan.
After our wedding. Grant had planned to transfer eight
percent of his shares into a family trust, with Derek and me sharing the beneficial rights.
He also planned to step back from day–to–day management,
leaving me with control while Derek handled operations.
Derek stared at the document, his fingers trembling.
He plugged in the USB drive. There was only one video.
Grant was sitting in his office, sleeves rolled to his elbows, as
if he’d just come from a meeting.
“Derek.”
Grant smiled at the camera. “I was going to give you all this
when you and Maren got married. But the lawyers said I
should leave succession instructions on record in case
something happens to me and the company falls into chaos.”
When you first came to our house at fifteen, you were too
scared to reach for anything on the table. Mom put a rib on
your plate, and you wrote it down in that little notebook of
yours, said you’d pay her back someday.”
“You don’t have to pay any of it back.”
“Mom and Dad didn’t put you through school to turn you
into some loyal employee. And I didn’t bring you into the
company so you’d spend your life feeling like you owe us. We
see you as family. That’s all it’s ever been.”
Grant paused, his expression turning serious.
“Maren talks tough, but she’s soft–hearted. We spoiled her
growing up. She can’t stand being wronged, and she doesn’t
love company matters. But she trusts you.”
“Eventually, I’ll hand the company to both of you. She’ll hold
the direction. You’ll move things forward.”
“You’re not working for the Sterlings. You’re guarding this family with us.”
At the end, Grant seemed to remember something and added,
Also, stop being a stranger around me. I don’t have a brother.
In my heart, you are one.”
The video ended.
The only sound left in the office was the soft whir of the computer fan.
Derek sat on the floor and didn’t get up for a long time.