Chapter 12 - THE WOMAN WHO BUILT HER OWN COMPANY
Chloe returned to work in logistics.
But she didn't return to Harborline.
Instead, she started her own consulting business.
Davis Freight Advisory.
A small company specializing in contract review, compliance, and supply-chain transparency.
She rented a modest office in Brooklyn.
Bought secondhand furniture.
Hired one assistant.
And began.
The first months were difficult.
Clients were cautious.
Money was tight.
Chloe worked long hours.
But every contract she reviewed reminded her why the work mattered.
Details mattered.
Signatures mattered.
Trust mattered.
And nobody should be pressured into agreeing to something they didn't understand.
Dominic offered to invest.
Chloe refused.
He smiled.
“I expected that.”
She laughed.
“Then why ask?”
“Because I believe in you.”
She softened.
“Thank you.”
He nodded.
“Always.”
Their friendship grew.
They had dinner.
Walked through the city.
Visited bookstores.
Talked about their families.
Dominic told Chloe stories about Gabriel.
Chloe told him stories about Arthur.
They laughed.
Sometimes cried.
And slowly, something changed.
One evening, Dominic walked Chloe to her apartment.
Rain began falling.
She looked up.
“Of course.”
He smiled.
“New York has a sense of timing.”
She laughed.
Then he grew serious.
“Chloe.”
“Yes?”
“I'd like to take you to dinner.”
She smiled.
“We eat dinner together all the time.”
“Not like that.”
Her heart skipped.
She looked at him.
“Dominic.”
He waited.
“I don't want to become part of your world.”
His expression softened.
“I know.”
“I won't live with secrets.”
“I understand.”
“And I won't be controlled.”
He nodded.
“Good.”
Chloe blinked.
“Good?”
He smiled.
“I wouldn't want you any other way.”
She laughed.
Then took his hand.
“Okay.”
His eyes softened.
“Okay?”
“Yes.”
She smiled.
“One date.”
May you like
Dominic laughed.
“I'll take it.”
