Things Money Can't Buy

by ShinyGrowlithe12

AU: May works at the local orphanage after growing up there when her family died in a car accident. Drew Hayden is the heir to Hayden Corporation, but he is reckless and arrogant with a long rap sheet. His most recent incident lands him at the orphanage as a volunteer. Trying to get out of the community service, he attempts to bribe May, but money can't buy his way through her.

47. Chapter 47

Chapter 47

"Where have you been?" seethes the salmon haired woman storming into the office. Ignoring her, Drew continues typing away on his computer, which infuriates her more. "Don't think I haven't noticed your little pawns acting all suspicious, Drew! Solidad's vacation, your increased business meetings with Dawn, Ma-"

"Leave, Brianna." Drew doesn't want to hear May's name from Brianna's mouth. Brianna has no right to talk about May or any of Drew's friends.

"No! I haven't seen you in days!" She heard about him coming home yesterday, but after a walk through the garden with his mother, Drew left for a hotel room nearby with lots of supervision. Brianna couldn't figure out where he was, and no one would tell her. Even the Hayden parents are starting to treat her insignificantly. This is not what Brianna wanted!

"There's a reason for that." snaps Drew.

"May Maple?"

"Leave!" Drew slams his fist on the desk, which makes the timid Owen jump.

"It's always her! What does she have that I don't? She's poor and boring!"

"She has a fucking heart!" Drew seethes, sick of Brianna's presence. "She always will be better than you!"

"That's not what you thought 4 years ago." counters the pained woman who is putting up a good poker face.

Although Drew wants to dig into Brianna's words, he can't trust her. She may trick him into wanting to stay married to her. "The me 4 years ago was stupid. I'm older and wiser now."

"And missing three years of your life." Brianna smugly adds, irking Drew. "You were in love with her, and you still chose me, Drew. You had those memories, but you still chose me! Everyone knows I am the best for you!"

"No." He shakes his head angrily. "All you've done is lied to me. I don't believe you." Though he does believe that he was in love with May.

"I am the best you're gonna get in our world. You need to start acting like my husband again and giving me the respect I deserve."

Scoffing, Drew replies, "Respect? Like the respect you give me? Go before I call security."

"My family practically owns Hayden Corporation too. You can't call security on me."

"My family does own Hayden Corporation, and I can call security on you."

Knowing that the board meeting is going to start soon, Brianna clicks her tongue. If she gets kicked out now, she won't be able to sit in on the meeting and make sure Drew doesn't do anything stupid. "Fine. Behave yourself later."

Drew is glad to see Brianna turn around, but before she can leave, he exclaims, "I want a divorce!"

"That will never happen." Brianna snarls and exits the office.

Drew lets out a breath to calm down. Brianna always riles him up, though he never wants her to have that power over him. Looking at the shy Owen, Drew smirks. "How do you think that went?"

"Sir?"

Drew rolls his eyes and swings an arm around Owen's shoulders. "The divorce talk with my wife just now?"

Less fidgety, Owen mutters, "Uh. I don't think she liked it."

"Of course, she didn't like it." Drew grins. "But did you hear her say May and I were in love?"

"I think she said you were in love with Ms. May. She didn't say anything about Ms. May being in love with anyone." Owen apologetically reminds Drew whose smile falls.

"Right. But I'm assuming she loved me too, right? Like who wouldn't love young, handsome, rich Drew Hayden?" Also, there must be a reason May risked the orphanage to crash his wedding.

"I believe you said Ms. May doesn't care for those things."

Drew sideeyes Owen. "Can you ever agree with me?"

"But you told me to talk more." Owen is getting sweaty. What does Drew want? Drew is his employer, so Owen wants to be in Drew's good graces.

Chuckling, Drew releases Owen to pat his back. "I'm just playing, Owen." Noticing the clock, Drew states, "It's almost time."

Owen nods. "I will escort Ms. May to the media room."

"I'm counting on you. Don't get caught." Drew winks and puts on his blazer. "Ready?"

"Yes, Drew." smiles the secretary.

Soon, they make it to the boardroom where they split. Owen heads off down a secluded corridor while Drew confidently struts into the boardroom just in time for the meeting. Drew's parents are constantly pestering him to show up early, but he will always show up just in time. Sometimes, it's because he's busy until the last second. Most of the time, he'd rather not mindlessly mingle with the greedy board. Drew acknowledges his parents before sitting down beside them.

"I'm glad you are able to join us." Nicholas hisses to his son.

Drew smirks. "Always, father."

"Behave, you two!" Margaret scolds, and Drew looks back at the board members. He can feel Brianna's glare piercing the side of his head, which only makes Drew's smirk grow. Wakanna Enterprises is seated on the opposite side of the long table.

Some opening remarks about the meeting begin. Apparently, the board is discussing new projects and cutting spending. Wakanna Enterprises is draining the funds, but no one will explicitly say that. With the Hayden-Wakanna marriage years ago, that combined the company partnership. Thus, there are some Wakanna Enterprises members in the meeting. Drew catches his wife's glare, which just makes him more amused.

"We don't need to throw our money into some of these small projects right now. It'll take too long to get a return profit." Frank Wakanna states.

"Which small projects are you referring to, Mr. Wakanna?" a member of the board inquires.

Slightly flustered because he knows his company is taking a lot of money from the Haydens, Frank smugly announces, "Berlitz Beauties. The partnership is currently unnecessary. It's taking too much time on our end that we can be using on larger projects."

Drew rolls his eyes at his father-in-law. "Berlitz Beauties is our most successful partnership."

"Compared to the larger projects which are bringing in tens of millions of dollars a year, Berlitz Beauties is barely giving us a million." Lucy Wakanna adds.

Drew knows what the Wakanna are doing. They don't like his relationship with Dawn, and they're trying to save their own asses. He won't let them get to him, but he also won't let them treat his friend like this. The numbers don't lie. "A-"

"Percentage-wise, Berlitz Beauties is returning over 1000% what we put into them while our most successful large project is returning 200%." Margarette calmly cuts in, which makes Drew smile gratefully at his mother. Noticing this, Nicholas's own hard gaze softens on his family. "In the long run, and when Berlitz Beauties is ready to move onto a larger scale, we will be making a much larger profit. It'll be foolish to cut them off now."

"We only have a partnership with the current heir, but there is internal strife in the company!" Frank growls slightly. "When the board removes Dawn Berlitz, then we won't have that partnership at all! We need to save ourselves while we can!"

"When?" Drew glares at Frank. Dawn is not going to get removed! Drew promised her that, and she's worked way too damn hard to lose her family's company to some greedy pigs.

Feeling a large rough hand on his back, Drew curiously turns his head slightly to see the hand from the arm stretched around his mother beside him. The arm belongs to his father who is seated on the other side of his mother. Nicholas's eyes are still on the board, and based on the angle, no one can really notice his arm around Margaret, nor can they notice the reassuring hand on Drew's back.

"You're right, Frank." Nicholas's deep stern voice agrees, much to the Wakanna's relief.

Lately, it's been difficult to figure out what side Nicholas is on. In the past, it was simple. Nicholas always sided with the money and other wealthy families. However, Nicholas also has never been one much for words or expressing his beliefs. No one seems to ever know what the Hayden king is thinking.

"We need to save ourselves while we can. We won't be cutting any programs or funding making us over 30% profit." Nicholas's statement makes Drew calm down.

What is his father planning? Drew hasn't spoken or interacted with Nicholas in a while, and even when they would interact, they'd argue. At least, so far, Drew can trust his father won't cut off Dawn's company. Just like how Berlitz Beauties is increasing Hayden Corporation's profits, Hayden Corporation is significantly increasing Berlitz Beauties's profits. Hayden Corporation is Berlitz Beauties's largest and most successful partnership. The Berlitz board members are holding off on coyly removing Dawn from being the heiress only because Drew said he would only work with Dawn. Money hungry people would rather keep an heiress they think they can control rather than lose out on millions of dollars.

"Nicholas!" Frank snaps, earning him a very sharp intense glare from Nicholas.

"We'll be cutting the funding to our bottom 25%." Nicholas continues.

"You cannot cut our funding!" Frank shouts, making the Hayden board members flinch.

"Yes! We have a partnership!" Lucy backs her husband up. She looks over at the Hayden family. "You wouldn't let your daughter-in-law fall!"

Nicholas takes in a deep breath. "We will do what's best for the company. At this rate, Hayden Corporation will be falling with you too." It was Wakanna Enterpirse's idea to cut funding and for everyone to save themselves.

Furious, Brianna exclaims, "If you need to cut something off, then cut the orphanage!"

Drew clears his throat. He rarely speaks during meetings. When he does, he keeps it short, and his information always helps the board. He's a natural stoic leader to them. Getting on his tablet to airplay his screen onto the larger screen in the room, Drew announces, "The orphanage's funding takes up less than tenth of a percentage of Hayden Corporation's expenses." He then shifts to the next slide. "Wakanna Enterprises has taken 17% and counting."

Margaret raises a surprised eyebrow at the stats. "I thought the orphanage was getting 6% of our funding?"

"I managed to cut that down the past 2 months by working there." Drew informs everyone. "I don't want Hayden Corporation to look like giant monsters by cutting the funding. However, I do agree 6% is a lot of money. Therefore, I went there for myself to figure out how to cut the costs so that everyone can remain happy."

The board members nod in amazement. Drew will make an exceptional chairman when the time comes. "Bravo, sir."

"If Drew cut down the orphanage's funding, then you can give us some more time!" Frank practically pleads. "We're in the process of-"

"Enough." Nicholas snarls, causing everyone to look at him in fear. Nicholas rarely raises his voice like this. Even Drew is surprised.

Nicholas is fed up with being the Wakanna family's bank. He's helped them enough this year, and they have nothing to show for it. Watching Brianna this year, Nicholas knows she won't be a good chairwoman at all. She does not care for the business. Just the money. Nicholas does not need someone like that in his family, especially if their company is already failing. What can the Wakannas offer if not money or brains?

Taking in a deep breath, Nicholas looks over at Drew with an angry glare. "This will be your company someday. At the rate we're declining, there might not even be a company for you to take over." Nicholas motions to the screen. "You make the choice."

Drew blinks at his father in confusion as the Wakannas start pleading and shouting objections. The young man came into this meeting ready to give his family an ultimatum. Will he need to do that now? What is his father planning? If this is Nicholas's way of trying to bribe Drew into staying away from the orphanage, then Drew won't allow it.

"It is currently your company, father."

Despite all the ruckus, Nicholas's attention hasn't wavered from Drew. "Son, I am asking you for your insight. This may be your only opportunity."

"You know my insight." Drew shrugs. He won't give in. It's not like Drew even wants to take over this company anymore. If it burns to the ground, he's fine with that because it'll mean he's free. His family won't be able to use money to threaten the orphanage.

Margaret worriedly watches the Hayden men. She puts a hand on Drew's arm, and she's surprised he doesn't flinch away from it. It's been years since she's been able to show affection to her son. "Drew, listen to-"

"The partnership is over." Nicholas sternly states, making everyone quiet down again in shock.

Frank stands up. "Nicho-"

"Drew will be filing for divorce. Funding Wakanna Enterprises stops immediately." Nicholas motions to the security guards who grab the frantic Wakanna family.

"No! You can't do this to us! We wouldn't do this if it was the other way around!" Lucy screams.

"I love Drew! You can't force us apart!" Brianna cries.

Ignoring them, Nicholas tells the board members. "Go ahead and increase funding in our successful projects. We have the funding now." He then stands up to leave out a different door.

Coming out of his shock, Drew hurriedly follows his father, and Margaret joins him. Drew manages to catch his father in the secluded hallway. "Dad!" Drew is greeted by serious eyes. "What was that?"

"You were there." Nicholas responds, still slightly irritated by the meeting.

"Yeah, but I thought you wanted me to marry Brianna and cut off the orphanage?"

Nicholas glances at his expectant wife and then back at Drew. "You can thank your mother."

The young man looks at his confused mother. "Mom? What'd you say to dad?"

Margaret meets Nicholas's cold green eyes. They have been arguing a lot these past few weeks. Lately, Margaret has been tired of being the silent obedient wife. Behind closed doors, she'd express her feelings to Nicholas. Even the normally calm Nicholas would yell back angrily, and at one point, he accused himself of being her greatest mistake. That statement is what triggered everything today because Margaret had assured Nicholas he was not her biggest mistake. It was allowing Drew to get married to Brianna.

"Your father says we need to be a team. I said we need to be on your team."

Drew can't believe what he's hearing, so he continues looking between his parents in shock. "I don't get it." He mutters.

To Drew's surprise, Nicholas pats Drew's head affectionately, like when Drew was a young child. "I love your mother too much to watch you make the same mistake as her." Nicholas sighs. "We'd like to formally meet May Maple as your girlfriend...when you're ready."

Drew sees his father's slightly flushed face and his mother's smile. He hasn't felt like a family with these two since he was a young child. With his own large grin as his eyes gloss over, Drew wraps his parents into a group hug. He breathes out, "You can't take it back."

Chuckling, Nicholas sniffles. "We can sign a contract?" Business is business. No. This is family. Too long has Nicholas been mixing the two when they never should've been together in the first place.

When they separate from the family hug, Margaret rolls her eyes at her husband. "Stop thinking about work for once!" She then turns her attention back to Drew who is pinching himself to make sure this is reality. "I believe you need to sneak May out of here now?"

Blinking at his mother in confusion, Drew's cheeks tint a slight shade of pink. "Uh, what are you talking about?"

"We're not idiots, Drew." Margaret notes. "Did you really think our security on you would be so lax?"

"I-uh-well…"

"Don't lose her again, Drew." Nicholas awkwardly says while recalling his conversation with May last week.

Taking in a deep breath to somewhat gather his thoughts, Drew smiles gratefully at his parents. "Look, I don't know what's going on, but I'll be signing that contract when I get home!" He then turns to sprint down the hall. Although the Hayden parents used to trick Drew a lot growing up, he knows they're genuine this time. It's not a trap. That was not a stunt pulled in front of the board. His parents are really on his side now, though he has no idea why.

With Drew out of sight, Margaret faces her husband again. Nicholas is shyly looking at the ground, and occasionally, there are moments in their marriage where Margaret finds him very sweet. Like right now as he stands here vulnerable. Thus, she leans against his side to lock her arm with his. "What made you change your mind?"

"Huh?" Nicholas is blushing slightly because his wife rarely shows affection to him. They're not an affectionate couple, which is mainly because they didn't marry for love. "Oh. Um. I think…" Nicholas looks in the direction Drew disappeared to. "Since it's happening all over again, the universe is telling us it's meant to be." How is it that history is repeating itself again? There must be a reason. Therefore, Nicholas paid more attention this time around, and he grew to really open his eyes to everyone, regardless of income.

"Hm. Solidad has helped sneak in May again." Margaret smiles thinking about how this really is a repeat of history. At least, this time, Margaret hasn't caught May anywhere.

"Solidad is on vacation." Nicholas too grins at the loyal Hayden Corporation employee like a daughter to him. The couple then walk towards Nicholas's large office, arm in arm. Along the way, Nicholas is in thought. Eventually, he sighs and quietly asks, "If this happened back then, I'd probably let you go too."

Margaret curiously peeks up at his furrowed face. Is he talking about them? The fact that she chose him over love? What if she got a second chance, like Drew? Would Nicholas really let her go? He claims he would've, but that second chance never happened. Besides, Margaret doesn't like thinking about a world without her son. Tightening her hold on Nicholas's arm as they enter the office, she replies, "I'm glad it didn't happen to us."

"What do you mean?"

"Drew wouldn't be here. Think of all the good he's done and he continues to do. We brought a man like him into the world."

"And we practically broke him." Nicholas pours himself a glass of whisky. He pours Margaret some wine, which he passes to her.

Sipping from the glass, Margaret replies, "I believe in true love, Nicholas. May and Drew have proven that it exists." He nods. "But I also believe people can learn to love each other. May didn't like Drew when she first met him." Margaret reminds Nicholas of the letter they received after Drew's first day of community service. What if they had complied with the letter and sent Drew to do community service elsewhere? Or they paid off the judge, like they always did? Something really must've compelled them to keep Drew at the orphanage, so it is ironic that they've been trying so hard to keep him away from it.

"That's another difference between us, Margaret. You believe in feelings and emotions. I believe in money and partnerships."

"But your choice today was the opposite of your beliefs."

Smirking, Nicholas sips from his glass before meeting Margaret's warm eyes. "Didn't you say, 'People can learn to love each other'?"

The woman sets down her glass to approach Nicholas who is still standing by the bar. She brings a hand up to cup his rough handsome face, allowing her thumb to brush against his cheek. There is some gray facial scruff. He's usually shaven well, but Margaret can see the fatigue on his features. "I didn't just stay in this marriage for Drew, Nicholas."

Not being one much for words, especially about feelings, Nicholas lowers his face to capture Margaret's lips in his. For decades, he thought she hated him. That she was only content with her wealth and Drew, keeping her obediently around. That she forgot her feelings and only focused on the business. Nicholas didn't marry Margaret just for her beauty and family's failing company. The moment he saw her, she took his breath away. Maybe that was love at first sight for him?

Hearing that she's learned to love him makes his heart beat as quickly as when he was a young man. He brings his arms to wrap around her waist as they deepen the kiss. Learning more about Drew's love life has not only brought them to make the right choice pertaining to their son, but it's also brought them closer together. May Maple has always been the correct decision. Now that they all understand it, they won't make the same mistakes as last time. Drew deserves to be happy.

Downstairs in the media room, reporters are eagerly waiting for the news from Hayden Corporation's meeting. Owen has managed to slip May past security after finding her outside at the meeting point. Thankfully, Solidad had informed Drew about what May would be wearing, though it was still pretty difficult spotting her.

As they walk through the crowded lobby, May is growing more nervous. Is Hayden Corporation always this busy on these days? There seems to be a lot of shouting and commotion near the elevators, which is getting lots of attention. "We'll avoid that area." Owen notes. He's glad that the elevators are on the other side of the lobby, away from the media room. That's mainly because Hayden Corporation doesn't want the media blocking the elevator.

"Are you sure no one will recognize me?" May whispers. It's her first time officially meeting Owen despite seeing him a few times months ago.

"I could barely find you, and I know what you look like." Owen reassures her. Normally, it'd be Drew reassuring Owen, so Owen finds it surprising that he's not as nervous right now.

"Thanks, Owen."

"I'll be nearby the whole time." Owen reassures her. Drew commanded Owen to make sure May is safe no matter what.

When May raises her head to smile at Owen, the media near the elevator gets louder along with there being many gasps. A deep voice belonging to security yells, "Get her!"

However, before Owen and May can turn their attention to the commotion, or head into the media room to avoid it, May is roughly grabbed by the arm. May's eyes open wide in shock at the furious, and equally surprised salmon haired woman holding her. "I knew it!"

"Miss Brianna, please do not handle our reporters this roughly." Owen hesitantly speaks.

May can't blow her cover, so she innocently smiles despite her eyes acknowledging Brianna. "Excuse me, ma'am."

"You have some nerve being here!" Brianna shouts. At this point, a member of security has apprehended her again. "You will regret what you've done! You and that shitty orphanage will pay!" Whatever positive light the Wakannas had is long gone as Brianna exclaims swears and threats. Most of the media has followed the Wakannas out of the building while a few are trying to question May.

"Owen! There you are!" Owen has been trying his best to keep the other reporters away as well as covering for May's identity. He's grateful to hear the familiar voice as his boss approaches him. "Is this the reporter doing the story on the orphanage?"

Thankfully, Owen catches on quickly, though May is confused and grateful. Mainly, May is slightly starstruck at Drew's professionalism. He looks like a totally different person at Hayden Corporation. Like a prince. "Yes, Mr. Drew."

Drew checks his watch as more security arrives to give him space from the media. "She's early. Send her up to my office. I should be up there shortly." Drew had come downstairs to hear Brianna's shout, which made Drew very worried. Fortunately, he can always come up with a quick cover.

"Yes." Owen leads May around and towards the elevators, but before they can get too far, Drew steps in front of May to extend a hand to her.

"Hello. I apologize for my soon-to-be-ex-wife's behavior, ma'am. I will come up for our interview after this press conference."

Blinking at Drew suspiciously, May fakes a smile to shake his hand. Solidad has told May to always fake a smile and shake all hands. "Thank you." May then follows Owen, leaving Drew to handle the many reporters now intrigued about his words. Soon-to-be-ex-wife? A lot of the reporters are making speculations on that must be the reason the Wakannas were thrown out.

Finally in Drew's office, Owen lowers the blinds. "Take a seat anywhere, Miss May." He lets out a relieved breath along with her.

"Is it always like this?" May asks looking at the small folded paper she's been clutching in her hand.

Owen brings over a glass of water to her. "Only when there's a scandal, big news, or our earnings, yes." He then turns on the TV to the press conference happening downstairs.

Seeing as how Owen is distracted, May opens up the note, bringing a small smile to her lips. Mission complete. There is a little rose drawn on it too. Feeling her heart beat quicker, May decides to pocket the note and watch the TV too. The whole time the board member is talking, May's attention is on the handsome smiling heir off to the side. So that's why Owen and Drew brought May up here instead of the original plan of keeping her in the media room.

"I'm glad the board meeting went well." Owen notes. He wasn't there, so he has no idea what happened. However, the fact that Drew sent May up here, and the Wakannas were getting escorted out of the building, indicates to Owen that something good must've happened. "Drew hates speaking at public events."

May giggles. "Me too. I was so nervous." She was supposed to be the one calling him out.

At the end of the report, which includes lots of changes, questions are now available to the media. The very first reporter asks, "Mr. Hayden, is your divorce true?"

Everyone is used to reporters using professional settings to ask about scandals or gossip. The board member replies, "We are only taking questions pertaining to our company and our projects."

"But Hayden Corporation and Wakanna Enterprises have a partnership!" Another reporter pipes up.

Chuckling, Drew places a hand on the frantic boardmember's shoulder, allowing Drew to take the mic. Flashes erupt at the heir who answers, "Yes. The divorce is true. Hayden Corporation has cut all ties with Wakanna Enterprises."

"Is it because you're secretly in love with Dawn Berlitz?" another reporter asks, making Drew smile in amusement. Everyone knows about him frequently visiting Dawn and doing business with her. It took him many tries to finally reach her too. Why would the heir to Hayden Corporation spend so much time on a much smaller business?

"Dawn is one of my closest friends, along with her bodyguard, Paul. Brianna and I are just going our separate ways, and I wish her well. There is no reason in particular for it except for the fact that we don't love each other anymore." Drew clears his throat. "However, pertaining to today's press conference, we will be using much of our accessible funds on our successful projects. I'd like to upscale the partnership we have with Berlitz Beauties, but I will only be doing this once Dawn becomes the owner."

"What if she does not?"

Sighing, Drew gives the camera a sad smile. "I only do business with my friends. I trust Dawn. I hope that the board of Berlitz Beauties will speed up the process of passing along her father's company. I want us all to start implementing these projects together on a grander scale. I truly believe it'll benefit everyone, including the consumers."

"Hayden Corporation has been in the extreme red this past year. Do you think today's cuts will help bring it back up to what it once used to be?"

"I believe that just our partnership with Dawn Berlitz will make us surpass where we once were. She is the only one I trust at Berlitz Beauties, and she is the only one I will work with." answers Drew.

"Is Dawn Berlitz the reason you divorced Brianna? Despite being your friend all those years ago, she still left your wedding early."

Drew internally groans because he already answered this question, but he is curious by the details in the question. So he and Dawn were friends? And she left his wedding early? That must've been because he made the wrong choice. "Brianna and I got married too soon and too young. Now that I am older with bigger goals, I want to move forward. Brianna understood, and accepted the divorce."

"Wasn't she and her family thrown out by your security?"

"This press conference is about Hayden Corporation's business, and not my personal affairs." Drew sweetly replies and claps the PR expert's shoulder. "Alfred will answer the rest of your questions. I have another appointment." As Drew walks away, he gets called by the reporters throwing a ruckus. It's a no brainer that his words about a mutual divorce is false because everyone saw the Wakannas get thrown out. He'll let his PR experts handle the divorce, though that does mean Drew will have to lay low for a bit.

With the media being held on the ground level, Drew can breathe once he's in the elevator. He does get a lot of whispers from his employees, but that's nothing new to him. Entering his office, he practically yanks off his tie in exhaustion. "Water, Drew?"

Locking his door he is leaning against, Drew gratefully takes the glass from Owen. "I deserve a nap."

Owen chuckles and steps to the side, allowing Drew to meet the shy sapphire orbs that make him practically spit out his water. He was so focused on escaping the stares and whispers that he forgot he was eagerly coming to see her. As much as Drew would like to be alone with her in the office, he knows that'd draw up a lot of suspicion from those outside. Thus, Drew coolly struts over to sit across from her.

"How'd I do?" He grins proudly.

Before May can respond, Drew's burner phone rings. He's since silence his cell phone because he knew he'd get a lot of messages and calls pertaining to the divorce. Thus, only Solidad and Dawn are on his burner phone. Sighing, he answers it to be met with a very loud, "What the fuck, Drew! People think we're in a scandal together!"

He winces and holds the phone a bit away from his ear. "People never want a man and woman to be just friends, Dawn. We're fine."

"I knew you were up to something when you told me to buy back my stocks!"

"Are you the owner yet?"

"The board and media have been blowing up my shit. You better help May get out of there because now I'm involved in my own shit." Dawn seethes. She can't have her head on this plan and her company right now. It's too much.

Drew smirks in amusement. "So my plan worked."

"Whatever, Drew. It'll only work once I am finally named the CEO. Focus on your stuff, and I'll focus on mine. And don't you dare fucking hurt May again!"

The call is instantly ended, making Drew shake his head with a smile. He hasn't ever seen Dawn this expressive, but it seems so familiar. Meeting May's eyes again, Drew warmly tells her, "Thanks, May."

"I didn't do anything." She is glad to hear Dawn is doing well.

Drew reaches across to gently grab one of her hands. "Your support is all I needed. And wanting to earn your love again was my motivation."

Blushing slightly, May mutters, "I never loved you."

"Are you still gonna deny it?" Drew is a little hurt, but he understands her wariness. "We won, May. My parents won't threaten us anymore. I'm getting divorced. Dawn is finally gonna own her company!"

"I only did this for the orphanage." May reminds him. "Whatever you think we had, we didn't. And even if we did, there's a reason we didn't work out."

Everyone has indicated that there was something more between him and May. Drew knows it, though why won't May admit it to him? It's still too soon, so he'll give her space. Taking in a deep breath, Drew nods. "Owen will take you back. I'll have to hang low for a bit. It's not good for the orphanage right now if I'm seen with you or there."

Owen, who has been standing away by the door, cuts in, "I'll be stepping out." He had noticed the people outside the office leave for the day. It is 5, and everyone wants to get out on time on Fridays. Now, he'll allow Drew and May to freely speak.

With Owen out, Drew moves to sit next to May. Owen is standing guard outside, which Drew appreciates. "I still love you."

"Now isn't a good time."

"You always say that." He squeezes her hand. "But even if you say that for the rest of our lives, I will never stop loving you, May. I will never regret all of this. I can't regret keeping you in my life." Seeing her look away makes Drew bring a hand up to turn her face back towards him. "And I know you can never regret me too."

"You don't know me."

"I know you a lot better than we both think I do." chuckles the man sadly as he closes in on her. "You make my head hurt. I've been confused by you since I met you at the mall, but my heart has always felt right with you." His head has been pretty unreliable, so Drew follows his heart. "I'll wait however long it takes for you."

Those deep enchanting emerald orbs melt May's hard exterior enough for her to lean into him. She too brings a hand up to brush his cheek. "Make me believe you, Drew." May then closes the final millimeters between them as she softly kisses his lips, shocking Drew. He soon takes in the situation and deeps the kiss. May can try to deny her feelings for him as much as she wants, but they both know, her heart won't lie.

Everything Drew has done for the orphanage and those he's betrayed in the past has come to fruition today. All of his hard work. May feels like he needs to be rewarded, and she wants to kiss him. She's been wanting to kiss him for years. They eventually separate for air and gasp in hug breaths. With their flushed faces, the two shyly avoid looking at each other.

"You should uh probably go before someone gets suspicious." Drew notes, much to both of their dismays. Right now, his divorce announcement is bringing up a lot of speculations that he has another woman. He doesn't want May to get caught up in that scandal.

"Yeah. Come visit the orphans when you can. They miss you." May mumbles.

Drew walks her to the door, but he doesn't open it. Blocking her way, he pulls out a red thornless rose. "I'll come back to replace it." Although he loves May, Drew also loves the orphans. He goes to the orphanage for the orphans as much as he goes for May. Now that he won't be watched by his family anymore, he'll be able to spend more time with the children.

Taking the rose, May smells it with a smile. Today is a day of victory. A day that so many people have waited almost 4 years for. She can allow herself to give in to her heart just this once, right? Despite trying hard to keep up her resolve, May wants nothing more than to tell Drew everything. Than to hug him and kiss him and never let him go. However, they are still in very different worlds. His divorce and his parents' approval isn't enough to bring May and Drew together for good. There's a lot that needs to happen, which May doubts will. She's used up enough of her luck in this lifetime.

Tiptoeing, May pecks Drew's cheek. "Thanks, Drew." Compared to three years ago, this whole plan was designed and implemented by Drew. Maybe that's why it worked this time? That, and his desire to not stay in a toxic loveless marriage. Drew has always been one who fought for what he wanted.

When May reaches for the handle, Drew doesn't want her to go. He grabs her arm, pulls her close to him into a tight embrace, and kisses her lips again. They eventually pull their faces away, though Drew rests his forehead on hers. "My next mission is to gain my memories back. Will you help me?" She never answered him last week when he asked. Well, that was mainly because his father came, and Drew had to run.

Pursing her lips, May releases herself from Drew's hold. She opens to door with her head hanging slightly. "Bye, Drew." Years ago, she promised herself not to ever let Drew remember her. Last week, she told Nicholas she wouldn't reveal anything to Drew. Today...she's telling Drew that she will never help him regain his memories. He'll have to do that on his own.

With Owen and May walking down the hall, Drew's heart aches at her lack of a response, which already tells him so much. Walking over to his desk, he slumps in his seat. It's been a very exhausting past few weeks. He's glad everything is finally over, so he can just focus on himself. Due to hiding from the increased media attention, Drew will use the time to sleep more and work. Berlitz Beauties is going through their own thing, meaning Drew and Dawn's partnership will be put on hold.

Using a key, Drew unlocks his top drawer where he keeps important documents. Something else he keeps in here is the most important to him. Now that he's moving onto his next mission, he feels like he can focus on this. Drew massages his fingers over the old leather, and he can make out some blood stains on the edge of it. Opening the wallet, Drew smirks at his old driver's license photo. He's always been handsome.

When he first got the wallet back from Harley, Drew did a quick look at it. He had opened it, saw a bunch of cards and cash, and then that was it. After hiding the wallet in his office, Drew was meaning to dig into it, but then the whole scandal with the orphanage happened. Now that he has the time, he's pulling out his old credit cards. Maybe there's a clue in here?

Why does he have so many credit cards? He only uses two nowadays. The younger version of him was really a piece of work. With the wallet completely empty, Drew frowns. Was he expecting a note or something in here? Soledad did say she didn't take anything from the wallet, and Drew doubts Harley would steal from his employer. All that's in this old wallet is anything found in a standard wallet, except for pictures. Drew didn't like anyone enough to put their picture in his wallet.

Although he should throw the wallet away, it's the only thing he has left of his missing years. Yes, it's junk now, but it means a lot to him. Thus, Drew starts putting everything back inside. It is only when he is replacing his driver's license does he notice a small almost hidden slit behind it. When he had pulled out the ID, he wasn't really looking too hard at that area.

Digging his finger inside, he instantly feels a thin material, which he gently removes to reveal a white polaroid. What photo could this be? He wants to hurriedly get the photo out, but he doesn't want to damage it. It could be the only clue he has pertaining to his past. Therefore, the eager man wipes the sweat off his fingers before trying to get the photo out carefully again. Could it be a picture of his family? No. They wouldn't use a polaroid. Soledad and him? Probably. Drew doubts he'd have a photo of him and Dawn, mainly because Paul would have to be in it.

Polaroids! Why hadn't he thought of it sooner. The orphanage! There's a wall of polaroid photos in the cafeteria, which Betty has taken. Even more excited, Drew finally manages to take out the photo. That orphanage has lots of ties to his memories. He knows it due to his headaches and the way everyone wanted him away. There are obvious ties to him and the orphanage, so this polaroid will give him the evidence to get everyone to confess.

However, when Drew looks at the image, his breath hitches. Frozen in shock, Drew soon melts as a warm blush appears on his cheeks. Careful not to ruin the photo, brings it closer to his face where his gaze softens. As much as he wants to run to the orphanage right now, he won't. His head still has enough reason to not put them in risk again, though he can't wait to go back. Moreover, May kissing him today already shows to Drew that she has feelings for him too, regardless of her denial of them.

Leaning back in his seat, Drew grins widely at the photo of the two people. It's obvious this was taken in one of the rooms at the orphanage. Drew has seen the living quarters enough to know that. His eyes remain focused on the peacefully sleeping brunette in the arms of the sleeping man who he knows is himself. With his heart beating quickly, Drew whispers, "You can't lie about this, May."