Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale 37 Summary
In “Winds Carry Lost Promises,” Lavern hastily approaches Daron Zamora as he attempts to leave, exhibiting signs of inebriation and agitation. Despite his earlier bravado, Lavern’s confidence wanes as he struggles to articulate his intentions regarding business discussions. Daron, maintaining a calm demeanor, dismisses Lavern’s attempts, suggesting they postpone any business matters due to Lavern’s apparent drunkenness. The tension escalates when Lavern, fueled by defiance, tries to assert his sobriety and importance, but Daron and his associate Garret swiftly exit, leaving Lavern frustrated and alone, surrounded by partners who observe the scene with mixed feelings.
Amidst this chaos, Marina, Lavern’s wife, witnesses his emotional turmoil. Lavern’s fear of losing her, particularly to Daron, manifests in a desperate embrace, where he professes his gratitude and love for her. However, Marina feels trapped by his possessiveness and the façade of their relationship. While other partners celebrate Lavern’s achievements, oblivious to his questionable dealings, Thomas and Yesenia remain skeptical, having seen Lavern’s darker side. Their silence speaks volumes, highlighting the fractures in Lavern and Marina’s partnership, as well as the growing unease among their associates.
As Lavern continues to boast about the potential of Ross Group’s collaboration with Zamora Group, he tries to manipulate Thomas into securing a renewal contract. His urgency and arrogance reveal his desperation to maintain control and elevate his status within the company. Thomas, however, remains composed and nonchalant, indicating that he will consider Lavern’s proposal, but Lavern’s condescending approach only serves to deepen the rift among the partners. Marina observes the spectacle, recognizing Lavern’s hubris and the inevitable consequences of his actions.
In a moment of clarity, Marina acknowledges the precariousness of Lavern’s position and the impending fallout that may follow his unchecked ambition. Despite her desire to distance herself from the chaos of Ross Group, she understands the importance of maintaining relationships that could aid her future endeavors. As she plans to discuss a new branch with Elnora, she reflects on the lessons learned from Lavern’s arrogance, recognizing that his rise may ultimately lead to a significant downfall. The chapter closes with a sense of impending change, as Marina prepares to navigate a new path away from the tumultuous legacy of Ross Group.
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**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale**
Lavern hurriedly approached just as Daron was about to slip into his car. His attempts to maintain his balance were futile, his steps betraying the unsteady state he was in.
“Mr. Zamora!” Lavern called out, his voice echoing slightly in the cool evening air.
Daron halted mid-motion, turning his head slightly to meet Lavern’s gaze.
With an outstretched hand, Lavern advanced, the earlier bravado he had displayed in front of the other partners now completely vanished. “Mr. Zamora, I don’t know if you’re aware, but Marina has been swamped with our wedding preparations lately. She’s barely had a moment to step into the office.”
“I’ll come by tomorrow to sign the contract myself. From here on out, for anything related to Ross Group—big or small—just reach out to me directly.”
As he spoke, Lavern fumbled for his phone, eager to save Daron’s contact information.
Daron stood firm, a picture of composure amidst Lavern’s apparent disarray. “Mr. Ross, I think you’ve had a bit too much to drink. Let’s save the business discussions for another time.”
“I’ll be signing the contract with Ms. Finley, no doubt about that. And regarding any future matters with Ross Group, I’ll be sure to reach out to you,” Daron added, his tone steady and unyielding.
Meanwhile, Robert had received a heads-up from Marina just as dinner commenced and had been waiting in the car, ready to spring into action at her signal.
Marina shot Robert a quick glance, and he moved in to support Lavern, anticipating the need to steady his friend.
But Lavern, fueled by a surge of defiance, shoved Robert away with unexpected force. “I’m not drunk, Mr. Zamora. Not at all! I’m completely sober. Ross Group is…”
Daron didn’t stick around to hear the rest of Lavern’s ramblings. He ducked into the car, leaving Lavern’s words hanging in the air.
In a desperate attempt, Lavern lunged forward, reaching out to grab Daron, but Garret, quick on the draw, slammed the door shut right in Lavern’s face. “Mr. Ross, this is as far as you go,” he declared, his voice firm.
With that, he hopped into the passenger seat, the door clicking shut behind him. The engine roared to life, and the car pulled away, leaving Lavern standing alone, his frustration palpable.
The other partners lingered nearby, their expressions a mix of curiosity and discomfort as they witnessed Lavern’s public dismissal. His face darkened, a storm of resentment brewing within him.
He pressed his tongue against his cheek, trying to contain the anger that threatened to spill over.
Marina observed quietly from the sidelines, taking in the entire scene.
Over the years, Lavern’s entourage had inflated his ego to the point where he could hardly bear to be sidelined. He was not the type to accept being overlooked for long.
And Daron? His approach was always direct and unambiguous.
—
From Lavern’s erratic behavior alone, Marina could sense the brewing storm that threatened Ross Group.
“55 vouchers,” she thought, pressing her lips together as she prepared to leave, but Lavern abruptly seized her hand, pulling her into a tight embrace.
“Marina, you are the best wife a man could wish for. Snagging a substantial contract like that without a word—‘marry a wise woman,’ as they say. Tying my fate to yours is the luckiest break of my life,” he professed, his grip unyielding, as if afraid she might slip away.
Now that she was ensconced in his arms, the tension that had gripped his chest began to ease, if only slightly. The sight of her chatting so effortlessly with Daron had ignited a fierce fear within him—that she might leave with him for good. She hadn’t even glanced back during his outburst.
Marina pushed against him, her effort strong, but when it yielded no results, she ceased her struggle.
A few oblivious partners chimed in, offering congratulations, toasting to their fairy tale and wishing for even greater achievements for Ross Group.
Completely unaware of the dubious dealings Lavern had engaged in, they celebrated, blissfully ignorant.
Thomas and Yesenia, however, hung back, opting for silence. They had both witnessed Lavern’s destructive tendencies firsthand and wanted no part in flattering him.
Yesenia, in particular, found Lavern repugnant; she couldn’t even muster a half-hearted “congratulations.”
Amidst the flurry of compliments, Lavern gradually regained his swagger. He released Marina and mingled among the group, standing outside the restaurant, launching into another lengthy monologue.
Thomas was the first to excuse himself, offering a polite farewell. “Mr. Ross, my family is waiting for me at home. I’ll take my leave now; you all enjoy the conversation. Let’s catch up soon.”
Lavern raised an eyebrow, nodding in acknowledgment. “Of course, family comes first.”
As Thomas turned to depart, Lavern eyed him intently, seizing the moment to add one more comment.
“Mr. Macias, with Ross Group now aligned with the Zamora Group, we’re poised to make significant waves in Sicester. In this kind of opportunity, no sensible company would quibble over minor margins. If you see the potential, get your team to draft that renewal contract,” he urged, his tone dripping with urgency.
Marina had already tipped Thomas off about Zamora Group’s interest in collaborating with Cloud Group. Moreover, Yesenia had informed him that Marina had secured Zamora Group’s investment on her behalf.
With decades of experience navigating the business landscape, Thomas was adept at reading between the lines.
Even though Marina and Lavern co-managed Ross Group, here she was, orchestrating external funding for Yesenia and facilitating introductions for Thomas.
The fractures in their partnership were glaringly apparent to anyone paying attention.
Both Thomas and Yesenia had tasted Lavern’s unscrupulous side, leading them to maintain their silence.
By singling him out in front of the other partners, Lavern was sending a clear signal: Ross Group had reached a new level. If anyone wanted to remain in the loop, it was time to negotiate better terms.
The group fell into a hush, all eyes trained on Thomas, waiting for his response.
If he conceded on profits, the others would likely scramble to renegotiate their agreements before they expired.
Yet, Thomas showed no sign of irritation toward Lavern, his tone remaining even and gracious. “I’ll need to think that over back at the office.”
Lavern moved closer, casually draping an arm over Thomas’s shoulder, oblivious to the fact that Thomas was a seasoned veteran, over a decade his senior.
“Thomas, for old times’ sake, you’ve got three days to ponder it. After that, I’ll be exploring other options. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he said, giving Thomas’s chest a light pat with the back of his hand.
Thomas’s lips tightened into a thin line, his jaw tensing as a flicker of frustration broke through his composed facade.
The crowd erupted into forced laughter, some nudging Thomas to concede while others hung back, watching the spectacle unfold.
Lavern reveled in the attention, his laughter booming and hearty.
Meanwhile, Marina remained on the periphery, observing Lavern’s brazen display of arrogance.
As Thomas navigated through the crowd, he approached Marina to bid her farewell.
Understanding the restraint Thomas had exhibited today, Marina murmured an apology.
Thomas cast a brief glance back at Lavern, his expression flat. “The higher the climb, the steeper the fall. You might want to rein Mr. Ross in a bit, Ms. Finley.”
Marina offered a soft smile, replying gently, “Why pull him back? Let’s watch him soar to new heights, let’s see him entertain his audience, and then watch it all crumble to dust. Isn’t that the ultimate lesson?”
Her words struck a chord, addressing Thomas’s unvoiced concerns.
After years of collaboration, Marina knew Thomas’s character inside and out.
Lavern, in his role as junior partner, had just humiliated him publicly. Regardless of whether Ross Group secured the deal with Zamora Group, Cloud Group was done with them.
Even as she prepared to distance herself from Ross Group and Sicester, Marina aimed to preserve these relationships and keep them intact.
Back in Vrufield, she would discuss launching a new branch with Elnora. With these connections in her pocket, starting anew would be a far cry from the tumultuous beginnings of Ross Group.
Conclusion
In the aftermath of the evening’s tumultuous events, Lavern stood amidst his peers, basking in the fleeting glow of attention while grappling with a gnawing sense of insecurity. His bravado, once a shield against the encroaching shadows of doubt, began to crack under the weight of his own ambitions and the realization of his precarious position. The applause and laughter from the crowd felt hollow, echoing the emptiness that lingered within him. Marina’s quiet observation from the sidelines served as a stark reminder of the fractures in their partnership, leaving Lavern to confront the harsh truth that his bravado was merely a facade, masking the fear of being overshadowed and ultimately abandoned.
Meanwhile, Marina, ever the astute observer, recognized the delicate balance she needed to strike. As she prepared to sever her ties with Ross Group, she felt a bittersweet sense of liberation. The relationships she had cultivated were not merely remnants of her past but stepping stones towards a new beginning. With each passing moment, she resolved to embrace her independence, knowing that the lessons learned from Lavern’s reckless ambition would serve her well in the future. As the winds carried away the lost promises of the evening, Marina found solace in the knowledge that while Lavern might soar for now, the inevitable fall would reveal the true strength of her character and the foundations she was building for herself.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
As the tension mounts within the Ross Group, readers can anticipate a deepening conflict between Lavern and his partners, particularly with Thomas and Yesenia. The fallout from Lavern’s brash display at the dinner will reverberate through the office, leading to strategic maneuvering and potential betrayals as partners reassess their loyalties. With Lavern’s ego inflated and his ambition unchecked, the stakes are rising, and his reckless decisions could threaten the very foundation of the company. Will Thomas and Yesenia take a stand against Lavern’s arrogance, or will they find a way to navigate the treacherous waters of corporate politics without getting burned?
Meanwhile, Marina’s internal struggle will come to the forefront as she balances her loyalty to Lavern with her desire for independence. Her keen observations about the brewing storm hint at a pivotal moment where she must choose whether to confront Lavern’s reckless ambitions or step back and let the chaos unfold. As she prepares to forge her own path in Vrufield, the question remains: can she protect her hard-earned relationships while distancing herself from the toxic environment of Ross Group? Expect emotional confrontations, strategic alliances, and the unveiling of secrets that could change everything in the next chapter, setting the stage for a dramatic climax that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
