SWNOVELS Chapter 2273
The two of them walked side by side toward the parking lot, the fading light casting long shadows on the ground.
On the way, Rosalynn had someone check up on the current state of the ice cream factory that had been a staple of the community for years.
The old factory's closure seemed to have a bouquet of reasons, but the main one was the brutal impact of outside investment squeezing the local businesses out of the market. Marketing and brand power couldn't compete with raw capital.
On top of that, the ice cream factory had its share of family drama, with over a decade of disputes tearing at its foundations, leaving only the grandfather to hold the fort.
Earlier in the year, the final act of the family feud played out in court, and the factory had to close for good.d2
Back on Gravel Lane, Rosalynn made a call to Lola.
As luck would have it, Lola was at a conference in the neighboring town and had just been part of a session where entrepreneurs from L City discussed the rise and fall of the beloved ice cream factory.
"I heard that when the factory was carved up, nobody wanted the ice cream recipes. They figured any manufacturer knew how to whip up a batch, and their products weren't as tasty as the big brands anyway, so they saw no edge in keeping them. But the factory manager's grandson, a college junior, turned down a hefty inheritance to claim every single ice cream recipe instead."
"That's interesting," Rosalynn curled up on the sofa, "Try to get in touch. If he's interested in reviving the factory, Jered Ventures could be the angel investor. If he's not up for it, then let's talk about buying those recipes and see if we can acquire the brand name too. We can take it from there."
"Got it," Lola replied promptly, "but this is a pretty small-scale project. What's got you interested all of a sudden, Gabriella?"
"It's a brand I've grown up with; it holds a special place in my heart. I can't stand to see it fade away."
"I understand, I'm on it!" Lola's voice was charged with energy.
"Thanks, Lola."
After exchanging pleasantries, Rosalynn hung up the phone.
Wayne came in with a glass of water for Rosalynn and hugged her from behind, sticky with the day's sweat, "All set with work?"
"I've passed the baton to Lola," Rosalynn patted his cheek.
"Good choice." Wayne nodded, "I've heard the factory's history is pretty complex. If we approached it as Bane Corporation or the Jared Group, we'd be stirring up trouble." "That's the idea."
Rosalynn closed her laptop and lay down on the bed, stretching out with a sigh of relief. Wayne lay down next to her.
"Time to head home tomorrow," Rosalynn said, glancing at Wayne.
He nestled closer, nuzzling her neck, "We should make time for more getaways like this."
Rosalynn knew it wouldn't be easy. With the Bane Corporation's myriad responsibilities soon to be handed back to Wayne, and her own impending duties with the Jared Group, finding time for just the two of them would be a challenge.
"We'll try our best," she murmured, patting Wayne's back. "But before we go home, we need to get some things straight."
Wayne seemed to anticipate what she was going to say and nodded obediently.
"If your condition doesn't come back, that's perfect, but if there's even a hint of it, you can't hide out of fear. You have to tell me right away, and we'll face it together," Rosalynn was serious, "You've beaten it once; you can beat it as many times as it takes. There's nothing to fear."
"Okay," Wayne responded, pulling her into an even tighter embrace.
"And no irrational or sudden bursts of dominance," Rosalynn continued, "We talk if you're upset or dissatisfied."
"I've changed," Wayne mumbled.
"Lastly, I want our kids, Cory and Ivy, to be forever free. Who their parents are shouldn't shackle their future choices," Rosalynn was even more earnest, "That includes but is not limited to who they befriend, what they study, what kind of people they become. We can offer advice when needed, but we can't forcefully intervene in any way." She paused for a moment before continuing, "Like with Liam's situation."