(Winona)


    "It''s not," I admit, keeping my tone neutral. "But it''s important. I have a lot of friends and colleagues here. The deaths and the media surrounding them will have a profound effect on morale. Not to mention investor confidence." Mia raises an eyebrow. "Investor confidence? Bold of you to assume that''s a concern you need to handle. My family owns half of Brennan Industries. It''s our legacy, and we won''t be giving it up anytime soon."


    I hold her gaze, unflinching. "You can hash that out with Jayden. And Mia? Don''t think I''m as easy to manipte as my sister."


    Her smile falters slightly, reced by something colder. "How is Cass? She disappeared it seems. I was worried."


    "Cass is just fine, thanks. She''s safe and well." I''m not mentioning exactly where Cass is. I don''t trust Mia. "No thanks to you. Getting her involved in drug selling."


    "That had nothing to do with me. Cass got herself into her own mess. She wouldn''t listen to me. Why do you think Gabriel got out when he did? Cass is trouble. You know that."


    "Don''t tell me what I know about my sister. Just keep out of her life and we won''t have any problems."


    "I''ll go organize the refreshments, shall I?" Her English is almost perfect but there is still her ent showing through. She turns and walks off.


    I get the feeling that she is a whole lot smarter than anyone gives her credit for. But I have other things to deal with now and I''m not adding any extras to my stress list.


    ***


    In the boardroom, I stand before the management team. Lance''s team sits together near the center, their expressions a mixture of grief and determination.


    Judy''s key people nk the edges, their posture stiff and guarded. All eyes are on me.


    "Thank you for being here," I begin, my voice steady despite the knot in my stomach. "I know the recent developments have been devastating. Lance and Judy''s loss has left a void that''s hard to fill."


    I pause, letting the weight of my words sink in. "Lance was one of the most brilliant minds I''ve ever met. His humor, his passion, and his dedication to all of you were unmatched. And Judy... She demanded excellence because she believed in the potential of thispany she built. That''s a legacy worth continuing."


    A few heads nod, and I feel a spark of confidence ignite.


    "I''m here to offer support, whatever that looks like. If you need counseling, resources, or just someone to talk to, we''ll make sure you have it. I''ll set up professionals for private sessions, and you cane speak with me directly if you need time off."


    A murmur ripples through the room. Judy''s PA raises her hand hesitantly. "What happens now?"


    "We''re taking it day by day," I reply. "Until Jayden gets back, I''ll be here overseeing operations. Come to me with anything, even if it isn''t rted to the situation with Judy and Lance. We ask, in return, that you refrain from speaking to the media. An official statement will be released soon."


    I nce around the room, meeting as many pairs of eyes as I can. "Brennan Industries has lost two of its foundational people. Friends to many here. Everyone will be fully supported for as long as they need. That''s a promise."


    When I finish, there''s a moment of silence before the room erupts in quiet apuse. It''s not thunderous, but it''s heartfelt.


    As the meeting ends and employees begin to file out, I step into the hallway. The relief is short-lived as Phillip approaches, his smile as infuriatingly smug as ever.


    "That was... well done," he says, his tone almost patronizing.


    "Thank you," I reply curtly. "And I''m not here for personal chit-chat, Phillip. Keep it professional, please."


    He chuckles softly, as though my words amuse him. "Professional, sure. Well, Judy is gone. That must be great for you. You''re free. I''m happy for you."


    I stop walking and turn to face him


    fully, my pulse spiking. "I''m not.


    Jayden has lost his mother and his


    best friend. There''s nothing to be happy about as far as I''m


    concerned."


    en


    I pause, letting my wordsnd. "But while I have you here, you should know, Jayden knows about you and me."


    His expression falters, just for a moment. "You told him?"


    "No. You can thank Judy for that. But I would''ve told him eventually."


    "I see." He straightens, his mask of cool indifference slipping back into ce. "So what does this mean?"


    "It means I''m here to assist the


    employees and ensure a smooth transition appreciate yourContent bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    contributions, but as your


    arrangement here was with J


    I


    won''t be needing the same level ofmitment from you. Neither will Jayden."


    Phillip narrows his eyes slightly, studying me. "Fine. I''ll be around if you need me."


    "Great," I say, my tone clipped. "I''ll use my old office for now. Judy''s is to be locked until Jayden''s arrival." He smirks. "Mia won''t be happy."


    "She can discuss it with Jayden." I walk to the elevator and pull out my phone to update Jayden.


    I''m here. Meeting with management went well


    Inside the elevator, I lean against the wall for a moment, letting the tension seep out of my body. The confrontations with Phillip and Mia were necessary, but it left me a little shaken.


    This ce had once felt like a second home. Now it feels like I''m watching it all happen from above.


    Jayden''s replyes through.


    Thank you. I couldn''t do this without you.


    Only he is doing it without me. Personally anyway.


    I want to support his heart, his soul. But I can''t. That is my own fault. But I do feel good being here and helping everyone. That I can do.


    Next, get myself set up and check the finances. I feel a sharp pain in my head.


    Dammit. Ouch! I better go get my blood pressure checked out as soon as I can. Just in case.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!