PART 12: THE TAKEOVER
The corporate headquarters of Whitmore Holdings sat on the top floor of a glass skyscraper overlooking downtown Portland.
The last time I had been there, Eleanor had forced me to sit in the hallway for three hours while her secretaries whispered about my "ordinary" background.
Today, the double glass doors were held open by two security guards who bowed slightly as I walked past.
Victor walked beside me, his leather briefcase looking slightly cleaner than usual.
I wore a sharp, dark grey blazer and a simple silver necklace that had belonged to my mother.
We walked into the main boardroom.
The massive mahogany table was surrounded by twelve men and women in dark suits—the remaining members of the corporate board.
At the head of the table sat an empty leather chair.
Eleanor’s chair.
As I entered, every single board member stood up in unison.
The silence was absolute.
I walked straight to the head of the table, but I didn't sit down immediately.
I looked at their faces.
These were the same people who had signed off on Daniel’s inflated salary while my babies’ insurance was canceled.
"Thank you for coming," I said, my voice echoing off the glass walls.
I pulled a single document from my bag and placed it on the table.
"Before we discuss the restructuring of the logistics division," I said calmly, "I have a few personnel changes to announce."
The board members shifted uncomfortably.
"Effective immediately," I looked directly at the chief financial officer, a man who had been Eleanor’s right hand for a decade. "Your services are no longer required. You have ten minutes to clear your desk."
The man’s face turned bright red, but he didn't argue. He picked up his notepad and walked out of the room without a word.
May you like
I looked at the remaining members.
"Now," I said, finally sitting down in the large leather chair. "Let’s talk about the future."
