ile of the Harrison Properties building in Manhattan. Th

h weekend, Hayes. Everything okay?" Chloe nodded stiffly. "Fine, thanks." Lisa didn't push further. As she stepped ou

t down her heavy leather tote bag on the polished surface. A junior staffer, Kevin, passed by and mumb

heerfulness completely gone. She quietly asked Chloe to follow her to the main

nced toward Ethan Foster's desk-it was empty, his chair pushed back as if he had just

at to his right. Arthur's posture was relaxed, representing Beaumont Corporation's absolute power in the room. And nea

oject. He stated flatly that Beaumont Corporation had explicitly requested a change in leadership to ensure better corporate synergy. Mr. Harri

performance reviews have been excellent." Mr.

ke out on the back of her neck. She realized instantly that th

hogany table in open protest. The loud smack echoed in the quiet room. "This is ridiculou

lified person in the building. He reminded them that she had wor

p, as the primary investor, had the final say on all personnel for the joint ven

n immediately or face severe disciplinary action. "Ethan, sit.

cle under his dress shirt. She stopped him from ruining his own career for her sake. "Ethan, stop

d that she accepted the demotion and would assist the new lead in any capacity required. "I'll do what

ut, and left the boardroom without offering another word. Mr. Harrison quickly dismis

re. "I should have pushed harder," he said. Chloe shook her

ked him sincerely for his brav

an empty, flat cardboard box. She assembled it with quick, jerky movements. A nearby colleague

r in a sweater. She gathered her favorite pens and dropped them into the box. She carried the heavy box across the floor. She

ueaked loudly. A passing inter

ky chair. She pulled her phone from her

g medical bills for her grandmother's heart medication. She swallowed the bitter tast

softly. Chloe locked her phone and forced a smile. "I will