Chapter Sixty-Nine

Three weeks later Tally and Ryan, with their entourage, burst into the boardroom of Benson Developments, their presence commanding immediate attention. The room fell silent as every eye turned to them. Tally’s face was a blank mask. She was wearing a scarlet red skirt suit, which contrasts with the cold, sterile room. Ryan stood beside her, his tailored suit exuding authority, his jaw set in determination.

Barry Benson, the current CEO, looked up from his seat at the head of the table, his face paling at the sight of them. John, who sat to her father’s right side, narrowed his eyes, clearly sensing the impending storm.

“Barry,” Ryan begins, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife, “you’re fired.”

Barry’s mouth opens and closes, but no sound comes out. His hands grip the edge of the table, knuckles turning white as he struggles to process the words. Beside him, John leaps to his feet, his face twisted in outrage.

“You can’t do this!” John shouts, pointing an accusing finger a