Chapter 25 : Tangled Roots

*William*

I held the bridge of my nose while the four analysts in my office read off our recent numbers. Then we rehashed why the deal was taking so long to close in Toronto. I wanted concrete solutions, and all I was getting was excuses.

Grace interrupted the meeting to let me know I was meeting with my marketing executive and friend, Jim, at 11:00. “Okay, we are done here!” I said. “Team, I want this closed by the end of the month.” They all began talking at once, and I almost slammed my fist on the desk. Instead, I said, “That will be all.”

I rarely lost my temper at work, but the evening with Eva and Lily still had me rattled. Neither of them had reached out to me so I thought I would give it time and try calling them in a few days. The event forced me to involve my ex-wife, something I desperately tried to avoid, but Eva was unpredictable. I had to tell Victoria what happened and explain to her about Lily. I didn’t think it would be too serious, but I needed someone to keep