52 Dead Wood

(Winona)

“I am here for damage control. The shareholders have spoken. Too many wanted out. I’m here to turn the ship around and get confidence back.” Gus Brennan continues talking, his deep voice vibrating through the room like a warning bell.

You could scoop up the nervousness hanging in the air and eat it like ice cream.

Just add sprinkles to mine, thanks.

Every word he says feels like a direct hit, slicing through the tension with surgical precision. My chest tightens, a knot of anxiety coiling inside me as I steal a glance at Jayden. His jaw is clenched, eyes narrowing in a mix of frustration and disbelief. I’m nervous for him.

How much more can he take? His mind might end up in overload. Then again, a break from the company may be the lifeline he needs, right now. I guess, either way, we are going to find out. A break from Judy would be better. No chance of that now she’s acting like a doting grandmother.

The room seems to shrink around us, the walls pressing in as Gus’s gaze sw