Mother sighed.
“This bitterness is why you’re alone.”
The words still hurt.
They just no longer controlled me.
“Then you have nothing to worry about,” I replied.
Vanessa called next, amusement dripping from her voice.
“Mom told me about your little investigation. Stay away from the meeting.”
“I’m the company’s financial adviser.”
“You were the bookkeeper. I’ve already terminated you.”
Seconds later, an email arrived.
Vanessa had forged Father’s electronic signature again, this time on my dismissal letter.
“You should read the loan covenants before firing people,” I said.
She laughed.
“What are you going to do—spreadsheet me to death?”
“No. I’ll see you Friday.”
At the flagship restaurant, Vanessa turned the main dining room into a stage.
Cameras faced a banner displaying her portrait.
Wearing Mother’s bracelet, she told reporters she had personally attracted the mysterious investment firm that saved the company.
Then she got reckless.
“We’re buying out Hawthorne within six months,” she announced. “Their people lack vision.”
