Chapter 3 - The Ghost of Westbridge
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An uncomfortable cough broke the tension. It was Robert Keller, one of the company’s oldest and most loyal distributors.
“Now, hold on a second,” Robert murmured, adjusting his glasses. “Evelyn used to run logistics for Westbridge Manufacturing, didn’t she? That’s no small feat.”
“She quit,” Ethan fired back instantly, dismissing the man. “Years ago. She couldn't handle the pressure.”
Evelyn’s voice finally cut through the air. It was calm, measured, and carried the undeniable weight of authority.
“Eighteen months ago, Ethan.”
Ethan turned his glare toward his wife.
“And you haven’t held a real executive position since,” he mocked.
“No, I haven't,” Evelyn replied smoothly.
“So why are we sitting here pretending you’re a part of this leadership transition?” Ethan threw his hands up, looking at the investors for validation. “My wife is a good person. But being married to a businessman doesn’t make you a business leader. Reading a few quarterly reports doesn’t mean you built the company.”
Vanessa placed a manicured hand on Ethan’s wrist, offering him a look of deep, performative sympathy.
“Do you really believe I built nothing here?” Evelyn asked. Her voice was incredibly soft, almost gentle.
It was a trap, and Ethan walked right into it.
“Yes. Absolutely nothing,” Ethan declared. “You walked away from your own career because you burned out. Then Dad got sick, and suddenly you started sitting around his office playing executive. I think somewhere along the way, Evelyn, you confused being close to power with actually earning it.”
At the head of the table, Arthur Hale’s chair scraped violently backward against the hardwood floor.
The sound was like a gunshot. Several guests physically jumped.
The seventy-one-year-old founder, frail from a recent triple bypass surgery but possessing the aura of a titan, rose slowly to his feet. He placed both palms flat against the walnut table.
May you like
Then, he slammed his right fist down. The silverware clattered. Wine splashed over the rims of crystal glasses.
Vanessa let out a small, terrified gasp.
