Julia
Van told me not to worry about his call. The Wisconsin state patrolman was following up on some questions about Rob Landon. He also said to keep my mind on Wade. I was trying. Once Lena arrived with news that her friend had spoken to three additional members of the Biogen executive board, we agreed that selling Wade’s research was the best option. There would be negotiations on price, discussions regarding Wade’s employees securing a position at Biogen. In the end, the research my parents had hoped would save Wade actually could.
This deal wouldn’t make Wade a household name.
Instead, the research would be the sacrificial lamb restoring life to our company.
When I asked Lena about Madison, she’d simply shrugged. “Thank you for asking. I’ve assembled a good team. There’ll be a lot of work and even more waiting. This will take time.”
As Lena, Van, and I approached the conference room, I noticed more people than Albert standing about. There were additional men in suits. “Bodyguards?” I asked softly.
Van nodded. “Men from Michael and Albert’s previous employer.”
“Why?”
Van reached for my hand. “Beautiful, you have one thing to think about. I don’t want you distracted. Go in there and kick ass.”
The small hairs on my arms stood to attention. “Should I be distracted?”
“No.”
I looked into my husband’s eyes, taking the strength and support he was giving me. Much as an infusion of fuel, his belief in me circulated through my bloodstream. It wasn’t only Van.
As we entered the boardroom, Lena squeezed my hand and winked.
She didn’t need to say a word. I sensed her support.
Is it for me or my husband?
It didn’t matter.
Van and I were now one.
A team.
Despite their past, I could accept Lena and even love Van’s best friend.
Van and Lena spoke as we stood waiting, my stomach twisting, for the other members to arrive.
Mrs. Rose was the first.
Why is she here?
My eyes opened wide at the sight of the petite elderly woman dressed to the nines. Mrs. Rose personified class and dedication. However, she was no longer on the board, having given up her position a month earlier when she sold Van her shares. “Mrs. Rose?” I said inquisitively.
Time had taken what little height she once had, but not her beauty. Her blue eyes glistened below her crown of white hair. Reaching for my hands, she gave them a squeeze, as she looked up at me through rhinestone glasses. “I couldn’t miss this moment, Julia.” Her smile beamed. “No matter what you decide to do with this company, know that Juliette and Herman are smiling down on you. They would be so proud.” She inhaled. “Theyare.”
I saw Lena whisper to Van. Following her gaze, I turned, seeing Logan Butler enter the room.
What the hell?
Logan and Lena’s eyes met seconds before Logan looked away. The silent exchange made me grin. Whispering to Van, I said, “I thought only shareholders were supposed to attend.”
“Are you talking about Mrs. Rose or Butler?”
“Butler.”
“He’s a shareholder and he just proved it.”