Chapter 9
Spencer’s words died in his throat.
I picked up a document from the table and slid it to him.
“Eight AM this morning. The Holt Group board held an emergency meeting.”
“One item on the agenda: termination of Spencer Holt as president. Effective immediately.”
“Nine in favor. Two abstentions. Zero opposed.”
Spencer grabbed the document.
The signature page was right there. Eleven board members. Blue stamps. Corporate seals.
Including three men he thought were loyal to him.
“That’s impossible.” His voice cracked.
“Uncle Steve and Bill are my people. They wouldn’t vote for-”
“Your people?”
I took a sip of tea.
“Spencer, do you really think they followed you because you’re talented?”
“They followed the heir to Holt Group. You’re not the heir anymore. So they’re not your people anymore
“You should understand that better than anyone.”
Spencer’s fingers crushed the paper.
Tessa grabbed his sleeve.
“Spencer, do something. You said the company couldn’t run without you”
Spencer wasn’t looking at her
He was looking at me His lips moved for a long time before he got words out
‘Mom Em your son‘
I put my cup down
‘Yes You’re my son‘
Chapter 9
Litrad
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“So I only removed you as president. I’m not pressing charges for everything that happened on your watch
‘I’m giving you five thousand a month. You keep the condo at Emerald Cove. You won’t starve.”
“But as of today, you have nothing to do with Holt Group.”
I turned to Tessa.
‘As for you.‘
‘Bribery. Corporate espionage. assault on a company executive. Evidence is complete. Witnesses and documents.”
“These charges will put you away for several years.”
“The money you stole through illegal means? Legal and the police will track every cent.”
“Take her out.”
I said it quietly.
Two security officers stepped forward. Tessa collapsed. They caught her.
As they pulled her past me, she twisted her head and shrieked.
“You’ll regret this! Spencer will destroy you!”
I looked at her.
Tessa, you’re going away for a long time. Don’t wait for Spencer to come get you. He can’t even save himself
Security took her out.
The room went quiet.
The legal director stepped up.
‘Madarn, the Attorney’s office has accepted the case. Expect an indictment next week
I nodded
‘Stay on it Every hidden account she has Don’t miss a single one
‘Understood
By the time all the paperwork was done. It was evening
I sat in the president’s office and watched the sunset
Chapter 9
Litrad
I was tired
Not mentally
Sixty two years of bones. Too much anger for y
Someone knocked
Mrs Shaw poked her head in
Madam, Ms Brooks is here”
I stood up
Lauren walked in
She looked so much better. Color in her cheeks A cream dress Her hair in a low ponytail
But her eyes were red
She must have seen the news
She stood in the doorway. Her hands twisted in her skirt. Her lips pressed together
Then her eyes filled up.
‘Madam… thank you.”
She bowed from the waist.
These past few weeks, if you hadn’t-
1 don’t think I would’ve made it.”
I looked at her. My chest hurt.
She’d lost so much weight
I walked to her and put my hands on her shoulders
Lauren, Patrick Star always stays with SpongeBob‘
Chapter 9

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.