“The property manager said the HVAC cleaning requires the owner's signature.”
Sharon froze for half a second. Then, without reading a single word, she grabbed a pen and signed the papers.
Once I had her signature, I turned around and walked off without another word. But Elroy called and approached me with that fake-friendly attitude of his.
“Long time no see, brother,” he greeted.
“Why the rush? Did you know we’re throwing a huge party today to celebrate the company going public? You’re already here—why not stick around and celebrate with us?”
I had zero interest in entertaining him.
“Besides,” he added casually, “isn’t this company Aunt Ruth’s life’s work?”
His words stopped me cold.
This company… it was the only thing my late mother left behind. If it hadn’t been for that accident five years ago, I would have been the one hosting this party tonight.
A sharp pain twisted in my chest. But somehow, I let the staff usher me to a seat—front and center, right in the spotlight.
The celebration started soon after. Elroy took the stage, dressed in a bespoke navy suit, Sharon clinging to his arm like a prize.