I glanced at the System interface in my mind. The stripping protocol had reached five percent.
Enjoy your generosity while it lasts, Orson.
The next morning, my phone rang before dawn. The company.
Orson was calling an emergency board meeting.
By the time I reached the conference room, every seat was taken.
Orson sat at the head of the table. Willow was right beside him.
When I walked in, he gestured toward a chair near the far end.
"Sit."
I raised an eyebrow. That seat was usually reserved for the Vice President. As co-CEO, my place had always been next to his.
Now that spot belonged to Willow.
"I've called everyone here for an important announcement." Orson swept his gaze across the room, his tone brooking no argument.
"I've decided to transfer five percent of the shares under Renata Fox's name to Miss Willow Pruitt. Free of charge."
The room erupted.
Shareholders exchanged stunned glances. Whispers hissed between them.
"Five percent? That's worth billions!"
"Who even is this woman? What gives her the right?"
I sat back in my chair, spinning a pen between my fingers. Silent.
Right on cue, Willow rose to her feet. She bowed deeply to the room, her voice trembling.