The recent chaos at the board meeting hadn''t died down yet-everyone knew there was more trouble brewing.


    Jarrod arrived just as Sprague happened toe by on business. Inevitably, they crossed paths.


    Sprague''s eyes flickered as he watched Jarrod. "Feeling better now?"


    Jarrod stepped into the elevator. "You don''t need to worry about me. I''m almost back to normal."


    "I''ve been swampedtely-sorry I haven''t had a chance to check in on you." Sprague acted as if nothing had ever happened.


    Jarrod, unhurried, turned his wedding ring around his finger, voice cool and detached. "You''re busy, I get it. After all, with me around, you finally get the chance to run things yourself."


    The faint smile faded from Sprague''s lips.


    A chill crept into his eyes.


    Jarrod pretended not to notice, his tone steady and cold. "You might not know the details at headquarters, but let''s just say some of the board members are dead weight. Wouldn''t you agree it''s time to deal with the parasites?"


    Sprague''s face shifted ever so slightly at that.


    He knew there were people on the board loyal to his own branch of the family. But Jarrod''s meaning was crystal clear...


    Jarrod''s mouth curved in a slight, almost mocking smile. "I''m not a fan of people who pretend to be loyal but have their own agenda. I don''t tolerate that in mypany. Got any advice, big brother?"


    The words cut right through Sprague''s nerves.


    Jarrod wasn''t really asking for advice-this was a warning, a threat, and a deration, all at once.


    The elevator neared their floor.


    Jarrod nced at the disy above the doors. "Italy must be keeping you busy these days. I think it''s time you headed back."


    His words sounded polite, but the meaning was razor sharp. Sprague''s face went pale. "Jarrod, Grandma''s getting up there in years, and we can''t just stay overseas forever. What''s the point of all this?"


    Jarrod finally turned to look at him, eyes icy. "So you don''t want to leave?"


    He paused, then added, "Here''s what


    I''ve heard: the worker who died at


    my nt that wasn''t just an ident. His widow told me some interesting things. Let''s just say walking away clean isn''t in the cards. Whatever way out I give you, you should be grateful."


    His words were calm and collected, but they left Sprague cornered.


    Sprague''s face went ashen, thunderclouds gathering behind his eyes.


    He understood all too well.


    Jarrod''s first strike upon returning had been at the board; the second was aimed directly at their side of


    P.n


    the family. He was cutting them off-making sure they couldn''te back, either to the country othepany.


    The elevator dinged.


    Jarrod stepped out, calm and unhurried, not even ncing back.


    Sprague stood frozen, unable to recover for a long while.


    He understood Jarrod''s message perfectly. If he didn''t "get the hint" and leave


    soon, Jarrod would make sure he couldn''t leave at all.


    Sprague clenched his fists so tight his knuckles turned white, still stunned as the elevator doors slid shut again.


    The driver dropped Elodie off at the VistaLink Technologies conference center.


    As she stepped out, Esmeralda


    came dashing from the entrance, grabbing her arm in a panic. "Are you


    sure you should be out and about? You haven''t been out of surgery for long. Shouldn''t you take it easy a bit longer?"


    Elodie squeezed her friend''s hand. “If I could tough it out at my worst, I can handle this. I feel better than ever-no more worrying about copsing at any moment."


    But Esmeralda still looked unconvinced, holding onto her like she might break.


    Elodie couldn''t help butugh, and let her fuss.


    But there was something important on her mind tonight.


    She turned to Esmeralda. "So, am I spending your birthday with you tonight?"