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<b>60 </b>
55 vouchers
The car doors shut almost at the same time, the sound bouncing off the concrete walls of the Ironhart Media parking lot. Nina fell into step beside Emery, brushing a strand of hair off her <b>face</b>.
“I mean… James’s offer made sense,” she started, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. “You can still run things from the mansion, right?”
“I can,” Emery muttered, though her head was already heavy with the endless list of tasks waiting for her. Managing Logan’s estate felt no different from running a corporation, and now James had added another weight to her shoulders. Being pregnant only made her wonder if she could keep up. “If he had given me a heads up,” she added, grinding her teeth as she cursed him silently.
That damn man hadn’t just dropped the news that she now owned Ironhart Media–he had also mentioned there would be an emergency board meeting today to introduce her. No warning, no time to prepare. Just like that, she was expected to face the directors before tomorrow’s public announcement.
“How the hell did he even manage to run apany with that kind of nning?” Nina clicked her tongue. Even she found it reckless, almost careless, for James to dump something like this at thest minute. “He knows you can handle it, sure, but still you’re pregnant.”
Nina frowned as they crossed the parking lot and stepped into the building, their footsteps echoing against the polished floor. She pressed the elevator button and nced at Emery. “Besides… how did your father even approve this<b>?</b><b>” </b>
“I have no idea,” Emery said tly. Then again, her father had always been biased, so it wasn’t surprising.
The elevator doors slid open and they stepped inside. Nina turned to her again, worry written across her face. “Are you sure you’re going to this meeting?”
“I will. James is right–I need this.” Emery’s hand brushed her stomach as the elevator climbed. It wasn’t just about the baby. This was for her too. She appreciated her brother’s initiative, even if she’d never admit it to his face. If anything, she wanted tond a solid punch on him the moment she saw him.
“Miss Vaughn?” a voice called from behind her.
Emery turned and found a man in his early thirties standing near the reception desk. His posture was neat, suit pressed, and sses perched low on his nose.
“Charles Mare, right?” Emery asked, tilting her head. She was fairly certain she had seen him once before at one of James’s gatherings.
Charles’s eyes widened a little before he smiled. “Thank you for still remembering my name. I wasn’t expecting that, considering we only met once.”
Emery allowed a small smile to slip through. “What are you doing here?”
“Mr. Be asked me <b>to </b>assist you with the transition. I’ll guide you to the boardroom,” Charles exined politely.
Emery nced at Nina, who gave her a nod as if to say it was fine. With that, the two women followed Charles
<b>9:25 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>15 …
toward the elevators again.
:
60
55 vouchers
They rode up to the tenth floor, where Charles led them into the executive area. Emery’s gaze swept over the space as the elevator doors slid open. The design was modern but practical–rows of ss partitions for editors‘ offices, desks with stacked manuscripts and digital tablets, and walls lined with framed covers of bestselling titles.
Ironhart Media wasn’t just another publishingpany, it was one of the most respected names in both fiction and nonfiction, known for producing award–winning novels and well–researched biographies. Over the past decade, they had expanded into e–books and digital tforms, giving them strong international reach.
Even though it was already six in the evening, the floor wasn’tpletely empty. Most of the desks had been abandoned for the night, chairs tucked in and screens dimmed. Still, a handful of employees remained, finishing reports or skimming manuscripts.
A few heads lifted as Emery stepped out of the elevator. Recognition flickered across some faces, followed by a string of hushed whispers. One editor paused mid–sentence on a phone call, eyes narrowing at her with curiosity. Another assistant practically froze in ce, her gaze flicking from Emery to Charles <b>as </b>if piecing things together.
Emery caught their looks, questioning, almost suspicious. Charles seemed to notice too, but his expression didn’t change. He simply gestured down the hall. “This way, Miss Vaughn.”
“Mrs. Hayes,” Emery said. “Please call me Mrs. Hayes from now on.”
Charles gave her a look, but he said nothing else before he nodded. “Please follow me.”
Charles led them down the hall at a quick pace, the polished floor reflecting the overhead lights. Both of them knew that Emery didn’t need a guide. She had walked these corridors for years when she worked here.
Still, James had insisted on assigning Charles to her, making sure she was escorted properly. His role wasn’t necessary, but it was clear James wanted someone to look after her tonight.
Emery and Nina followed until they reached a pair of double ss doors etched with the Ironhart Media emblem. He pushed them open and stepped aside to let Emery in first.
Inside, the boardroom was brightly lit. A long mahogany table stretched across the center, lined with high- backed chairs. Several men and women were already seated, folders and tablets spread in front of them. Conversation died the moment Emery walked in.
Almost immediately, recognition sparked.
“Miss Vaughn?” a man’s voice cut through <b>the </b>silence. It was n Loring, thepany’s CEO, straightened in his chair. He was in histe forties<b>, </b>sharp suit and sharper eyes, the type who measured people with a single nce. His frown deepened as he looked at Charles. “Mr. Mare, why did you bring Miss Vaughn here? I thought we were expecting Emery Hayes, the new majority- hold on- ”
His <b>gaze </b>snapped back to Emery, narrowing <b>as </b>realization dawned on him.
Emery met his eyes without flinching. She knew that this day would eventuallye, but she didn’t think it would happen this soon.
<b>9:25 </b>Mon<b>, </b><b>Sep </b>15 <b>d</b>.
:
60
55 vouchers
Seeing this, Charles broke the silence with a smooth smile. “Allow me to rify. This is Emery Be Hayes -yes, the new majority shareholder of Ironhart Media.”
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