<b>Chapter </b><b>89 </b>
Reba’s POV
The afternoon passed in a blur of information and practice exercises. Marcus assigned me to sort and prioritize a batch of documents, exining that this would be one of my primary responsibilities. Despite theplexity, I found myself enjoying the challenge, and the work helped take my mind off my earlier encounter.
By the time five o’clock arrived, I had sessfully organized all the materials and even drafted several response letters for Marcus’s review. My fingers ached and my eyes felt strained from staring at theputer screen, but I felt a sense of aplishment.
“You’ve done well today,” Marcus said, reviewing my work. “Mr. Sterling will be pleased with your progress.”
“Thank you,” I said, surprised by the warm glow of pride his words evoked. “I’m eager to learn more.”
As I was shutting down myputer and preparing to leave, my desk phone rang. It was the front desk receptionist.
“Ms. Brown, there are two visitors for you in the main lobby. They identify themselves as your mother and brother Jason.”
My stomach dropped. “My mother and brother? Did they say what they want?”
“No, ma’am. They simply asked to see you.”
“I’ll be right down.” I hung up, my mind racing. What were they doing here? How did they even know where I worked?
I quickly gathered my things and took the elevator to the lobby, anxiety building with each floor we descended. When the doors opened, I immediately spotted them standing awkwardly near the reception desk. They stood out starkly against the corporate backdrop–my mother in her worn floral dress and my brother in jeans and a wrinkled t–shirt.
“Mom? Jason? What are you doing here?” I asked, approaching them quickly, conscious of the curious nces from passing employees.
My mother’s face lit up. “Becky! Look at this fancy ce you’re working in! Why didn’t you tell us?”
I guided them toward a more private corner of the lobby. “It’s a recent development. How did you find me here?”
“Your friend Sophia mentioned you started a new job at Sterling Group when I called looking for you,” my mother exined. “We thought we’d surprise you!”
“Well, I’m certainly surprised,” I said, trying to keep the edge from my voice, “Is everything okay? Is Dad alright?”
“Your father’s still recovering, but that’s not why we’re here.” My mother’s expression grew more serious. “It’s about
the money you sent us.”
I had sent them some of thepensation I’d received from Dominic after the incident with Steve. It wasn’t a fortune, but enough to help with my father’s medical bills and some household expenses.
“What about it?” I asked cautiously.
My mother twisted her hands nervously. “Well, the thing is… Jason had an opportunity that required some investment, and-”
“She gave him my money, didn’t she?” I cut in, looking directly at my brother.
Jason had the decency to look slightly ashamed, but his defensive posture told me he wasn’t truly sorry. “There was this job cement service that guaranteed work, but they needed a fee upfront-
“And you fell for that?” I couldn’t keep the exasperation from my voice. “Jason, that’s one of the oldest scams in the book!”
“How was I supposed to know?” he protested. “They seemed legit!”
“So you spent all of it?” I asked, already knowing the answer from the guilty look on my mother’s face.
“I gave him what was left after paying this month’s bills,” she admitted. “I thought it would help him get on his feet.”
I took a deep breath, trying to control my frustration. “The money I sent was to help with Dad’s medical expenses and the mortgage, not for Jason to throw away on get–rich–quick schemes.”
“Don’t talk about me like I’m not here,” Jason interjected, his voice rising. “Not everyone cannd cushy jobs in fancy buildings like you.”
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