Chapter 18
Yana’s voice broke the moment. “Freya”
Pestering a guest with questions was bad manners, and Yana was losing patience,
Freya’s cheeks reddened, and she dipped her head. “I’m really sorry. It just sounded like such a crazy coincidence, I got carried away”
Nadia brushed it off with a smile. “No big deal, Freya. It’s just spicy gossip. If you want the full story, let’s grab coffee sometime.”
Freya grinned and nodded. “That’d be great.”
Skylar’s gaze followed Nadia As she walked away, her
mind flipping through old memories. Have we met before the wondered
She thought hard but came up blank. With a mental slug, she let it go.
it wouldn’t matter if Nadia knew about her past. Prison had made her tough. She wasn’t afraid of anything now.
After waving off the last guests, Yana handed Skylar and Freya each a glass of warm milk.
“Don’t stay up too late, girls. Get some sleep.” She headed to her room.
Yana slipped into bed but couldn’t stop tossing and turning. Finally, she poked Carlos awake,
“Carlos, I’m still worried,” she said, her voice tonse. “Have someone look deeper into Skylar’s past.”
Carlos, half–asleep, sat up fast. “Babe, you scared the heck out of me!”
“Sleep, that’s all you
you do!” Yana huffed, smacking his arm.
Carlos grabbed her hand, kissing her knuckles. “Easy, babe. You’re gonna bruise yourself, and then I be the one crying”
“Quiet!” Yana whispered.
Carlos zipped his lips.
“Did
d you hear me?” Yana asked, glaring.
“Crystal clear,” Carlos said, nodding “I’ll get someone on it tomorrow, I swear.”
“Now. Do it now!” Yana pushed.
Carlos grabbed his phone, already dialing. “Okay, okay, I’m on it. They’ll start tonight”
After the call, Yana still couldn’t relax. She slid out of bed and tiptoed to Skylar’s room,
Seeing the small shape under the blankets, her worries eased. She tucked the blanket around Skylar, lingering a moment before heading back to b
Once she left, Skylar’s eyes popped open.
In the dark, they sparkled like stars.
The next morning, Skylar walked out in a sleek blazer and slacks.
Over breakfast, she waved off Yana’s offer to drive her to the office, grabbing her keys
Her first day as CEO had the whole company buzzing
Whi
hispers about the new boss spread like crazy.
“I heard she’s the chairman’s long lost daughter, one worker said, leaning over a cubicle
“No way,” another snorted. “Why would he give a failing company like this to his kid?
“Who knows what he’s thinking?” the first said, shrugging. “We just keep our heads down and do our work”
“Fair,” the second agreed. “Let’s get moving b
before the new boss catches us slacking First impressions count
–
The chatter faded, and everyone hurried back to their desks.
When Skylar arrived, the executive team was already seated in the conference room, waiting
She scanned the room, standing tall. “Morning everyone. I’m your new CEO, Skylar Lambert. I’m excited to work with you all to turn this company around. Let’s do this.”
The executives, pros at saying the right thing, jumped in
“You’ve got our full support, Ms. Lambert,” one said smoothly.
“Your drive is impressive, especially so young,” another added with a nod
Skylar tapped her knuckles on the table, cutting them off. “Enough with the sweet talk.”
“Let’s not waste time,” she said, her voice sharp. “We’re here to work.”
“From now on,” she went on, “management jobs are based on results. If I catch anyone slacking or sucking up instead of doing their job, you’re gone. Phidon Pharmacy doesn’t carry dead weight.”
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