CHAPTER 91
Sapphire
our at odd angles,
I rushed to him as soon as I saw him, his small figure standing in the hallway, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. His messy haar stuck on – and his pajamas lung slightly off one shoulder. The sight of lum tugged at my heart.
“Charlie, sweetheart,” I said softly, kneeling down and pulling hiny so my arms. He wrapped his little arms around my neck tightly. “What are you doing up, baby?”
“I woke up, and you werent beside me,” he murmured, his voice muttled against my shoulder. –
I pulled back slightly to look at him, smoothing a hand over his unruly curls. “You’re the one who wanted your own room, remember!” Lessed: gently.
He giggled, the sound soft and sleepy, before ducking his head under my chin “I still like my mim,” he whispered, “but I don’t
Llike waking up
Theld him close, his warm linle body a comfort against my own. Then be tilted his head back to look up at me, has big brown eyes filled with concem. “What are you doing up. Mommy!*
Thesitated, not wanting to bunden ham with my worries. But I couldn’t be to ham either. “Thad a nightmare,” Ladmitted softly.
Charles little hands came up to cup my cheeks, his tiny thumbs rubbing soothing circles over my skin. It was his version of offering comfort, and it mehed me completely.
“Dont worry about me, sweethean.” Hold him, my voice steadying under his touch. “Thi okay. Let the like you back tobed”
He shook his head, his arms tightening around my neck. “I want daddy to tuck me in.”
For a brief moment, I felt a pang of jealousy. He wanted his other instead of me. Hur just as quickly as the thought came, I dismissed in How could I be upset when the bond between them was growing stronger every day?
“Oby.” ↑ uid with a small smile, kising his forehead. “Let’s get you back to bed.”
I stood and turned to Aragon, who had been quietly watching us from the island. “He wants you,” I said simply, landing Charlie over to him.
Aragon took him effortlessly, holding him against his chest as if he’d been doing it all his life. “Let go, buddy,” he said, his voice low and warm
Charlie rested his head on Aragon’s shoulder, and I watched as they disappeared up the stairs. My heart ached in the best way possible. I loved that Charlie fein safe with Aragon that he wanted to spend time with him. It was everything 1 had ever hoped for.
I was still lost in thought when Aragon retumed a few minutes
nutes later. He walked into the rooms with an emy confidence, his expression soft
“Is it okay that tucked him in” he asked.
I smiled, shaking my head. “Of course it’s okay. You’re his father. Aragon I’d be more worried if he didn’t want you to do it.”
He stepped closer, nis gaze searching my face. “Are you okay!”
I nodded. “I’m fine. Just thinking ”
He tilted lus head, clearly wanting to pre
“Do you have any plans tignorrow!”
further but deciding against it. Instead, is leaned against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest.
Ishrugged “Just a conference call in the morning and then checking in on work. Why?”
to take
He nodded thoughtfully before a small smile curved his lips. “I want to you
I red an eyebrow. “Take me out? Where?”
He straightened, that easy confidence returning to his stance. “On a date,” he said simply. “A special one this time.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but he held up a luned to stop me.
“No,” he said firindy, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Im not taking no for an answer”
I crossed my arma, narrowing my eyes at hum. “You don’t even know what I was going to say.
He smirked “Tknow you, and I know you were about to come up with a million reasons why you’re too busy or why it’s not necessary. But guess
all smule tugging at the comers of
my mouth despite myself, “Fine,” I said, frigning reluctaner. “But only because your Mi
He grinned, stepping closer and taking my hand in hac “You won’t regret it,” he promised
odled my eyes playfully: “I better not.”
Aragon squeezed my hand before releasing it. “Get some rest,” he said, his tour softening. “Ill take care of everything.”
I found myself smiling. Despite the nightmare that had jolted me awake earlier, the warmth of my family had soothed me Tomorrow was a new day, and I had a feeling Aragon’s “special date” would be just what I needed.
With muschelfort I
back to sleep. Tautume, there were no nightmares.
roke up the next morning. Heli refreshed and more energetic than I had in days. Whatever males thoughts had haunted me
nwhi
CHAPTERUSE
seemed to fuse dasolved into the quet serenity of the moming. I stretched lazily in bed before foring myself to get up. The shower was a quock and by the time I was dressed and seated at my desk it was only 7:45 am Fiteen minutes to go before my call.
I boothd up my laprop, making sure everything was ready for the meeting. The calendar notification pinged right on time, rignaling the ca Authe familiar faces of my board members appeared on the screen, I strazened my posture, greeted them warmly and dive into business.
“Good morning, everyone. I hope you’ve all had a productive star to the week I began, glaring at the faces on the screen.
A few mumbled greetings came back before one of the senior members Eleanor, spoke up “Good morning. Lily. We’ve reviewed the rest proposal from the unvestors, and we have some feedback it seems they re still besitant about the sustainability metrics of the project.”
I nodded, expecting as much. “Right. The sustaimadality metrics.” I said, pulling up the document we’d been working on. “What exactly is their conorm” is at about the projected timeline for implementation or the transparency of the process?”
“They’re worried about both Eleanor replied. “They want to ensure that we not only meet the environmental standards but also prove that these measures wont impact profitability in the long min”.
I leaned forward my fingers hovering over the keyboard “Okay, Jens address this head–on. First, regarding the timeline, we’ve already built in a nux minothi bufferto accommodare any unforeseen delays. If necenary, we can hudlichs this in our next presentation to them. Second, about trampatency; we can prepare a detailed repon showing the third–party audits we ve already conducted. This should reassure them that we’re on topi of compliance and accountability”
“Those are good points,” another board member,
- r. Jacob, chimed in “But do you think they buy into in They’re known for being overly cautious
“Overly cautions is fine.” I replied, a small smile playing on my lips. “I just means we need to be overly prepared. In fact, let’s offer to schedule a Jseparate meeting dedicated solely to sustainability. That way, we can dive deep into the number, metrics, and long–term impact analysis.
Eleanor nodded thoughtfully. That might serually work. If they see that we’re raking this as seriously as they are, it could shift dieir perspective?
“And let’s not forget.” I added, “that this project isn’t just about meeting their criteria. It’s about creating real value, both for our stakeholders and the environment. If we approach it with that mindset. I think well come out ahead.”
The convvenution continued for another forty minutes, diving into details about the budget, potential risks, and how best to communjate our progres to the investor. By the time the call ended. I felt a sense of accomplishment. It wasn’t perfect but we had a clear plan of action.
I took a deep breath and leaned back in my chair, my eyes drifting to the small plant sitting on the edge of my desk. It had been a gift from one of my board members, a imali reminder to stay grounded even amidu the chaos,
Just as I was abour to close my laptop, I decided to call my awitant, Clara, to get a rundown of what was happening at the office. She picked up on the second ring
“Good morning, Clara” I said, smiling even though she couldn’t see me. “How’s everything going on your end-
“Good morning, Miss Jenson” she replied, her voice in steady and professional as always. “Everything’s running smoothly. The marketing team is finalizing the rampaign materials for next week’s launch, and the development team just sent over the latest updates on the software. It looks like they ine on track to meet the deadline.”
“That’s great to hear,” I said, feeling a wave of relief. Any issues I need to be aware
“Nothing major,” she assured me. “Oh, and I’ve already scheduled a follow–uqeeting with the investors for next week included the heads of sustainabday and founce to make sure we’re covering all bases”
“Perfect“! und. “You’re doing an excellent job. Clara. I hope you know how much Ippreciate having you on my side.”
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and I could almost imagine her blushing. Thank you. That means a lot. I’ll make sure everything stays on track.”
“I don’t doube it for a secourd,” I said warmly. “Alright, keep me updated if anything comes up
“Wall do Have a great day,”
“You 10, Clara”
I hung up. feeling a senor of gratitude. Glara had been with me for years, and hercompetence and loyalty were invaluable. It was moments like these that reminded me how important it was to build a strong team, one that could weather any storm.
With my moming tasks completed. I stood and stretched, feeling the urge to make breakfast for everyone.
nd had all this energy leh and nothing to do.
