Chapter 1: Introduction
All eyes fixed on Julie as she walked through her presentation. She discussed at length the clients assigned to her, how she had boosted their profits, and along the way the companies revenue. The CEO, an older gray-haired man named Russ Carswell, leaned back in his large chair, smiling as the revenue graphs showed most favorable numbers. As Julie completed her discussion, he slammed a hand down on the desk with enthusiasm. "Very impressive Ms. Belle. It is fair to say that you, and Jeb have both brought in significant clients over the past three years. I'm happy to say, wee have surpassed our goals in growth and revenue." The room erupted with a respectful applause.
Julie's eye met Jeb's, but not at all in a friendly way, it was the glare of sworn enemies, in full anticipation of CEO Carswell's next words. "Yes, yes" Carswell said, gesturing for the short applause to end "We all know what that means, with our increased business a position is open for new partner. It's needed as we manage more, and a well deserved reward. It's unfortunate that we can only take on one at this time. This is a matter that needs great consideration from the board and myself, but it is safe to say we will be selecting either Ms. Belle, or Mr. White. I suggest the two of you work hard to convince us that you are the right choice. We will be watching you both very carefully.
The room hummed with the quiet murmur of approval, but Julie’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. She knew Jeb was watching her too, his sharp gaze assessing, calculating. He was always like that—cold, precise, like a man who saw the world as a series of moves and counter-moves. She had spent years proving herself, outworking him, outmaneuvering him, and yet, in this moment, it felt like they were back at square one.
The meeting adjourned, and Julie lingered just long enough to shake hands with Carswell before slipping out of the boardroom. She needed air. The office was stifling, the weight of expectation pressing down on her.
Julie's home was a great contrast to the office. It was quiet as she walked in. On her entryway table was a fertility magazine featuring a happy mother holding a smiling baby covered in mail... bills, credit card offers, and letters from local fertility clinics that had sat for months since the news. There would be no baby for her and her husband John, no biological baby for Julie... not ever.
Walking to the kitchen table Julie eyed the small stack of papers meant to end her marriage, her signature dry dated three months ago, while her husband's line remained blank. There was no buzz of success here, no applause of accomplishment. Julie's phone buzzed, and she looked. She had two text messages, the first was from John, one of many suggesting marriage counseling, and a willingness to work things through. The second was Chuck Blair, the CFO of Echo Enterprises. Julie's eyes grew large with excitement. Chuck was a whale, just the the win she needed to increase her chances of making partner. Quickly she called her executive assistant, " Hey MAry? I need you to book me a flight next week. Yeah to Boston. I need the nicest hotel you can find me close to Echo Enterprises. Book the stay for the week. I'm not coming home until I sign Chuck Blair.