I let Trevor have his moment. I passed him the gravy. I complimented Bianca’s earrings. I even helped Mom clear the dessert plates while Trevor bragged about the ‘massive investor’ who’d just saved his company. ‘They believe in visionaries,’ he told Uncle Rick. ‘Not clock-punchers like Marcy.’ I just nodded and rinsed the pie forks.
Monday, 9:03 AM. Conference Room B. Trevor walked in wearing the same smug grin he’d worn at the table, ready to charm his new overlords. He was scrolling his phone when he glanced up — and froze. I was seated to the right of my boss, David Halbrook himself, a leather portfolio open in front of me, his coffee already prepared exactly the way he liked it.
‘Marcy?’ Trevor’s voice cracked in a way I’ll cherish until I die.
‘Mr. Callen,’ I said evenly. ‘Mr. Halbrook is ready to review the terms of your acquisition. I’ve prepared the summary.’
David slid the folder toward him. ‘Your sister flagged some irregularities in the expense reports during due diligence,’ he said. ‘Personal vehicles. A Cabo trip billed as a client retreat. Bianca’s Pilates studio listed as a subsidiary. We’re restructuring your role. Effective immediately, you’ll be reporting to our new Operations Liaison.’ He gestured at me. ‘I believe you two have met.’
Trevor’s mouth opened. Closed. Opened again. Nothing came out.
I slid a pen across the table. ‘Sign where the tabs are, Trevor. And there’s a mandatory HR training Thursday at nine. Don’t be late. I’d hate to have to call Mom.’
That Christmas, Trevor sat very quietly at the table. And when he reached for the gravy, I passed it to him — with a smile.
