Chapter 2: While You Still Can
Part 2 ⬇️
Amber's smile stretched wider.
She turned to Mark with the look she always wore when she thought she had won something.
"I knew it," she said.
"Your mother used to scrub floors here.
That's why they pity her with the nice room."
Mark said nothing.
He just stared at his phone.
Amber turned back to me.
"How much did they pay you?
Per hour?"
I kept my voice steady.
"Enough to get by."
She laughed softly and said to Mark, "No wonder she acts so comfortable here.
She probably spent years mopping that lobby."
Then something unexpected happened.
Sarah appeared beside us holding a white envelope.
She addressed me directly.
"Mrs.
Harrison, the board confirmed your Thursday meeting.
And the legal team called — they're ready when you are."
The laughter stopped.
Amber's expression shifted.
"Board?
Legal team?" She looked at Sarah, then at me.
"What is she talking about?"
Sarah said nothing and stepped back.
Amber's voice dropped to something quieter, almost careful.
"Eleanor.
What board?"
Mark finally looked up from his phone.
And for the first time that trip, he looked genuinely uncertain.
I picked up my bag and walked toward the elevator.
May you like
"Enjoy the pool," I said quietly.
"While you still can."
