Chapter 12 Thad no choice but to postpone the shareholders meeting to the next day Yesterdays incident had affected me too much to face them with a clear head ⠀ I deliberately stayed away from the office , knowing that my emotions could turn the meeting into a disaster .
But now , I was preparing to go back .
Kate had rescheduled the meeting for nine in the moming , so I had to leave soon ! Just as I opened the door , I nearly jumped in surprise .
Nathan stood in front of me , his hand mid air , about to press the doorbell Morning be greeted with his usual grin , one so infectious that I couldnt help but return a small smile Morning You- ; Want to go together ? he cut in smoothly I studied his appearance a casual , almost lazy outfit , quite unusual for someone heading to work .
A large black backpack slung over shoulder only added to my confusion .
He looked more like a student than a working professional .
You studying ? I asked , amusement lacing my voice .
Nathan chuckled .
Do Hook like a student ? ||| I gave him a once over Yeah Like a sloppy student who skips class .
Weird , and also Handsome , he interrupted , flashing a smug smile Ladmit it I burst into laughter .
Not the word I was going for We stepped into the elevator together , the air between us comfortable .
As we walked through the parking lot , silence stretched between us until Nathan spoke again , his voice casual ) I work , by the way , he said out of nowhere , clearly referring in my question from earlier I chuckled .
Did he really think I believed he was a student ? Maybe teasing him a little would be fun Really ? What company would hire someone as strange as you ? I teased .
I dont buy it .
Nathan clicked his tongue , shaking his head as if I had deeply disappointed him .
Thats not important .
Whats important is that Ive your children .
decided to replace that guy from yesterday as the father of Hrolled my eyes .
Bad luck , Nathan I dont marry unemployed werdos .
What would even get out of manying you ? He tilted his head , his tongue pressing against his cheek in thought .
Then , with full confidence , he said , Youd get all my love .
Charon Larched an eyebrow , unimpressed ! Nathan quickly corrected himself Wait no .
I mean , you two would get all my love .
He gestured vaguely , clarifying his point .
More than your ex husband ever gave .
||| I laughed .
The more he spoke , the more ridiculous he sounded .
But oddly enough , it was … entertaining .
At least I wasnt spending my morning thinking about how to avoid Edgar When we reached my car , I pressed the key fob to unlock it .
Just before getting in , I glanced at Nathan , who was still standing there , watching me expectantly Youre wrong , Nathan , I said , smirking X He frowned .
About what ? Heaned slightly toward him , lowering my w Were not two voice just enough to keep him on edge Nathan blinked , confusion flickering across his face !! I climbed into the drivers seat and rolled down the window Were three .
% With that , I drove away , leaving him standing there , probably replaying my words in his head .
At the office , Kate greeted me as soon as I arrived , walking me toward the meeting room .
The situation was tense .
Because of yesterdays issue , company shares had dropped , and several shareholders were considering pulling out .
I took a deep breath , stendying myself .
This was my company one I had built from the ground up .
I wasnt about to let it crumble .
As I stepped into the meeting room , the shareholders were already seated , waiting .
Good morning , everyone , I greeted , making eye contact with each of them .
I understand the concern surrounding our current situation , but I want to assure you that we have taken the necessary steps to restore data security and protect our future .

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% One of the senior shareholders , Mr.
Stewart leaned forward .
How can we be certain that our data is truly secure ? % I completely understand your concerns , Mr.
Stewart , I replied smoothly .
But I want to emphasize that weve implemented major secunty upgrades .
Weve strengthened our system , updated software , and conducted intensive employee training to prevent cyber .
threats Another shareholder , Ms.
Jollie , chimed in .
Thats reassuring , but what about the impact on our shares ? Whats your plan to stabilize them ? Im glad you asked , I said , nodding .
Weve developed a comprehensive recovery plan .
Were launching targeted marketing campaigns to rebuild consumer trust , enhancing our product quality , and initiating strategic promotions to boost engagement .
Were … ll been pur chates hack on track I campaigns to rebuild consumer trust , enhancing our product quality , and initiating strategic promotions to boost engagement confident these measures will bring our shares back on track The room filled with murmurs as shareholders exchanged glances , I could see the shift the doubt slowly fading as they considered my words After answering a few more questions , I could tell I had reassured them .
The tension in the room eased .
As the meeting concluded , I stepped outside with Kate Great job in there , maam , she said , offering a small smile .
I know that wasnt easy, but it worked Texhaled , a sense of relief washing over me .
7 couldnt have done it without all of you Thanks , Katr Youre welcome , maam .
Always happy to help acy exhaustion hit me the moment i With my work finished for the day , I returned to my apartment in the late afternoon Pregnancy walked through the door I punched in the security code and stepped inside only to freeze at the unexpected sight in my living room I My mom .
And Nathan I blinked , glancing between them .
They sat together talking like old friends .
What the hell ? It took me a second to realize Nathan had somehow befriended my mother before even properly got to know him Sharon ! Youre home ! My mom beamed , standing up to greet me How was work95 % I let out a tired sigh as she guided me toward the kitchen Pretty good .
Just exhausting You need to take care of yourself she scolded lightly , already rushing to get me a glass of water Dont push yourself too hard .
I accepted the water gratefully , but my gaze remained on Nathan .
He hadnt said a word yet , but his expression screamed one thing : I already won over your mom Oh ! I almost forgot , my mom suddenly clapped her hands together , moving toward the bar counter .
She picked up a plate of neatly sliced cake and placed it in front of me.X Nathan brought this over .
His mother made it .
I glanced at him He smirked .
This is really good .
We tried it already my mom continued , nudging the plate toward me .
Now its your turn Skeptical but curious , I took a bite.X Damn .
It was good .
!! My mom excused herself , saying shed prepare warm water for my bath , leaving me alone with Nathan in the kitchen .
He leaned back in his chair , resting his chin on his palm , watching me with a smug expression One point for me ? he asked .
I scoffed , rolling my eyes .
Not a chance Nathan chuckled .
Alright then .
Tell me what do I need to do to win your heart , Sharon ? .
I nearly choked on my cake .
Choosing to ignore him , I focused on eating But my heart ? For some reason , it felt oddly tight .