“Mrs. Sutter.”
Her eyes filled.
“I heard about what happened.”
I nodded.
“Thank you, Anna.”
She hesitated.
“Mr. Whitmore said you wouldn’t be coming back.”
My stomach tightened.
“What?”
“He told everyone you were taking an extended medical leave.”
I looked toward the elevators.
Then smiled.
“Well, he’d better get used to being disappointed.”
I walked into the executive conference room fifteen minutes later.
Malcolm sat at the head of the table.
Trevor was beside him.
Kristen sat near the window.
Three directors I’d known for years were present.
The moment they saw me, the room fell silent.
Malcolm stood.
“Gloria.”
He sounded surprised.
I placed my handbag on the table.
“Good morning.”
Trevor stared at me.
His expression hardened.
“Mother, what are you doing here?”
I looked at him.
“Coming to work.”
Malcolm cleared his throat.
“Gloria, perhaps this isn’t the best time.”
I turned toward him.
“After thirty-two years, Malcolm, I think I’ve earned the right to decide when I come into my own office.”
