You tried not to smile.
Failed slightly.
He saw it.
“I said terrifying with respect.”
“Smart.”
You reached your building.
Alejandro stopped at the gate.
“I owe you more than a position.”
“Yes.”
“I know I may never fully fix what happened.”
“You won’t.”
“I know.”
The old Alejandro would have offered a solution.
This one waited.
That was why you finally said, “I’ll sign if the first company-wide meeting is mine.”
His eyes lifted.
“You want to address everyone?”
“Yes.”
“About what?”
You smiled.
“Standards.”
Two weeks later, you walked onto the stage of Lujan Entertainment’s main auditorium as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer.
Not everyone clapped.
That was fine.
You preferred honesty.
The employees filled every seat. Assistants stood along the walls. Artists joined by livestream. Board members occupied the front rows. Alejandro sat to the side, not center stage, which had been your condition.
