●Carlton●
The official opening of our major branch had gone smoothly and work would officially begin the following day.
The entire day had been exhausting. We needed additional labor, last minute adjustments, media appearances. I had to oversee everything personally to make sure nothing went wrong.
I had planned to leave in the afternoon so I could take her to have that tracker removed from her arm.
But meetings kept piling up. Delays. Investors wanting a word.
By the time I finally wrapped up, it was already evening.
Once everything had been completed, I exited the building and made my way toward the parking lot. As I approached my car, my phone vibrated in my pocket.
I pulled it out to find that my mother was calling.
We had not spoken since the gala.
I was not looking forward to it, but I answered anyway.
"Hey, Carlton," she began warmly. "I've been watching the news all day. They're talking about you everywhere. The opening was beautiful. You handled yourself so well."
