“Get out of my sight,” Daniel muttered, looking at the floor.

“Actually, Daniel, this is my office now,” I said.

“You have until five o’clock to clear out your desk.”

The transition was quiet but absolute.

By Tuesday morning, Daniel’s name was removed from the directory in the lobby.

I stood by the window of the executive office, looking out at the city skyline.

The rain had stopped, leaving the streets below shining under a pale sun.

The staff were hesitant at first, watching me with cautious eyes as I walked the halls.

But I knew this business; I had helped build its foundation before Daniel turned it into a personal shield.

I spent the morning meeting with the department heads.

We reviewed the outstanding projects and reallocated the remaining resources to stabilize our cash flow.

There would be no bankruptcy.

The company would survive, and it would do so under my direction.

At lunch, I called the school in the coastal town.

The receptionist confirmed that Lily and Ethan had arrived safely and were in their classes.

A deep sense of relief washed over me.