I tried to shove down the lump forming in my throat as everyone bowed their heads to show respect. Maybe today was a bad day to realize I needed to grieve my mother properly. I never visited her–at least, not yet.

She was waiting for me to come talk to her.

A few beats later, he spoke up again. “First steps as our new CEO! We have a crucial meeting to schedule with you and Augustus Vaughn, head of Chamberlain Industries. I know he will want an immediate audience after hearing the news that you will be acting in certain roles until your full succession as CEO of Montgomery Group.”

I raised an eyebrow. “What shall this meeting entail?”

Someone at the overly large table leaned forward. “Vaughn is looking to expand into some of our prime real estate holdings. A very game changing partnership for us moving forward.” Real subtle. He was insinuating what I already knew in the least conspicuous manner–I’d seen toddlers do a better job.

So, he knew. Now, who else?

My eyes glanced across the room and settled back on Evans as he spoke up. “That is Mr. Caldwell, legal counsel.”

“I see,” I said, my mind racing in anticipation of the major life change I was in for. “Will there be coaching for this meeting, or will I be showing up with my pants down?”

He slipped and a small smile appeared on his lips, appearing proud of me for starting off strong. “From what we’ve seen, he’s grown less patient over time, but is still a shrewd businessman with... unconventional tactics. He’s likely to gauge your resolve.”

Unconventional tactics? Could these guys be any less obvious? I wondered when I would have the opportunity to talk about it or if it’s an “everyone knows but doesn’t say” type of ordeal. Who did I ask about the rules of the game?

“Your mother always stood firm in her ground during talks with Vaughn.” Legal Council Man chimed back in. I already forgot his name. “He’s likely to expect the same from you as her successor–and daughter. They had a fruitful relationship we continued to manage over the last handful of years, but it’s time for you to come into play.”

A metric ton of weight settled onto my shoulders. The overviews and tutorings that James took me through started making sense in my mind and I was ready to use them. “Understood. I’d like a full briefing on our holdings, recent acquisitions, and any history between our two companies.”

The men around the table looked to each other before shuffling around to pull out tablets and computers, seemingly ready to dive into the details. Or childproof them.