I then met with all my employees and told them the farce was over.

As for Matthew, I was sure he and Echelon Group were too busy to target me. To be safe, I called Lauren and asked her to look into the company. I needed precautions to know how to act in the future.

Lauren impressed me with her ability to gather information. She was good to me, and I trusted her.

However, I was still reeling from last night’s shock. Although Carol was all smiles, I felt troubled.

I called Ivanna that afternoon and asked when she could get off work. She knew something was up and agreed to meet up.

I got some beer after work and met her by the river. When she arrived, she exclaimed, “What a lovely spot!”

She then went to her car and changed into long pants. We drank while sitting on the riverbank. Being my best friend, Ivanna knew I was troubled.

She asked me about Atlas. Seeing that I was silent, she admitted, “I don’t think you’re right for each other. You live in different worlds, and even if