C385 Think Carefully

Alicia was still confused by Mark’s reaction. “Why does it matter?” she asked, looking at him curiously. Mark leaned back slightly in his chair before answering. “Because Benjamin Wood registered that club last week.” Alicia’s eyes widened. “He owns it?” Mark nodded. For a few seconds, neither Alicia nor I said anything. We simply looked at each other. I finally broke the silence. “Are you sure, Father?” Mark gave me a strange look. “Of course I am. I checked the registration myself.” Alicia slowly smiled as realization crossed her face. “No wonder Sarah said she had invested in the club.”

I nodded. “And she was the one who suggested that we hold the meeting there.” Alicia sighed. “She really planned everything without thinking about the consequences.” Quinton chuckled. “Or perhaps she simply didn't know that Benjamin owned the place.” Peter smiled. “Either way, we're already committed. The meeting is tonight.” I looked at Mark. “Do you think we should still go ahead with it? What if Ben makes a scene?” Peter immediately laughed. “We are all going to be there. Let him try.” Everyone laughed. Even Alicia couldn't help smiling. I stood up from my chair. “Then I suppose there is no reason to change the plan.”

Still, as I walked away, I couldn't completely dismiss the thought. Ben had always been unpredictable, especially when he felt that something had been taken away from him. Now we were planning to bring almost every family together at his club and reveal something that could change our lives. But with all the parents present, I doubted even Ben would be foolish enough to cause trouble. At least, I hoped so. Meanwhile, at Wood IT Company, Sarah called an emergency meeting. Employees from different departments gradually made their way into the conference hall. Some whispered among themselves while others exchanged curious glances.

The sudden meeting had caught everyone's attention. Sarah rarely called meetings without a reason. When everyone had finally settled into their seats, Sarah walked to the front of the room. She looked around at the employees and smiled. “Good morning, everyone.” “Good morning, Director,” they responded. Sarah waited until the room became quiet. “First, I would like to thank everyone who has been participating in the foreign-language program.” Several employees exchanged smiles. “I know I've been extremely busy lately, but I've received reports about the progress. From what I've been told, everyone who was selected has attended the lessons.” She paused. “That is something worth recognizing.” Sarah raised her hands. “Please, give yourselves a round of applause.” The entire hall erupted into applause.

Sarah smiled as she watched the employees clap. Although she had been busy with everything happening around her, she was genuinely pleased that the project had continued without problems. When the applause finally died down, Sarah continued. “Now, the reason I called this meeting is something slightly different.” The room became quiet again. Sarah took a breath. “As most of you have probably noticed, I recently gave birth.” Several employees smiled. Sarah couldn't help laughing slightly. “I suppose it would have been difficult to hide that fact forever.” The employees laughed softly. She rested one hand against her stomach for a moment before continuing. “Because of the birth of my child, I will be taking maternity leave.” The employees nodded.

Then Sarah added something that immediately changed the atmosphere. “However, that isn't the only announcement.” She looked around the room. “Both of my vice directors will also be taking immediate leave.” A few employees looked at one another. Sarah continued. “For the next two to three months, the three of us will not be working at the company in our usual positions.” The room became completely silent. Jamie slowly raised his hand. Sarah nodded. “Yes, Jamie?” He stood. “Director, if you are leaving, who will be responsible for running the company?”

Sarah smiled. “That is a reasonable question.” She folded her hands in front of herself. “As you all know, this company belongs to my father. Because of his illness, he stepped away from his responsibilities.” Sarah paused. “During my maternity leave, he will temporarily take charge of the company.” A murmur moved through the hall. Sarah immediately raised her hand, asking everyone to remain calm. “Nothing else will change. Your positions will remain the same, your salaries will remain the same, and the company's projects will continue.” She then looked toward the employees involved in the language program. “And for those of you learning foreign languages, please don't stop.”

Several employees nodded. “The project I selected is still going ahead. Continue with your lessons exactly as planned.” The employees seemed relieved. Sarah smiled. “If there are no other questions, you are all dismissed.” The employees slowly began leaving the conference hall. Samantha remained behind. She walked toward Sarah with a suspicious expression. “I don't remember you telling our father that he would be running the company.” Sarah smiled innocently. “I didn't.” Samantha stopped. “You didn't?” “No.” Sarah picked up a few documents from the table. “And that's why you're going to tell him.” Samantha's mouth fell open. “Why me?”

Sarah laughed. “Because it is your sister's idea.” “It is your idea!” Sarah pointed toward the door. “And now it's yours.” Samantha shook her head. “That isn't fair.” Sarah laughed again. “Goodbye, Samantha.” Samantha stood there for a moment before finally shaking her head. “You're impossible.” Sarah smiled. “Go tell Dad.” Samantha eventually left. Chris, who had been waiting nearby, stepped forward and hugged his wife. “Ready to go home?” Sarah smiled. “Very ready.” Chris nodded. They began walking down the hallway. But Amanda, who had been following Chris quietly, seemed unusually distracted. Chris noticed. Normally, Amanda was talkative and energetic. Today, however, she barely said a word. He glanced over his shoulder. “Amanda?” She looked up. “Yes, Vice Director?” “Is everything okay?” She hesitated. “Yes.” Chris didn't believe her, but he didn't push the issue.

They eventually reached the vice director's office. As soon as they entered, Amanda finally gathered enough courage to speak. “Vice Director.” Chris turned around. “Yes?” Amanda swallowed. “You're leaving too, right?” Chris nodded. “Yes.” Her expression immediately fell. “What about me?” Chris frowned. “What do you mean?” Amanda took a deep breath. “I was actually enjoying working as your secretary.” Chris stared at her. Amanda continued quickly. “And now you're leaving. What happens to me?” Chris hadn't expected that question. Amanda lowered her voice. “If you're gone, people might think my position is no longer necessary. I don't want to be demoted.” Chris remained silent. He had never considered that.

Amanda had been working closely with him for a while, and he knew she had become comfortable with her position. He suddenly stood. “Come with me.” Amanda looked confused. “Where?” “Director's office.” They walk towards Sarah's office together. When Chris opened the door, Sarah was already packing some of her belongings. She looked up. “Big Head, aren't you supposed to be packing?” Chris pointed toward Amanda. “She has something to say.” Sarah looked at Amanda. “Amanda?” Amanda immediately became nervous. “Director, I...” Chris interrupted. “She thinks we're leaving her behind.” Amanda quickly shook her head. “I didn't say that!”

Chris laughed. “You said people would laugh at you if you were demoted.” Amanda looked down. “That is what I said.” Sarah smiled. “So you two came here with a plan.” Amanda looked at Chris. The truth was, she didn't actually have a plan. She had simply followed him because she didn't know what else to do. Chris crossed his arms. “Tell me something, Chipmunk.” Sarah raised an eyebrow. “What?” “Does Amanda look strong?” Sarah glanced at Amanda. Chris continued. “Or at least stronger than Laura?” Sarah laughed. “I already know what you're thinking.” Chris smiled. “And?” “It won't work.”

Amanda looked between the two of them. “What won't work?” Neither of them answered immediately. Chris stepped closer. “Listen to me first.” Sarah sighed. “Fine. What is your idea?” Chris pointed toward Amanda. “She can come with us.” Sarah's smile disappeared. “Come with us where?” “You know where.” Sarah stared at him. “Chris.” He continued. “She can become part of our group.” Amanda froze. Sarah shook her head. “You know how dangerous this is.” Chris nodded. “I know.” “She has never been trained.” “I know.” “She has never been involved in anything like this.” “I know.” Sarah folded her arms. “And you want to take her into a situation where Harris Family might come after her and her family?” Chris looked at Amanda. “That's why I'm asking her first.”

Sarah looked at Amanda. “Amanda, do you own a gun?” Amanda's eyes widened. “A gun?” Sarah nodded. “Have you ever even held one?” Amanda slowly shook her head. Sarah opened her hands. “See?” Chris immediately raised his hand. “Wait. Please hear me out.” Sarah sighed. “What could possibly change my mind?” Chris smiled. “Well…” He glanced at Sarah. “Other than a kiss, I'm not sure.” Sarah's cheeks immediately turned red. “Big Head!” Chris laughed. Amanda stood there completely confused. Sarah shook her head and tried to regain her composure. “Continue.”

Chris became serious again. “She doesn't have to be a fighter immediately. She can start with basic training. She can drive for us, assist us, and learn how to defend herself.” Sarah looked at Amanda. “And what about her family?” Chris turned toward Amanda. “That is the important question.” Amanda swallowed. Chris's voice became serious. “Amanda, if you join us, things will not be normal anymore. We don't know what will happen over the next three months. There will be training, secrecy and danger.” Amanda remained silent. Chris continued. “You could be putting your life at risk simply by standing beside us.”

Amanda looked at Sarah. Then she looked back at Chris. Sarah spoke softly. “Think carefuly before you answer.” Amanda took a deep breath. She had been expecting to lose her position. She had not expected to be offered something completely different. Chris watched her carefully. “Amanda, will you be willing to come with us?” The room became silent. For the first time, Amanda understood that this wasn't about keeping her job. It was a choice between returning to an ordinary life or stepping into the dangerous world that Chris and Sarah had entered. And whatever answer she gave would change her life forever.