CHAPTER 8: The council of CEOs

AUDREY

The alarm clock rang in my ears multiple times as I lay stretched on my bed. I had turned it off countless times until I remembered it was Tuesday.

“Holy crap, I'm late!” I gasped as I stared at the clock—it was already twenty minutes past seven!

I sprang to my feet in a blur and bolted toward the bathroom without making my bed, as if I were being chased by a ghost.

Following my wedding events, I still arrived late for the executive meeting at the office, which the team had rescheduled from yesterday to today.

I asked Vickie to set up a visitor’s room for Richard after he got discharged from the hospital last night, as our contract marriage was still ongoing.

It took me a few minutes to get dressed. I grabbed my business files and made for the door without stopping to think if I was forgetting anything.

“Good morning, ma'am,” Vickie greeted the moment I opened the door. “Breakfast is ready—”

“Thank you, Vickie,” I said, smiling as I cut her off before turning to face the othe