Chapter 3

The trouble started on Ryan’s second day on the job.

The first call came from Brian Lynn, the CFO.

He sounded anxious.

“Natalie, where’s the authorization paperwork for that overseas transfer?”

I was eating fish and chips at a restaurant in Frostvik.

“Mr. Lynn, I’ve resigned.”

“I know, but this is urgent. If the money doesn’t arrive today, they’re pulling out of the deal.”

“Please speak to Mr. Hayden.”

“Ryan says he hasn’t seen the paperwork.”

“It’s in the sixth folder in the handover package, marked with a blue tag. The instructions are in there too.”

Brian sounded relieved.

I continued, “But I wouldn’t advise him to process it himself. That transfer needs secondary approval from Mr. Tohn personally.”

Brian hesitated. “Didn’t you always handle it before?”

“I was Mr. Tohn’s assistant then. I’m not anymore.”

I hung up.

Less than half an hour later, John Geller from Legal called.

“Natalie, there are two versions of the international conference minutes. Which one should we send to the partner company?”

“Shouldn’t Legal know that?”

“You always checked them before they went out.”

“Please have Mr. Hayden check them.”

John’s tone sharpened. “He can’t even read the contracts in their original language.”

“Get a translator then.”

“There’s no time!”

I set my phone aside.

The restaurant owner brought over a cup of hot chocolate.

“Trouble at work?” he asked.

I smiled. “Not my problem anymore.”

The third call came from Mr. Sade, Duncan’s driver.

“Ms. Ziegler, Mr. Tohn is going to the airport soon to meet some overseas guests. Mr. Hayden has double-booked the car, and the interpreter is at another venue. Could you help me sort this out?”

Mr. Sade had been driving for Duncan for over a decade and had always treated me well.

I did not make things difficult for him.

“Mr. Sade, send the details to Mr. Hayden. Tell him to arrange another car using the backup plan.”

“Where’s the backup plan?”

“In the handover files.”

“But he...” Mr. Sade sighed.

I knew what he was going to say.

Ryan had no idea what to do.

However, that was not my problem.

That afternoon, there was an emergency at the Tohn family estate.

George suddenly developed tightness in his chest and was rushed to the hospital.

Unable to reach Duncan, Dr. McCrae called the CEO’s office.

Unfortunately, Ryan was out helping Morgan choose an evening gown.

The first thing Morgan said when she answered was, “Why is the hospital calling Duncan? Call the butler. That’s his job.”

Mr. Bach, the butler, sounded so panicked that he was practically yelling.

“Ms. Eddy, the hospital needs Mr. Tohn to authorize Mr. George’s emergency treatment!”

Morgan snapped impatiently, “Just let me sign for him!”

“You’re not authorized to do that. Where’s Natalie?”

By the time Morgan reached me, she was furious.

“What are you trying to prove, Natalie? George is in the hospital. Why aren’t you back here taking care of this?”

I leaned back on the hotel couch.

“Ms. Eddy, I no longer work there.”

“But you always cared so much about George!”

“Caring about him doesn’t mean I still work for you.”

“How can you be so cold?”

I laughed at that.

“You didn’t seem too worried about that when you fired me.”

Morgan had no answer.

After a moment, she said through gritted teeth, “Then, at least tell me what information Dr. McCrae needs.”

“It’s in the handover package.”

“There’s too much in there. I can’t find it!”

“Then, keep looking.”

“Natalie!”

“Ms. Eddy, I had to figure it out myself when I started, too.”

The other end of the line went completely silent.

That evening, Duncan finally called.

I watched the screen glow for a long while before answering.

His voice was low and stern.

“Natalie, tell Ryan what he needs to deal with first.”

“Mr. Tohn, I no longer work there.”

“Stop playing games.”

I gave a small laugh. “I’m not playing games.”

“Everything is a mess here.”

“How is that my problem?”

There was a catch in his breathing on the other end.

Duncan lowered his voice. “You worked for me for three years.”

“Yes. Three years. You’re right. But I don’t work for you anymore.”

After a brief silence, he said, “You’ve changed, Natalie.”

I looked out the window.

The northern lights drifted across the night sky, silent and dreamlike.

“I haven’t changed. I’ve just finally learned that quitting means the job isn’t my problem anymore.”

I hung up and headed out onto the snowfields with the northern lights tour group.

The man from Mapleward traveling with us was called Alan. He had blond hair and a bright smile.

“Did you just say no to your old boss?” he asked.

I nodded.

He gave me a thumbs-up.

“Well done.”

I looked at the lights in the distance and agreed with him in silence.