The Next Wife by Kaira Rouda (speld decodable readers txt) 📕

“Come in,” I yell, and she does.

Jennifer exhales, shakes her head. “I’ve been trying to kill the story, but the Investor Times got a tip. They say they’re running with a piece about Tish inheriting John’s shares of EventCo, effectively taking control of half the company. I told them the will is being contested and gave them the facts. They maintain the Class B stockholders and investors have a right to know. I’m assuming we have no comment.”

I turn, walk toward my office window, and stare down to the street. This is it. The thing I most feared because I cannot control it—my company being ripped apart by fake news and innuendos. By sleazy lies and sensational journalism. That my EventCo could be ruined by something as inane as John’s fling that now has led to a private battle between an ex-wife and a current one. This will not be the end of EventCo. It will not.

“Exactly. We have no comment on their ridiculous story.” I take a deep breath and turn to face Jennifer. This is the dreaded hit piece that no one can stop, not even our multitalented marketing vice president. I’m just surprised it took so long. Likely the press stayed away because of John’s death. But it didn’t hold them off forever, of course. I wonder if Tish had something to do with it. “I know you tried everything to kill it.”

“I did. But they say they have a solid source. An insider.” Jennifer shakes her head.

“Tish did this. Damn it.” I knew we were on borrowed time. We need to move faster. But for now, I will stabilize the company. “Get me the list of the lead investors. I’ll make personal calls to them. Now.”

Jennifer hurries out of my office as Lance walks through the door with a purpose. His face is locked in a frown. That’s unusual.

“What’s wrong?” I ask as he takes the seat.

“Everything.”

“Not a word I want to hear from my COO.”

“Sorry, but it’s the truth. I got a call from the reporter working on the story. You and the second wife feuding. John the peacekeeper is gone, and the company is falling apart. That’s the angle. Chaos at EventCo.” So, the stories, the rumors, are spreading. I notice the dark circles under his eyes.

He says, “I miss John.”

I take a deep breath. So much drama. “We all do. But we need to pull this company through. We’ve worked too hard to lose everything now. How are the employees doing?”

“They’ll be fine until this story drops,” Lance says. “What do you suggest?”

What do I suggest? “We go on the offensive. I now own controlling shares of EventCo. In my estimation, about seventy percent of the company with my combined Class A and B shares. I am EventCo.”

“Congratulations. That’s great.” Lance is impressed.

I smile. “Tish has no stated title or position in the new will. Get with Sandra and move her to a back office, out of the way if she insists on staying and pretending to work. Call security in if she gives you any trouble. In the meantime, we’ll let it slip to the press that we’ve initiated an executive search and will hire John’s replacement soon. A seasoned president, someone the market will approve of who can help us comfort nervous shareholders. I am now CEO of EventCo, the only CEO of EventCo.”

“I’ll tell Jennifer to call the Investor Times with this.” Lance stands up and closes my office door. “I’ve heard Bob and Sandra think John was murdered.”

“None of us know for sure. It’s conjecture.” I shake my head.

“But think about it. If there’s even a possibility she was responsible, we owe it to John to go to the police.” Lance is more animated now than when he came into my office.

“We don’t have enough proof. Or, for that matter, a body.” I watch as his face blanches. “I don’t think EventCo can withstand that gruesome of a scandal. A long, drawn-out police investigation could ruin us. The new will is the key to getting rid of her. Prove it’s fake, and she’s got nothing.” This is the way it must be. “We filed a lawsuit last night. She will lose this fight.”

“I hope so. I really do,” Lance says. “I’ll get Tish moved and Jennifer pitching our story.”

“Thanks. And you know what else? We need some publicity stills of Ashlyn and me collaborating before she heads back to college. Build up the family narrative, next generation already learning the ropes,” I say. There’s nothing like a good old multigenerational family story to bolster an IPO. How genuine. How corporate of us.

“I love it.” Lance is animated again.

“Send Ashlyn in. I’ll explain my idea to her. You talk with Jennifer and come back when you guys have a plan or an interested media outlet.”

He hurries out of the office as I wonder how it will make Tish feel when Ashlyn and I have a family business photo shoot together. The thought of her reaction when she finds out is delicious.

CHAPTER 50

TISH

Nothing like a quickie to get the day started right. Fortunately, my house didn’t sabotage our little romp, and the temperature actually stayed below eighty degrees in my bedroom. A miracle.

Chris is off to work his real estate magic—he promises to be back tonight with more. For more. The thought prompts a little zing in my stomach. Today is going to be a good day.

As I drive to the office, I’m looking forward to solidifying my power. I’m buoyed by the thought that tonight will be my last night living in my haunted home. I’ll move into a downtown hotel, like Chris suggested. I can start looking for a condo right away. Money isn’t an issue, at least it won’t be once the will clears probate. Thanks to a good marriage, it never will be again.

Today’s my lucky day. I find a parking space in front of the EventCo offices and, as I