CHAPTER 5 （SARAH） #3
Morning slams me in the face again. More hospital bills.
My mother’s condition worsens. My mind spins with Redwood’s fiasco.
I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, dark circles under my eyes, shoulders hunched.
The day rushes by in a blur. Meetings. Accusations.
Calls with spooked investors. By the time evening arrives, I’m sure Redwood is seconds from caving.
But I can’t let it happen. Too much is on the line.
I gather extra data, run final projections, watch them align with Redwood’s initial plan—solid, profitable, beneficial for the city.
If not for sabotage. My chest stings with frustration.
Michael storms out of a conference call, scowling.
I approach him, fists clenched at my sides.
He glances at me, some unspoken apology flickering in his eyes.
We’re drowning, but neither of us can let go.
Together, we trudge back to the spreadsheets.
By ten p.m., we discover a fresh rumor that Redwood faked environmental compliance.
Outrage flares. This is pure fiction. Michael calls the legal team.
They promise to investigate, but that might take days.
My vision darkens with rage. Damien orchestrates this meltdown.
I double-check Redwood’s environmental permits.
All legitimate. Hours pass in a haze of frantic searching for the lie’s origin.
No luck. My mind roars with adrenaline. The floor is silent except for our voices.
We speak in half sentences, mostly about Redwood.
The unspoken closeness between us flickers.
He’s the only ally I have in this entire building.
Eventually, we compile a summary of Redwood’s real data, planning to present it to James Chen tomorrow.
My entire body hums with exhaustion. Michael rubs his neck.
Our eyes meet. For an instant, his guard slips, and I see the toll.
He’s hurting too. Then the moment’s gone.
We gather papers, stack them neatly, shut off computers.
I notice his jaw clenched as if he’s battling an internal war.
I feel an odd pang in my chest, but I can’t dwell on it. Redwood first. Always Redwood first.
Past midnight now. We ride the elevator together, no words.
The tension crackles. He stands there, tie undone, shirt rumpled, still projecting authority.
I cling to the file like a lifeline. My heart thrums with a mixture of dread and comfort, because I’m not alone.
The door dings open on the lobby. We walk out, hush enveloping us.
Security nods goodnight. The revolving doors squeak.
Outside, the streetlights glare off puddles on the asphalt.
My phone buzzes. Another anonymous text: last chance to quit.
My gut churns. I show it to Michael, heart pounding.
He stares, fury tightening his features.
Says we’ll handle it. That Redwood means too much.
That I mean too much. I exhale a shaky breath.
Then we part, each turning into the darkness.
At home, I collapse. The day is carved into my bones.
Sleep comes in jagged bursts. Fear and tension coil in my dreams. Damien’s smug face.
Michael’s ragged defenses. Redwood’s fragile data.
I wake before dawn, face damp with sweat.
This can’t be my life much longer. But I have no choice.
My mother’s caretaker texts me an update.
I send what money I can, chest hollow. The next day dawns, a fresh chance to keep Redwood alive.
I arrive to find a summons to James Chen’s office.
My pulse storms in my veins. I march in, fists clenched behind my back.
Michael stands to one side, expression grim.
Damien leans against the wall, arms folded.
James demands clarity: is Redwood salvageable or is the sabotage unstoppable?
My throat locks. We unroll the data. Present anomalies.
Insist Redwood is profitable if not for tampering.
James frowns. Damien laughs under his breath, not quite out loud.
Heat bolts through me. But I keep my voice steady.
Redwood can’t be thrown aside. Michael chimes in, tone lethal.
He says if Redwood falls, the entire brand suffers.
James nods slowly. He orders an official internal investigation. My shoulders quake. The meeting ends.
Damien brushes past me, sending a final scornful look.
Michael’s jaw tenses. I’m left trembling in the hallway.
The assault continues, but Redwood might still stand.
I slip outside for a gulp of fresh air. Paparazzi lurk by the entrance, cameras raised.
My steps quicken. The day’s not done, but at least we have a small wedge of time to fight back.
Damien won’t topple us easily. My chest is tight.
Adrenaline weaves through me. Redwood matters, and so does my family’s future. I brace for the next battle.
No retreat. No surrender.