Power Shifts

The evening sun cast a warm, golden hue over the garden outside Amelia’s house. Inside, the small living room was filled with a sense of quiet anticipation. James sat across from Amelia, his sharp eyes softened with age but still holding a commanding presence. He held a cup of tea between his large hands, the steam swirling lazily upward. Amelia, seated with a notepad and pen out of habit, watched him patiently, ready to jot down any relevant information that might alter the direction of the company, and possibly the family, forever.

“Amelia,” James began, breaking the silence. His voice was deep, measured, as if weighing each word before it left his lips. “You’ve been with us for a while now, but you’re a seasoned secretary and you’ve seen the ups and downs, the battles within and outside companies. I’ve come to a point where I must make a decision that will affect the future of everything we’ve built.”

Amelia leaned slightly forward, her curiosity piqued. “What are you thinking,