Chapter 9

Samantha woke up early, and thoughts on this afternoon's meeting were running through her mind lion-speed. It was important; today was the day Greg would finally wrap up his presentation and make a decision on whether the project was a success or not. She must stay sharp and professional—all the same no matter what.

With a tight gut feeling, Samantha knocked on Greg's office door, more anxious than ever. Sure, the project was completed, but Greg's ever-expanding interest in her personal life had maintained her nerves on end. She desired to keep her focused attention solely on the final presentation.

Greg received her into the office with a smile. "Good morning, Ms. Reynolds. I'm glad you could make it."

"Good morning, Mr. Thornton," Samantha responded, taking her seat. "I am ready for the final review."

Immediately after, Greg started running the presentation slides, and he was quite intense to listen to about the implementation of the project on every slide they were going through.

"Wow, this looks impressive," Greg commented, nodding through the slides. "I can't wait for how this is going to pull through at the end."

Samantha felt a surge of relief. "Thank you. I worked really hard to make sure everything is perfect."

With time, Greg's questions started going into more in-depth places, which were outside the regular scope of the project. Samantha tried her best to answer, but the tension underneath was impossible for her to ignore.

At last, Greg put the slides down and turned to Samantha with a serious look on his face. "There's something I have been wanting to ask you. I have noticed you've been really focused on this project, but I can't help feeling there's more going on with you."

Samantha's heart raced. "I assure you, Mr. Thornton, my focus has been entirely on this project.

Greg observed her for a moment before speaking again. "I understand. It's just that I've been getting to know the people I work with on a different level. Your dedication is one to look up to and such respect I have for you, and yet it feels as though you're hiding something.

Samantha's brain frantically worked on ways to handle this delicately. "I appreciate your concern, but I prefer to keep my personal life separate from work."

Greg nodded, though his expression remained reflective. "Of course. I respect your privacy."

Just then, Alex walked in carrying a folder. "Greg, I've got the final approval documents for you to sign."

Greg looked up and took the folder from Alex. "Thanks, Alex. We're almost done here."

Greg scanned through the documents before turning toward Samantha. "I just want to say that it was really great working with you. For sure, you really made the change around in the project with your skills and your being an ardent worker."

Samantha smiled, relieved and yet uncertain. "Thank you, Mr. Thornton. The pleasure's all mine."

Greg finally finished with the documents and arose. "Let's put in a final wrap-up meeting tomorrow. I want to make sure we hit everything before we wrap this up."

Samantha nodded wearily, feeling elation mixed with lingering anxiety. She left the office with a nagging concern that Greg's interest was becoming personal and wondered how much more time she had before the secret she had been keeping would come out.

At home, Sam tried to focus on the daughters, but she kept lapsing back into the meeting. The girls' chatter, abetted by Lily and Emma, was rather refreshing, even though Samantha was worried at the tension with Greg.

Samantha went over all her notes after putting the girls to bed. Tomorrow was the final wrap-up meeting, and she needed to be prepared to answer any questions or concerns that might arise.

Her phone buzzed again. It was Rachel: "Mr. Thornton said he would like to talk with you regarding the final project details and subsequent steps. We will be prepared tomorrow morning."

Samantha let out a long breath and dropped her phone. The pressure was building, but she had to keep her wits about her. She read her notes one last time and retired to bed with the resolution of conducting the last meeting just perfectly.

She drifted off to sleep, wondering in her mind what the future held. The project was coming to an end, but the hassle with Greg and the many secrets she was keeping still pressed on her mind.