Midnight Plans

Lex stared at the ceiling of his bedroom, the faint glow of the city lights filtering through the curtains. Sleep wouldn't come—not with so many pieces of his plan still in motion.

He sighed, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. The wooden chair in the corner still held his jacket, a reminder of how restless he'd been. Lex slipped into it without a second thought, grabbed his phone, and jotted down notes as his mind churned.

A proper plan needs a solid foundation, he thought. Someone who knows Maddox from the inside, but isn't loyal to Barnie. Someone I can trust.

The answer hit him like a whisper from the past.

Mrs. Eleanor Graham.

His father's old secretary. She'd worked for Maddox Holdings for decades before retiring quietly after his father's death. Her exit had been so unceremonious it was almost criminal—a loss no one seemed to notice but Lex. She was sharp, meticulous, and above all, loyal to the Latham name.

Lex grabbed his keys, pulling on his jacket. The clock read 2:00 a.m., but he didn't care.

It was a ten minute drive to Eleanor Graham Brooklyn townhouse. Lex parked his Supra quietly on the street, the low rumble of the engine fading as he stepped onto the sidewalk. The house was modest but elegant, with ivy creeping along the edges of the brick.

Lex knocked lightly, hoping she wouldn't think it was a burglar at this hour. A shuffle of footsteps and the faint sound of locks turning greeted him before the door creaked open.

Eleanor stood there, her silver hair tied back in a neat bun, wearing a navy cardigan over a house dress. Her sharp blue eyes widened slightly before a warm smile spread across her face.

"Lex Latham," she said, her voice steady but tinged with surprise. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"Late," Lex admitted, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "But this couldn't wait."

She shook her head but stepped aside. "Come in. You look like you haven't slept in days."

Walking into the cozy sitting room, Lex started to feel calmer. As Eleanor places a steaming cup of tea placed in front of Lex on the coffee table.

"So," Eleanor began, settling into the armchair across from him. "What brings you here in the middle of the night? I doubt it's just a craving for my tea."

Lex leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his expression serious. "I need your help."

Her brow furrowed slightly. "With what?"

"I'm rebuilding," he said plainly. "Everything Barnie's destroyed and everything my father left behind. But I can't do it alone. I need someone I can trust—someone who knows Maddox, knows the people, and knows how to handle the chaos."

Eleanor studied him for a long moment, her gaze sharp and calculating. "You're asking me to come out of retirement?"

"Yes," Lex said without hesitation. "I want you to be my secretary again, but not in the old sense. You'll have more power this time—control over scheduling, access to everything, and a seat at the table when I need counsel."

Eleanor's lips pressed into a thin line as she considered his words. "Lex, I haven't been in the game for years. Do you really think I can keep up with Barnie and his nonsense?"

"You've forgotten more about Maddox than Barnie ever learned," Lex countered. "And it's not just about Barnie. It's about the legacy—about ensuring the right people are in place to build UP."

Her expression softened slightly, and she sipped her tea thoughtfully. "You've grown up, Lex. Your father would be proud."

Lex's voice dipped, the weight of his words heavier now. "He'd want me to fix this, Eleanor. And I can't do it without you."

A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "Flattery will get you everywhere, young man."

"So, is that a yes?"

She let out a soft laugh. "Let me think about it. But knowing you, I'll probably say yes by morning."

It was around three in the morning when As Lex stepped back into the cool night air, he felt the faintest glimmer of relief. Eleanor Graham wasn't just another piece on the board—she was a cornerstone.

The Supra roared to life, its headlights cutting through the darkness as Lex drove home. His mind buzzed with ideas, but one thought stood out: With Eleanor on my side, Barnie doesn't stand a chance when he was planning to set up a new board.