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“What social issues? The Eastern Corridor project is all about redeveloping that area to make it a viable commercial hub for Silverlake City. It’saboutgetting rid of social issues by creating more jobs.”
“I understand, Milla.” Exhaling a long breath, he looked around the dining area. A moment later, he leaned in, whispering, “The Civella family has gotten involved with the tenants of some old buildings. They’re refusing to sell and leave.”
Noah’s gaze hardened. “We didn’t see this sort of issue cropping up because the project was being given to us by the government. Everything seemed peachy until we started work. Who knew we’d face problems in simply acquiring land?”
A frustrated noise escaped him as he grabbed his hair in a tight grip. “We’ve already invested a heavy sum on this project. If we don’t make it back, many of our investors will abandon us.”
I reached out across the table to lay my hand on his. It seemed to calm him as he silently gazed at me.
“This isn’t your fault,” I said gently. “Stop beating yourself about it.”
He shook his head. “I kind of forced Dad into going for this project. He didn’t want to do it. He told me of the risks but I was adamant. This project could’ve helped Amhurst Co. position itself as one of the biggest construction firms in the country.”
“You’re right about that,” I said. “I’ve gone through the numbers. This project can help us expand beyond Silverlake City.”
“But Dad was right,” said Noah, sounding more aggravated. “I didn’t think of the risks that came with such a project.”
“We’ll figure something out,” I said, squeezing his hand. “Every problem has a solution. There’s no way we’ll give up on such an amazing opportunity.”
He stared up at me, his eyes shining with vulnerability.
I smiled at him. “We can do it.”
He didn’t look too confident but he offered a small smile.
My tiredness vanished instantly. Before I knew it, my mind was already churning with ideas to overcome the problem.
I can’t wait to get back to work tomorrow, I thought, wishing my body could function without food and sleep.
24
Camilla
The Eastern Corridor project sunk its hook in my mind, not letting me pick up anything else until I’d figured out a way to start construction again. My table was a mess of papers and folders by the middle of the day but no bright idea struck me yet.
The phone on my desk rang.
Moving a stack of folders away, I grabbed the phone. “Hey,” I said distractedly.
“It’s almost time for your meeting,” Mallory’s voice sounded from the other side. “I checked in with Mrs. Keating. Everyone has assembled in the boardroom.”
“Right. Thanks, Mal.”
Putting the phone down, I glanced at the screen of my laptop. The quick presentation I made was lacking in finesse but the figures and charts were enough to gain people’s understanding.
Standing up, I chugged the last bit of my already-cold coffee and gathered my laptop and a notebook. On the way out, I glanced at my reflection on the glass door.
My clothes were neat but my tired face and untidy hair were testaments to the exhausting work I’d been doing since that morning. The frazzled look reminded me of the way I looked on most days during my college years.
Sighing internally, I walked out of my office and headed toward the boardroom where the operational teams were waiting for me.
Warm air enveloped me as soon as I entered the room.Someone’s got to check the thermostat in here, I thought, feeling stuffy already.
Noah, Corey, and Caleb were already seated close to the head of the table. There were other managers and employees among them as well. I’d made Mallory gather everyone who’d worked for the Eastern Corridor project.
“Afternoon, everyone,” I greeted, setting my laptop on the table.
A murmur of greetings echoed around me.
