Page 27 of Miss Manage

And there was Charlotte, hair damp at her temples, but her face steady.

It wasn’t until she finally stood up that I noticed how pale she was.

“I… I need a moment,” she murmured, moving toward the ladies’ room.

The rest of us stayed rooted, still processing what had just unfolded.

Turning to Olivia, I asked, “Would you mind checking on Charlotte?”

Relief flashed across her face at being given a task. “Happy to.”

“I’m sure she will want to update the company’s owners herself before heading to the hospital. I’ll step into the conference room and give everyone some details.”

After my thirty-second update there, I walked back out, thinking I should check in with HR and keep moving with logistics. But something held me in place. I needed to know Charlotte was all right.

Minutes ticked by while I waited in the hall. Too many. Finally, Olivia emerged from the ladies’ room, her eyes wide.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“She says she’s fine,” Olivia whispered. “But… I’m not sure.”

“Is she alone in there?”

“Yes. Are you⁠—?”

“Going in,” I cut her off. “Yes.”

I knocked lightly before pushing the door open when there was no answer.

She was at the sink, elbows braced on the marble countertop, head bowed into her hands. Her dark hair veiled her face, and her shoulders trembled just enough to betray her.

“Charlotte?” My voice was low, cautious.

“I’m fine,” she whispered without meeting my gaze. The words were brittle. But she repeated them. “I’m fine.”

This should’ve been my cue to step back, to remember she was my boss and not someone who wanted or needed me taking charge. But she wasn’t just my CEO in this moment. She was a woman who’d fought to keep another human alive, and the adrenaline crash was catching up with her.

She needed someone, whether she was ready to admit it or not.

I stepped back into the hall and found Olivia still hovering nearby. “I need you to gather Charlotte’s things and bring them in here,” I said quietly. “Clear her schedule for the rest of the day. I’m taking her home.”

Olivia blinked, startled. “Home-home?”

“Yes. She’s in no condition to stay here, and she doesn’t need an audience. Meanwhile, I trust you to keep this between us.” I held her gaze a moment, knowing she understood given her close relationship with her boss. “I’ll check in with Bobby and Sheila, give them directions on what to do, and be back in five minutes for Charlotte. I’ll make sure she gets home.”

Olivia nodded quickly. “Of course. I’ll take care of it.”