Chapter 6
507words
They called it a farewell party for Mr. Henderson, but everyone knew these gatherings were when positions shifted and key personnel changed.
Before I left for the party, Mark and Tony came to see me. They looked dejected but tried to encourage me anyway. "Hunter, no matter what happens, you'll always be our boss."
This party was for core management only, but everyone in the company knew what it really meant. Changes were coming.
"Yeah, Hunter, don't worry. Even if you leave and start fresh somewhere else, we'll follow you."
I smiled and teased them, "Why so pessimistic? Things have a way of working out. Don't worry."
That evening, the heads of every department gathered together. Felix was there too, sitting beside Ms. Foster. Jenna sat next to Felix.
Everyone appeared harmonious on the surface, but they kept glancing between Felix and Ms. Foster, silently acknowledging what everyone suspected.
I sat in a corner, unnoticed. That suited me fine. I didn't want to listen to their empty pleasantries anyway.
I just ate and drank normally. Everyone tactfully avoided discussing work, toasting Mr. Henderson repeatedly instead. After all, his transfer was essentially a promotion.
Near the end of the party, the chairwoman got to the point. She was nearly 60 but looked barely 40, impeccably maintained with perfect hair and sharp, alert eyes that radiated energy.
Ms. Foster glanced around the room before smiling. "There's one more thing I haven't told you all. I've thought about it carefully, and today seems like the right time to share it."
I set down my glass and glanced toward Jenna. Her back was ramrod straight, her neck held high like a proud swan, a faint smile playing on her lips. She and Felix looked perfect together.
I shifted my gaze back to Ms. Foster as she continued speaking. "As you all know, I have a son. He didn't want people knowing about our relationship, so all these years, I've never revealed any information about him.
"But I think it's time now.
"He joined our company years ago, insisting on starting from the bottom. His work ethic speaks for itself. After all, I constantly hear you recommending him to me. As his mother, that makes me very proud.
"Since we're already celebrating for James, this seems like the perfect opportunity for you to meet him."
A slight smile graced her face, her eyes brimming with unmistakable pride. Her gaze swept past everyone before landing on me, her voice turning warm. "Hunter, come here. Why'd you pick a seat so far from me?"
Her teasing tone made everyone's expressions shift. The way they looked at Felix suddenly changed. But Jenna's reaction was the most dramatic.
The smile froze on her lips, and her straight posture crumpled slightly. Like everyone else, her eyes fixed on me, but I couldn't read the emotions there. She just looked rattled.
