Chapter 2 – The New Face of the Company

Walter continued, apparently unaware or unbothered by the horror rippling through the ballroom, explaining that Sienna would be taking over as the “new face of Reed Auto Group’s next chapter,” a phrase he’d clearly rehearsed, delivered with the same practiced charm he used in his radio ads.

Diana sat perfectly still at the head table, her wine glass untouched, watching twenty-two years of quiet, unglamorous work get reduced, in real time, to a punchline about a new chapter that apparently didn’t include her.

“I want to thank Diana specifically,” Walter added, as though this were somehow a kindness, “for everything she’s contributed behind the scenes over the years. We wouldn’t be here without her.”

A few scattered, uncomfortable claps followed. Diana rose from her seat calmly, smoothed her dress, and walked to the small stage where Walter still stood with the microphone, Sienna’s hand still in his.

“May I,” she said, extending her hand for the microphone with a composure that unsettled Walter more than anger would have. He handed it over, some instinct telling him not to refuse in front of this particular crowd.

“Thank you, Walter,” Diana said. “I do have a few things to add about our next chapter, since you’ve brought it up.”