Chapter 41: Ready or Not
Diane’s POV
The drive back to Joan’s beach house was a blur. My mind was still processing the meeting with Andrew, the weight of the cashier’s check in my purse a tangible reminder of my newfound alliance.
The evening sky painted the ocean in hues of purple and orange as I pulled into the driveway, the familiar sight of Joan’s beach house oddly comforting despite it being my temporary refuge.
I spotted Joan immediately, sitting on the wooden deck facing the shore, her silhouette illuminated by the setting sun. She jumped to her feet the moment she saw my car, rushing over before I could even properly park.
"Where have you been?" she demanded as I stepped out, her voice a mixture of relief and exasperation. "I’ve been calling you for hours!"
"I’m sorry," I said, embracing her tightly. The warmth of her hug reminded me how lucky I was to have her in my corner. "My phone was on silent. I was with Andrew."
Joan pulled back, her eyebrows shooting up. "Andrew? The guy who hit you with his car? Diane, I told you to wait until I finished looking into him."
I sighed, grabbing my purse and the folder Andrew had given me. "I know, I know. But he called, and after what happened with Liam today, I just... I needed to hear what he had to say."
Joan’s expression shifted. "What Did you do? Diane, please tell me you didn’t do anything reckless."
I couldn’t help the smile that crept onto my face. "Let’s go inside. I have a lot to tell you."
Once settled on the couch, I handed her the folder. "Andrew gave me this. It’s information about Synergy Sphere and a plan to acquire enough shares to challenge him."