My mother-in-law poured an entire bucket of freezing water over me while I slept.

The corporate offices of Sterling Holdings occupy the top floor of a sleek glass-and-steel tower in downtown Portland. The conference room is vast, minimalist, and silent, save for the hum of the centralized HVAC system. Around the polished glass table sit five men and women in tailored charcoal suits, looking over the quarterly financial projections.

Clara sits at the head of the table, dressed in a sharp navy blazer and white silk blouse. Her blonde hair is pulled back into a sophisticated low ponytail. Beside her sits David, wearing a well-tailored grey suit instead of his usual casual t-shirt and jeans. He looks slightly out of his element, but his posture is straight, his expression calm and focused.

“The restructuring of the northern timber division is complete,” Clara says, her voice carrying clear and authoritative across the room. “We’ve eliminated redundant administrative costs, streamlined supply chains, and renegotiated the municipal supply contracts.”

Jonathan Vance, a senior partner with silver hair and sharp wire-rimmed glasses, adjusts his papers and looks up at Clara. “And the transition regarding the primary guarantor—Mrs. Martha Vance—has it caused any legal friction?”

“None,” Clara replies smoothly. “Her assets are fully secured in a managed trust, and her residential care is paid in full through the next fiscal year. She has no further controlling interest in the commercial holdings.”

Jonathan nods approvingly, leaning back in his leather chair. He then turns his gaze toward David. “And Mr. Vance, how do you feel about the transition of the logistics operations under the new corporate charter?”

David pauses for a brief moment, drawing in a natural, steady breath. He looks around the table, meeting the eyes of the board members without hesitation.

“For years, my family operated this business like a private fiefdom, prioritizing personal control and sentimentality over operational efficiency,” David says, his voice steady and resonant. “That era is over. Clara’s audit opened my eyes to realities I chose to ignore. Moving forward, the logistics division will operate on strict performance metrics, transparent auditing, and modern supply chain standards.”

A ripple of approval moves around the table. Jonathan smiles, picking up his pen. “Then I move to ratify the restructuring agreement. All in favor?”