Chapter 18 - THE COST OF A NAMEGrant assumed experience would open doors.
It didn’t.
At least not immediately.
Montgomery Group issued statement:
Grant Montgomery has taken an indefinite leave from executive responsibilities due to private family matters.
Polite.
Devastating.
Competitors hesitated to hire him.
Partners did not want to antagonize Beatrice while trust dispute and board politics remained active.
One recruiter said:
“You’re overqualified.”
Another:
“Timing is difficult.”
Another:
“Perhaps after situation resolves.”
Grant understood.
He had always thought relationships belonged to him.
Some belonged to surname.
That was humbling.
Savings existed.
Personal money Beatrice could not touch.
Enough for months.
Not luxury forever.
Grant cut spending.
Sold second car.
Canceled club.
Audra offered returning work.
Grant said:
“You don’t have to.”
She looked at him sharply.
“I know.”
He immediately corrected.
“Sorry.”
“I didn’t mean—”
“I know.”
Audra had bookkeeping skills.
She began remote work for small businesses.
Not because Grant failed.
Because partnership.
Caleb started new school with counselor support.
He hated bathrooms with large mirrors.
Grant told school.
No shame.
Therapy began.
Some nights Caleb woke.
Grant went every time.
Work calls could wait now.
May you like
Because there were fewer.
And that was okay.
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