CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - A Brewing Storm

"I should, um, I should get some sleep," she said, gathering her papers. "Early start tomorrow." Mason nodded, standing up. "Of course. Good luck with Meridian. Though I doubt you'll need it." As Claire prepared for bed, she found her thoughts drifting not to the impending meeting, but to the man in the next room. His support and insight had been unexpected, but more than that, it was the way he'd believed in her abilities without question. The next morning, Claire strode into the Meridian Corp offices with renewed confidence. Armed with the strategy she and Mason had developed, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. "Ms. Langford," Meridian's CFO, Jonathan Reeves, greeted her with a cool nod. "I hope you understand the gravity of our concerns." Claire met his gaze steadily. "I do, Mr. Reeves. And I believe we have a solution that will not only address your concerns but position Meridian for unprecedented growth." As she launched into her presentation, Claire could