CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN – FIGHT THE RUMORS

As the week progressed, the strain began to show in their work. They missed deadlines, made careless mistakes, and snapped at their small but growing staff. On Friday afternoon, Joan overheard two of their newly hired therapists whispering in the break room. "I don't know if I made the right choice coming here," one said. "If the founders can't even get along, how are we supposed to function as a team?" The words hit Joan like a bucket of cold water. She realized that their personal conflict was threatening everything they'd worked so hard to build. That evening, she called Zoe. "We need to talk," she said when Zoe answered. "Really talk. Can you meet me at the office tomorrow morning?" There was a long pause before Zoe replied. "Okay. 9 AM?" "See you then," Joan said, feeling a glimmer of hope. The next morning, Joan arrived early, armed with coffee and pastries from their favorite bakery. When Zoe walked in, looking tired and wary, Joan offered a tentative smile. "Peace offe