CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FOUR – THE SCHEMERS

The Lighthouse Protocol went into effect the next day. Joan watched nervously as the first transactions flowed through the system, but everything worked flawlessly. Over the next few weeks, she fine-tuned the protocol, adjusting parameters to ensure optimal performance. One afternoon, as Joan was reviewing the latest reports, Raina knocked on her door. "Joan? Do you have a moment?" Raina asked, her voice tinged with concern. Joan quickly minimized the financial screens. "Of course, Raina. What's on your mind?" Raina sat down, studying Joan's face. "We're all a bit worried about you. You've seemed... distracted lately. Is everything alright?" Joan felt a pang of guilt. She had been so focused on the new system that she had neglected her usual interactions with the staff. "I'm sorry, Raina. You're right, I have been preoccupied," Joan admitted. "With Zoe's situation and some... administrative challenges, I've had a lot on my plate. But I'm handling it." Raina nodded sympatheticall