CHAPTER FIFTY SIX – OUT ON A DATE WITH AN EX

Over the next half hour, Scarlett simply listened as Henry spoke - really spoke - likely for the first time in years. He wove a tale of Terracotta's long decline, of reducing market share to hungrier, more innovative competitors year after year. He described the looming specter of bankruptcy, detailing how layoffs were just the first bitter pill in a much larger regimen of austerity measures required to keep the company solvent. "I don't want to do it, Scarlett," he admitted, looking for all the world like a man carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. "Cutting people, letting them go out into this economy...you have no idea how much it haunts me." Scarlett was unable to tear her eyes away from the naked anguish written across his chiseled features. Without conscious thought, she found herself reaching out to cover his hand with her own in a gentle squeeze. "But you have to do it," she murmured, seeking his gaze. "For the greater good of the company, and everyone still e