CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWO - The Unspoken Divide: Corporate Chasms

Ava inched closer, straining to hear more. "You're oversimplifying things," Olivia countered. "Yes, we've taken on some risk, but the potential returns—" "Potential!" Derek interrupted. "That's all we seem to deal in these days. Potential this, potential that. Meanwhile, our stock is volatile, our investors are nervous, and Bennett's off gallivanting around Europe with his new arm candy." Ava bristled at the description but kept listening. "Watch your tone, Derek," Olivia warned. "Whatever your personal feelings about Ms. Hart, she's still our CSO." "A position she's wildly unqualified for!" Derek shot back. "Come on, Olivia. You can't tell me you don't see what's happening here. Bennett's letting his libido make business decisions." There was a pause, and Ava held her breath. "I... have my concerns about Ms. Hart's rapid rise," Olivia admitted slowly. "But that doesn't negate her contributions. The way she handled the Langston situation—" "Was lucky," Derek finished. "One luck