"Nova Empire Stock Plummets Amid Rumors of Instability"
The headline glared from my tablet screen as I sipped my morning coffee, my expression betraying nothing as I scrolled through the article. The financial reporter had woven a compelling narrative of uncertainty based on little more than speculation and "unnamed sources close to the company."
Damage control would be needed, but I'd weathered worse storms. Much worse.
"Mommy, can I have more pancakes?" Betty's voice pulled my attention away from the screen. My daughter sat across the breakfast table, maple syrup smeared across her cheek, blue eyes bright with innocence.
I smiled, the tension in my shoulders momentarily easing. A wave of tenderness washed over me at the sight of her. "Of course, sweetheart." I signaled to our houseke
