BETWEEN TWO BROTHERS AND A PAST

Chapter 3: A Familiar Face

Andrew POV

“Luke, we can’t keep dragging this out,” I say, pacing the length of my office while Luke leans lazily against the desk, his arms crossed.

As cool as ever, Luke responds, "I know, Andrew," as if we were talking about the weather rather than a company in trouble. "But laying off employees? That’s not exactly going to win you any fans.”

Putting a hand through my hair, I yell, "This isn't about being popular. The numbers don’t lie. Kane Enterprises won't make it through the upcoming quarter if we don't make any cuts. I can already feel the board breathing down my neck."

With a groan, Luke moves away from the desk. “I get it, but you’re talking about people’s jobs here. They have been here for years, some of them."

I turn to face him and respond fiercely, "I don't have a choice. It is evident from the financial records. Already, rumors of a "lack of leadership" are circulating. Would you prefer someone else to be in charge of this business?"

He stops talking after that. Luke doesn't have a comeback for once. Reluctantly, he simply nods. "All right. We’ll review the departments this week and figure out where we can make the cuts.”

"Good," I reply, experiencing a slight sense of relaxation. “We need to show the board that we’re handling this before they decide to step in.”

Luke's expression is stiff as he stuffs his hands into his pockets. "Andrew, what if that isn't enough? What if they've already decided on something?"

I say, "They haven't," more to persuade myself than to persuade him. "Not just yet."

After examining me for a while, Luke shrugs. “Whatever you say, big brother. Just don’t let this place eat you alive.”

"I won't," I say firmly.

He turns to go, but I stop him. "Luke, please ensure that I receive those updated projections from the finance team today."

Luke says, "On it," as he leaves the room. "Try not to kill anyone while I'm away; I'll be back in a minute."

I don't even bother answering. I let out a long breath as the door shuts behind him and I look at the enormous pile of documents on my desk. My life revolves around this company. I've sacrificed everything for years to keep the Kane name at the top and keep it afloat. I won’t let it fall, not under my watch.

After giving me the updated forecasts, Luke returned to his chair fifteen minutes later, and I was leaving his office with my head thumping from the discussion. It's going to be a terrible week.

Someone turns the corner and almost runs me over when I'm hardly paying attention.

I say loudly, "Watch where you're going," as my hand flies out to steady her.

Her face flushes deep red as she freezes, her eyes wide.

“Oh...I’m sorry, I...” She seems utterly uncomfortable as she stammers.

I scan her face with narrowed eyes. Her long brown hair is nicely tied back, giving her a youthful appearance, possibly in her mid-twenties. She has a certain quality. Something special, but I'm not sure what it is.

"Julia!" The silence is broken by Luke's voice. I look up to see him standing up and approaching us from his chair, his effortless smile intact as usual.

He nods at me and then turns to face the girl. "Andrew," he says. "There you are, Julia. I was just about to check in on you.”

Julia. I turn the name over in my head, still staring at her as Luke continues talking.

Luke points to me and says, "This is Andrew Kane, my brother. This is Julia Hart, Andrew. She only began today."

I nod quickly and reply, "Miss Hart," in a curt manner. Her name doesn’t trigger anything, but the feeling remains. I think I've seen her before. I just don’t know where.

She gives me a tense expression as though she's waiting for me to say something else. When I don’t, she quickly says, “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Kane.”

"Likewise," I respond firmly.

Luke puts a hand on her shoulder and smiles as he always does. "Don't be afraid of him. He just looks mean.”

I give Luke a fierce look. "Instead of standing here, shouldn't you be showing her where she's supposed to work?"

Luke shakes his head and says, "Calm down, Andrew. I've already done that."

I say, "Good," and walk away without saying anything else. I don’t have time for this.

Back in my office, I can’t shake the feeling. Something about that girl Julia keeps coming back to me. She seemed to recognize me based on the way she looked at me. I felt as though I should know her.

I pinch the bridge of my nose as I recline in my chair. Focus, Andrew. You don't have time to let a new hire divert your attention. Kane Enterprises is in disarray, and I have to make it better.

My thoughts are interrupted as the phone on my desk rings. Already annoyed, I grab it. “Andrew Kane.”

"This is Richard, Andrew."

I straighten up when I hear one of the board members' voices. "What can I do for you, Richard?"

On the other end, there's a pause that makes my stomach turn.

Richard speaks slowly, "Andrew, the board has been examining the company's financial situation, and we're... worried."

"I know what's going on," I respond firmly. "Actions are already being taken to address it."

"I hope so," Richard responds in a calm voice. "Because people are losing faith in your leadership as it stands. We are not happy, and neither are the stockholders."

I clenched my jaw, trying to maintain my composure. "Richard, what exactly are you proposing?"

He states plainly, "Perhaps it's time to think about stepping aside."

I felt like I was slapped across the face by the words. “Step aside?”

Richard hastily adds, "Temporarily," as if it lessens the damage. "Until everything settles down. The board thinks the company would benefit from hiring someone with great skills with a different viewpoint at this time."

"And you don't think I can?" With a sharp voice, I snap.

"I didn't say that," Richard responds coolly. “But you need to understand this is a business, Andrew. It’s not personal.”

Not personal? I clamp down on the phone until my knuckles are white. “I’ve kept this company running for years, Richard. I've given up everything to maintain our dominance. And now you want me to step down?”

“Calm down, Andrew,” Richard says, his tone annoyingly patronizing. "No decision has been made as of yet. I’m just giving you a warning that this is where things are heading unless you turn it around, Quickly."

Before I can reply, the line goes dead. Anger swelling in my chest, I slap the phone back into its base.

Step aside? After all that I've done for this business?. After I've sacrificed everything?.

My mind racing, I get up and start pacing the office. The board is losing it’s confidence in me. The business is declining.

I pause my pacing and gaze at the city below through the window.

But right now, I have bigger problems.

The board is in for another surprise if they believe I will allow them to remove me.