She nodded, still hovering in the doorway. “It’s really good to see you. Things haven’t been the same.”
The simple sincerity in her voice was a balm. “It’s good to see you too, Lisa. After coffee, could you block out an hour? I’d like to catch up on what I’ve missed.”
“Of course. I’ll be right back with coffee and my notes.”
After she left, I moved to the window, gazing out at the sprawling tech campus below. From here, I could see the bench where Marco and I used to eat lunch on sunny days, discussing product features and dreaming about the future. The memory rocked me, but I shrugged it off.
I had a plan. A fragile, half-formed plan born after Arthur’s visit, when rage had momentarily cut through my grief. Arthurwanted to run my company. He’d underestimated me. Everyone always did.
Lisa returned with coffee and a thick folder of notes. For the next hour, she walked me through everything that had happened since Marco’s death. The projects that had been quietly shelved. The key personnel who’d been sidelined or reassigned. The subtle shifts in messaging and strategy that added up to a fundamental change in direction.
“He’s smart about it,” Lisa said, her voice neutral. “Nothing dramatic enough to raise red flags. Just gradual course corrections that he frames as ‘business as usual’ during the transition.”
“But it adds up,” I said, skimming the notes.
“It adds up,” she confirmed.
A shark in a suit,I thought, remembering Austin’s words. Even my eight-year-old son had known what I’d dismissed. I needed to make a stand. A public appearance to show everyone I was far from being a hopeless, grieving widow.
“What about the BioInnovate Conference?” I asked suddenly. “It’s coming up soon, isn’t it?”
Lisa blinked at the change of subject. “In two weeks.” She paused. “Marco always loved that conference.”
“I know.” I set down my coffee cup, an idea crystallizing. “Pull everything we have on this year’s event. Attendee lists, speaking schedules, networking events. Who’s confirmed, who’s speaking, and which investors will be there.”
“Are you thinking of attending?” Lisa’s eyes widened.
“I’m thinking it might be exactly what I need.” I met her gaze. “Arthur wants the board to decide my fate in less than two months. I must show them I can still bring in the deals, still attract investors.”
Understanding dawned on Lisa’s expression. “BioInnovate would be the perfect venue. Everyone who matters in medical technology will be there.”
“Exactly.” I felt a satisfying spark. “Arthur thinks I’m going to crumble under pressure. He’s counting on it. But if I can secure even one major investment commitment at BioInnovate...”
“You will prove the company can survive without Marco,” Lisa finished. “And that you’re the one to lead it.”
“It’s a longshot making a deal in two months,” I admitted. “But it’s better than rolling over and letting Arthur take everything we built.”
Lisa was quiet for a moment, studying me. “You know he’s not going to make this easy. If you’re serious about fighting for this, he’ll fight back.”
“I know.”
“People will be watching to see if you can hold it together, if you’re really up to this.”
“I know that too.” I looked at the photo on my desk—Marco and me, triumphant. “But what choice do I have? Give up? Let Arthur dismantle everything we created?”
“No,” Lisa said firmly. “You fight.” She opened her folder, all business now. “Okay. BioInnovate is April 6-8 right here in San Jose. The early-bird registration deadline passed, but I can get you in.”
“Schedule meetings with investors we know. And find out if there are any new players in the medical device space—anyone looking to make a big move.”
“On it.” Lisa was already making notes. “What about Arthur? He’ll figure out what you’re doing.”
“Let him figure it out. I’m not hiding my intentions.” I straightened in my chair, starting to feel more like myself.
“I’ll have everything on your desk by tomorrow morning.” Lisa stood, then paused at the door. “Welcome back, Mrs. Carideo. I’ve missed you.”
After she left, I turned back to the window.Rage could be useful, I thought.Rage could keep me moving when grief would have paralyzed me.
Chapter
