JULIAN

DAYS LATER

I woke up before six and found Claire still asleep beside me. I gently left the bed and went to take my bath and get ready for work.

Today was my last day as CEO of Cross Industries. I had said I wouldn't manage it forever and that time had come today, we'd already hired a new CEO and I'd be the chairman going forward.

Serena Holloway, the board had unanimously supported the decision.

David had overseen the search process, three months of reviewing candidates, interviewing finalists, making sure we found someone who understood not just the business but the people inside it.

Serena was the right...