As expected and as it should be, I wasn't the only one who was surprised. An expression of shock fleetingly coursed through Mark's face, betraying the calm demeanor he had been portraying.

Rose's shock was loud; she couldn't contain it and flared up. "What the actual hell!" She erupted, jerking up from her sitting position. "Are you seriously giving her shares?"

Doris sized her up before calmly replying, "Yes, Rose, I am seriously giving her shares."

"Why?! Doris? Why?" Then she turned to me, her face already red with anger. "You bitch!" She glared, and even as each of those curse words tumbled out of her mouth, her voice trembled....