Chapter 832 Team Meeting

832 Team Meeting

The insistent trill of the phone sliced through Amy's restless sleep and dream. It wasn't a dream filled with laughter and sunshine, but a restless one haunted by the echoing silence of Miley's absence. She fumbled for the phone, blinking away the remnants of the dream and the dull ache in her chest that had become a constant companion these past four days.

"Hello?" she rasped, her voice thick with sleep and grief.

"Amy, it's Mom," came her mother's voice, laced with a tremor that mirrored the unease blooming in Amy's stomach.

Amy sat up, fully awake now. "Hey, Mom. Everything alright? Why the early call?" She asked as she squinted at the alarm clock on the nightstand. It was barely six on a Tuesday morning.

There was a beat of silence on the other end of the line, then a sigh. "I just received an unexpected text."

Amy's stomach clenched. "Unexpected? From who?"

"Mrs. Garwood," her mother confessed.

Amy's breath hitched. Ever since the incident with Miley, all communication between them and the Garwoods had ceased. They were persona non grata, banished from Miley's life and, it seemed, from her death as well.

"What did she want?" Amy asked, bracing herself for the worst.

"She... she asked me to tell you," her mother fumbled, "that Miley's funeral is tomorrow, Wednesday. And that we are welcome to attend."

Amy's numb heart lurched. A funeral? Miley? This couldn't be real. "But... I thought they didn't..." Her voice trailed off, unable to voice the accusation.

"I know, dear," her mother interrupted gently. "I was just as surprised. Apparently, Mrs. Garwood... well, something changed her mind."

Intrigue clawed at the edges Amy's grief. What could have possibly caused such a turnabout? The Garwoods had been adamant about cutting all ties.

"Did you find out why?" Amy pressed.

There was another pause, longer this time. "I couldn't ask her. I mean, she was kind enough to invite us, so it wouldn't be logical to ask her that. But I asked the cook. She mentioned something about a visit from a Dr. Perry. I guess something he said changed their mind about you."

Amy's heart stuttered in her chest. Lucas? He wouldn't. He couldn't have...

"Dr. Lucas Perry?" Amy mumbled.

"Do you know him, Amy?" Her mother asked curiously.

A wave of warmth washed over Amy. Lucas wouldn't have told her, wouldn't have wanted to take credit. But the thought of him intervening, of using his influence to give her a chance to say goodbye to Miley... it was overwhelming.

"Yes. He's a friend, Mom," Amy managed, her voice thick with unshed tears.

"A very good one I see," her mother said, "Well, we owe him a huge debt of gratitude," her mother said firmly. "Let's talk about it when we meet. You will be able to make it for the funeral, right?"

The question grounded Amy. "The funeral is tomorrow, right? I should be there."

"Absolutely," her mother agreed. "Can you get on a flight soon?"

"I will have to stop by the office first, clear some things up," Amy said, already leaping out of bed. "Don't worry, Mom, I'll be there."

"I will be expecting you," her mother responded before hanging up.

"Now, I will split you up into departments and assign specific roles to each department. I expect daily progress reports from each department, no exceptions."

The next couple of minutes flew by in a flurry of ideas and challenges. Lucy fielded questions, offered solutions, and kept the energy high. It was a masterclass in leadership, a display of both vision and meticulous planning.

"I have complete faith that we are going to make a huge splash in Paris. Remember, we won't just be showcasing clothes, we will be showcasing a story. Let's tell the world what I-G clothing line is all about: bold designs, impeccable quality, and a commitment to innovation."

As everyone trooped out of her office, Tom rose up to clap for her, "Bravo, my lady! Bravo!" He said, and she laughed as she closed her laptop.

"You know, if I wasn't already crazy about you, watching you do your thing just now was a huge turn on," Tom said and Lucy grinned.

"Thanks. I feel the same way when I watch you do your thing," Lucy said with a wink as she joined him and Tom chuckled.

"What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were supposed to be busy?" She asked, and her gaze drifted to the door where Amy was standing.

"Excuse me for a moment," Lucy said before Tom could respond, and she went out to meet Amy, who was circling outside her door.

"Amy, is everything alright?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Amy hesitated, "I'm very sorry for what I'm about to say, Lucy," Amy said without meeting Lucy's gaze.

Sensing that she knew what Amy wanted to say, Lucy raised an eyebrow, a gentle amusement replacing the concern. "Apology accepted. Now, say it."

Taking a deep breath, Amy explained the unexpected call from her mother, the news of Miley's funeral, and the even more unexpected invitation from Mrs. Garwood. Finally, she confessed, "I know it's a lot to ask, especially considering that you let me take some time off before and I don't want it to seem like I'm taking advantage of your kindness, but would it be possible... could I take three days off? I need to go to Miley's funeral tomorrow. I promise not to take any more breaks from work even if I'm ill and dying I will show up. Please, Lucy. I really need to say goodbye to her," Amy pleaded.

To Amy's surprise, Lucy's expression softened, a flicker of understanding passing through her eyes, "Amy, there's no need to apologize," she said gently. "Of course you can go. Miley was your best friend. I'm glad that you've been able to resolve things with her family and you can attend the funeral."

A wave of relief washed over Amy. "Thank you, Lucy. Thank you so much," Amy said and Lucy smiled.

"It's fine, Amy. Really," Lucy said and turned around to return to her office but Amy stopped her.

"Lucy," Amy started hesitantly, "Did Lucas tell you he visited Miley's family and talked to them on my behalf?"

Lucy's gaze flickered for a moment, a barely perceptible flicker of emotion crossing her face. She seemed on the verge of denial, then she simply shrugged.

"Lucas has a way of... helping people."

"I need to thank him," Amy said, her voice filled with determination. "Can I have his contact number?"

"Actually, Lucas doesn't have a phone. He communicates with us using Tyler's phone, and I will have to ask him first before giving that to you," Lucy said apologetically.

"I understand. Please thank him on my behalf, and let him know I will appreciate it if he lets me give him a call," Amy said and Lucy nodded.

"I will tell him just that. You should be on your way, Amy," Lucy said and Amy nodded as she hurried away, while Lucy went back to meet Tom.

As Amy hurried out of the company, a familiar figure brushed past her, and she frowned as she looked back.

What was Rachel doing at the company?

Some chapters ago when I mentioned about Lucy being the fashionista of the group and being a designer, some readers seemed surprised by it. It made me realize I haven’t really shown her doing her thing, and that is the reason for this chapter.

Miss_Behaviou