His 181St Second (Laverne and Marina) novel Chapter 74

**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale**
**Chapter 74**

(25)

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As Marina stepped through the ornate gates of the Finley family estate, a familiar sense of anticipation washed over her. The sprawling yard, with its manicured lawns and vibrant flower beds, felt both welcoming and daunting. Her gaze quickly found Elnora, standing on the second-floor balcony, silhouetted against the warm glow of the interior lights.

The brightness behind her cast shadows across her face, obscuring her expression and leaving Marina with a sense of unease.

With a heavy heart, Marina took tentative steps forward, her head tilting upward slightly. The weight of defeat and disappointment hung like a cloud over her, making her feel smaller than usual.

“Elnora, I didn’t finish my task,” she admitted, the words escaping her lips almost reluctantly.

Elnora’s gaze shifted downward, her hazel eyes piercing through the distance between them. Her expression remained inscrutable, a mask of composure that revealed nothing of her thoughts.

“Don’t worry. He’ll let you start working there,” Elnora replied, her voice smooth and assured, as if she had already foreseen the outcome.

The reassurance in Elnora’s tone acted like a balm to Marina’s frayed nerves, and she felt a flicker of hope begin to spark within her.

Elnora’s attention then moved to the neck brace that Marina wore, a stark reminder of her recent troubles.

“What happened to your neck?” Elnora inquired, her brow furrowing slightly, concern creeping into her expression.

Marina managed a sheepish smile, trying to downplay her discomfort. “Oh, it’s nothing serious. Just caught a chill and ended up with a muscle cramp. It’s really not bothering me that much.”

Elnora’s frown deepened, her eyes reflecting a depth of emotion that was hard to decipher.

“Make sure to take some time for a thorough check-up, okay?” Elnora insisted, her tone firm yet caring.

Marina nodded, a sense of gratitude swelling within her. “Of course. Once I join Zamora Group, they’ll definitely arrange one for me,” she replied, feeling a sense of relief at the thought of not having to bear the costs alone.

Without another word, Elnora turned and retreated back inside, leaving Marina standing in the yard, a strange mix of emotions swirling within her. Perhaps it was Elnora’s confidence that reignited Marina’s own; she felt a surge of determination wash over her, dispelling the confusion that had clouded her mind about starting at Zamora Group.

The following day dawned bright and early. As soon as Elnora descended the stairs, Marina was right behind her, having made a deliberate effort to rise with the sun so she could share breakfast with her sister.

“Morning, Elnora,” Marina chirped, her enthusiasm evident as she plopped down across from her, a bright smile lighting up her face.

“Morning,” Elnora replied, her voice lacking the warmth Marina had hoped for.

Gauri, the ever-efficient housekeeper, approached with a bowl of cereal, placing it in front of Marina with a practiced smile.

Marina took the bowl, her spoon diving into the cereal as she began chatting about the latest developments at Finley Group, eager to share her thoughts.

Yet, Elnora remained mostly silent, her brow furrowed in a way that suggested she was lost in her own troubling thoughts.

“Elnora, are you feeling alright?” Marina asked, concern creeping into her voice as she noticed her sister’s unusual demeanor.

Elnora shook her head slightly, and just then, her phone rang, interrupting the moment. She grabbed it quickly, saying, “You eat first; I need to head out.”

With her briefcase in hand, Elnora walked out, already engrossed in a phone conversation.

Marina watched her sister’s retreating figure, noting the way Elnora seemed to carry a heavier burden today. Her posture was slightly slouched, a stark contrast to the usual confidence she exuded.

It wasn’t until Elnora was completely out of sight that Marina turned her gaze away, feeling an inexplicable sting in her nose, though she couldn’t quite articulate why.

Her phone buzzed on the table, pulling her attention.

Checking it, she found a message from someone at Ross Group.

[Ms. Finley, when are you coming back to Ross Group? With all the rumors and gossip flying around lately, a bunch of clients we’ve already locked in are now sitting on the fence, holding off on signing with us.]

[Mr. Ross has been working himself to the bone at the office, pulling two all-nighters in a row. If he keeps going like this, his body’s not going to hold up.]

[Everyone’s counting on you to come back and steer the ship. We’re honestly at a loss about what to do next with Ross Group.]

Marina read the messages, her face betraying no emotion as she processed the implications. Without a moment’s hesitation, she composed a response.

[If you guys really can’t make a decision, then just form a liquidation committee and shut the company down.]

Back at Ross Group in Sicester, the employee who received Marina’s message was left utterly speechless.

Lavern stood at his desk, his expression as icy as the winter air outside. His glare fixed on Marina’s reply was so fierce it felt as if it could cut through steel.

“Mr. Ross, it’s probably just that Ms. Finley hasn’t calmed down yet, so she’s speaking out of anger,” one of the staff ventured cautiously.

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