A Fresh Start

"Remember the lucky charm, Mom!" Over the speakerphone, Odegaard's lucid, six-year-old conviction was audible. Rachel Green smiled as she adjusted the lapel of her jacket in the ornate bathroom mirror of the conference center.

"I've got it right here, champ." She patted the miniature dinosaur figure that was lying in the backpack's tiny pocket. "Remember what we talked about? I'll call you as soon as the meeting is over.

"All right, but swear to me you'll kill them!" Rachel chuckled, her heart gladened  by her son's confidence."Make a commitment." After taking a calming breath, she ended the call.

The prestigious Sterling Business Summit was more than just a networking event. For Rachel, it was an opportunity to form the partnership that would support the expansion of her company, GreenTech Innovations.

As she stepped out of the restroom, her shoes clicked deliberately on the marble floor. The air was filled with conversation, and the enormous ballroom was crowded with well-dressed professionals.

Rachel's sharp eyes scanned the audience, focusing on Henry Sterling, the keynote speaker and CEO of Sterling Enterprises. A waiter carrying champagne passed by. Rachel refused with a polite smile and focused attention.

"Is it not, Ms. Green?" She was halted in her steps by the deep, recognizable voice. She turned slowly, her heart pounding in her chest. Alexander Sterling. In front of her stood the guy she hadn't seen in nearly eight years, his big form covered in a tight suit, his keen gray eyes meeting hers with a fearsome and exciting intensity.

Although she was having internal strife, she quietly said, "Mr. Sterling." "I didn't think you would be here." His lips twisted into a smile that hardly made it to his eyes. "My father will be the keynote speaker at this conference, which bears our names. It's hardly startling.

Rachel tightened her hold on her clutch. "Obviously." "Why have you come here?" He asked in a casual manner, his gaze piercing. "A business opportunity," she said simply, unwilling to go into any detail. "Pardon me, I need to find someone." As she passed Alexander, she heard his low voice, tainted with something that made her stomach flip. "Good luck, Rachel. You'll need it.

She quickened her speed as the air around her became suddenly too heavy. Eight years was not long enough to forget that he could make her uncomfortable with a single look. When Rachel saw Henry Sterling speaking to a group of executives near the stage, she dismissed the encounter.

She straightened her back and moved closer, her confidence growing with each step. She said, "Mr. Sterling," cutting through the chaos. Rachel Green is the CEO of GreenTech Innovations. I've been looking forward to our encounter.

A nice smile creased the corners of Henry's eyes as he turned. Ms. Green, I've heard good things about your work. How can I assist you? Rachel made her presentation with clarity and intent. She discussed the innovative concepts of her business, their room for expansion, and the possible advantages of a partnership with Sterling Enterprises. Henry listened closely, occasionally nodding.

When she finished, he gave her a serious look. "Your proposal is excellent, Ms. Green. I need some time to go over the details, but I would want to discuss it more. Mr. Sterling, of course. I appreciate your time.

Henry excused himself, and Rachel smiled a small, satisfied smile. The initial phase was finished.  "Very impressive."  Her heart sank when she heard Alexander's voice behind her. She turned to face him with a purposefully boring expression.

"You seem to have gained some knowledge since..." With an angry smirk, he left the phrase hanging. "Ever since you left my life?" She finished for him, her voice harsher than she had meant. "Yes, I have." His smile slowed down for a second and then returned.

We both seem to have. However, Rachel, tell me why you're here at all. She gritted her teeth. Saying, "It's business," Alexander stepped forward, his presence authoritative. "And nothing private?" Rachel refused to give up. "I'm done, Alexander. Whatever we had is a thing of the past.  Maybe ancient.  But overlooked?  Before she could answer, there was a ruckus close to the door.

A man in a security uniform rushed through the crowd, his face white, and people shuffled and whispered.  Around her, Rachel heard snippets of the whispers.  "Accident... someone passed out..."  Her chest grew constricted.  She brushed past Alexander and walked toward the assembling crowd, saying, "Pardon me." She was frozen in place by the scene that developed as she got closer.

Henry Sterling's normally ruddy face was suddenly pale as he lay on the floor, unconscious.  "Make an ambulance call!" someone yelled.  Rachel's eyes shot to Alexander, who was kneeling next to his father, trying to resuscitate him while wearing a mask of terror and resolve.

She paused, caught between the urge to assist and the knowledge that everything could change at this precise moment.  Henry's attention briefly shifted to Rachel as his eyes briefly opened.  He let forth the smallest whisper:  "You must stop him.  Alexander.

His eyes closed once again before she could interpret what he was saying, and the paramedics showed up.  With Henry's cryptic message weighing down on her chest, Rachel stood motionless.  She had a terrible sensation that her carefully rebuilt life  was going to be turned upside down, with whatever that meant.