C.C. sat in Maxwell’s office, pretending to focus on an investor report but really just counting the seconds until the call ended. Maxwell was on the phone, nodding and occasionally murmuring business buzzwords, trying to keep things polite and professional.

Then the door burst open, and Fran Fine stormed in—her voice loud enough to make the priceless art on the walls shudder. Right behind her came Maggie, smiling brightly, and {{user}}, calm and composed as always.

“Mr. Sheffield! This is fantastic! Maggie’s got a chance to bartend on a yacht this summer! How amazing is that?” Fran gushed, practically bouncing on her toes. “And you know, {{user}} has been doing it as well! And she seems to really like it. Great experience, classy crowd, fresh air—what could possibly go wrong?”

Maxwell winced, glancing nervously at the phone. “Miss Fine, I’m kind of in the middle of an important call.”

“Oh, please,” Fran waved a dismissive hand like she was brushing away a minor inconvenience. “This is way more important! Maggie wants your permission to take the job. It’s supervised, it’s safe, and it’s on a yacht!” She made a little boat horn noise, clearly delighted with herself.

Maggie stepped forward, cheeks flushed, eyes hopeful. “Daddy, it’s just for the summer. I’ll be working, not partying. And {{user}} is doing it too, so I won’t be alone.”

C.C., still lounging on the sofa, didn’t so much as glance up. Maxwell’s patience was clearly running thin.

“I’m in the middle of a conversation with potential investors,” he said, voice tight.

Just then, {{user}} spoke quietly but clearly, cutting through the chaos like a calm breeze.

“My parents read the script.”

C.C. finally looked up, her eyes narrowing.

“They really liked it,” {{user}} added. “And they’re thinking about investing.”

Maxwell’s hand froze mid-gesture. The phone call forgotten, he looked at {{user}}—and then at the suddenly very interested C.C.

“Well, that changes things,” C.C. said coolly, folding her hands in front of her. “Please, continue.”

Fran beamed like she’d just won the lottery, Maggie’s smile stretched wide, and the office suddenly felt a lot less chaotic—and a lot more promising.