Chapter 42: Plans in the Dark

IZZY’S POV

I left the hospital feeling a mix of fury and focus. My hands were shaking, my chest was tight, but I refused to cry.

When I got home, Janet was waiting outside in the small visitor’s lounge, arms crossed, watching me like she knew I was about to explode.

“Well?” she asked when I walked in. “How is he?”

“Helpless,” I said flatly. “He can’t move, Janet. He’s trapped in that chair, and I’m supposed to just watch it happen?”

Janet held up her hands. “I know, I get it. But yelling at me isn’t going to fix anything.”

I spun to face her. “I’m not yelling! I’m fine, maybe I am yelling, but can you blame me? He’s my father!

Janet came closer and put a hand on my shoulder. “I know it’s hard. I felt it too, the first time I saw him like that.”

“Felt it too?” I snapped. “You didn’t grow up watching him run everything, watching him build an empire, thinking he was untouchable, and now see him like this!”

She flinched at my tone but didn’t step back. “I understand that, Izzy. I do. But you need to think. Right now, you’re furious. Good. Use that. But channel it. Don’t let it destroy you.”

I shook my head. “Channel it? How? He can’t walk, Janet! He can’t even move. And people are already sniffing around, wondering who will take over. I can’t just let this happen.”

“No one’s asking you to let it happen,” she said calmly. “You can act. You can protect him. You just have to plan, not explode.”

“I’m planning!” I shot back. “I’m planning in my head, but how do I start? Who do I call first? Do I tell the board what? Do I pretend like everything is fine?”

Janet shook her head slowly. “Don’t pretend. That’s the last thing you should do. Be honest, but firm. You need people to know that he’s still in charge through you. That you’re managing things.”

I sank into a chair, rubbing my face. “I don’t know if I can do that. What if they see me as weak? What if they think I’m just the daughter playing at being important?”

Janet sat beside me. “They already see you as a threat. That’s good, but you have to prove it. You have to act confident. Speak clearly and make decisions. Show them you’re not messing around.”

I shook my head. “I’ve never done this before. I’ve never had to handle this kind of responsibility. My whole life, I’ve followed. I’ve watched. I’ve learned, but actually running things? Making the calls?

Janet leaned closer. “You can handle it. You just need to stop thinking about it like it’s impossible. Break it down, Today, you’ll call a few key people. You don’t have to fix everything at once.”

I ran my hands through my hair. “Step by step… I guess but what if Dad… what if he can’t… what if he never walks again?”

Janet took a deep breath. “Then we adjust. You don’t let it stop you. You make sure the empire stays intact, no matter what. He’ll still guide you, even from that chair. You just have to listen carefully.”

I stared at her. “Listen carefully. Easier said than done. I’m angry. I’m scared. I don’t know how to keep my head straight when all I want to do is scream.”

Janet gave me a small, patient smile. “Then scream, Let it out. But after, focus. Decide what has to happen first. You’re not alone, I’ll help you. I’ll be there.”

“I don’t want help,” I said sharply. “I don’t want anyone telling me what to do. I want to do this myself.”

“That’s fine,” she said. “I won’t tell you what to do. I’ll support you but don’t shut yourself off. You’ll need guidance.”

I looked down, thinking. “Okay… first, I need a list. Who’s loyal, who’s not. Who I can trust to handle things without panicking, and who might try to take advantage. That’s the first step.”

“Good,” Janet said. “Make it. Write it down. Then make another list of immediate priorities. What has to be handled today, what can wait. And then…” she paused, looking at me seriously, “ You execute. You take control.”

“I can do that,” I muttered, more to myself than her.

“Good,” she said. “Because this won’t wait for your emotions to settle. People will act fast. You have to be faster.”

I clenched my fists. “Faster. Okay. First the board. I’ll call them. I’ll tell them exactly what’s going on. No one is allowed to step in and pretend they’re in charge.”

Janet nodded. “Exactly and remember, even though your father can’t walk, he’s still the final authority. Make it clear you’re his representative. Don’t make decisions on your own yet. Just show strength and control.”

I looked at her, eyes sharp. “Strength and control. People are going to see that I’m in charge, even if I’m just his daughter. Even if I’m scared.”

Janet leaned back. “Good and don’t forget, you also need to keep him informed. His input matters. Even if he’s limited physically, he’s still your guide. That way, he feels in control, and people see he’s still leading.”

“I’ll do that,” I said firmly. “Every step of the way. I’ll keep him in the loop. I won’t let anyone take advantage of him or the company while he’s like this. Not a single person.”

Janet got up. “Then start. Make your calls. Draft your plans. I’ll stay here while you do it, if you need support.”

“No,” I said. “I need to do this. I need to feel in control. I need to be the one driving this, not hiding behind anyone. But you can watch my back, quietly.”

“Quietly,” she agreed, smirking slightly.

I grabbed my phone from my bag. “First, the board. Then key staff. Then decisions about operations. One step at a time, like you said.”

Janet nodded. “Exactly. Step by step. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Don’t let emotions dictate your moves. Think logically, act decisively. That’s how you survive this.”

I took a deep breath and dialed the first number. My hands shook a little, but I forced my voice steady. “This is Izzy. Let’s talk about the company bec

ause nothing changes.”

Janet leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, and