CHAPTER 411: THE COMPANY'S BAD SHAPE

"How was your flight? I can really see how tired you are looking, dear." Juliana helped Lauretta with her items of luggage and gave her a playful light tap on Lauretta's shoulders. Lauretta sank onto the plush couch in Juliana's living room, letting out a sigh that rivaled the wind shear she'd just experienced on her descent into JFK. "Ugh, that flight was the longest six hours of my life. Turbulence all the way, and the guy next to me kept snoring like a grizzly bear!" Juliana chuckled, setting down a steaming mug of tea. "Welcome back to the land of the (hopefully) less-noisy neighbors. Here, chamomile – should help you unwind." Lauretta gratefully cradled the mug, inhaling the calming scent. "Thanks, Jules. You're a lifesaver. Now, tell me everything! How did things go while I was gone?" Juliana's smile faltered slightly. "Well... it's been a rollercoaster, to say the least." Her gaze darted towards the window, momentarily lost in thought. "You know Stanley? Your precious brothe