Page 45 of Bachelor CEO

IT WAS THURSDAY, almost two full weeksfollowing Leroy’s surgery, when Chase walked into the headquarters of McDaniel Manufacturing.

His grandfather was in stable condition andhad returned to Chenille yesterday. The doctors were optimistic that Leroywould have a complete recovery—if nothing caused him any stress.

Chase hit the button for the executive floor.All four grandchildren had agreed that Leroy shouldn’t have anything to do withwork for the next six weeks. They’d also insisted that he have a live-in,round-the-clock nurse. That was the number one thing on Chase’s agenda today.

Number two was dealing with a very annoyingWalter Peters, who had sent Chase an e-mail suggesting heleave the company in Miranda’s capable hands and continue his sabbatical asLeroy wanted.

As if. Chase wondered if Miranda was behindWalter’s correspondence. She hadn’t been too happy with some of the directiveshe’d given her this past week.

Chase left the elevator and approached Leroy’soffice. Ethel, his grandfather’s secretary, jumped to her feet.

“How is he?” she asked.

“Back home in Chenille as of yesterday,” hereplied.

“Oh thank God.” Ethel sank back into herchair. “I’ve been so worried. Everyone has.”

“He’s getting better every day. The surgerywent well. He’s going to be fine.”

Tears formed in Ethel’s eyes. “I’m so glad.”She’d been Leroy’s secretary for more than thirty years, and was practically amember of the family.

“Me, too,” Chase told her. He filled her in onwhat the doctors said. “So Leroy sleeps a lot, but that’s normal. We have tohire a nurse. The one who traveled with him can only stay another day or two.”

Ethel dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. “Doyou want me to find one?”

“That would be wonderful.”

“I’d be more than happy to. My sister had tohave a nurse a few years ago. We were very pleased with the company we used.I’ll get right on it. I need something to do. Ms. Craig had pretty much takenover even before Leroy’s heart attack. Now with him gone, I’m really gettingantsy.”

Chase understood how she felt. “Well, that’sabout to change. I have Carla, but I’m also going to need your help. I’m backand I’m taking over.”

Ethel’s eyes widened. “But Ms. Craig…”

“Has been filling my shoeswhile I’m gone. She was not hired to do my grandfather’s job. I’m next in line.This is my family company.”

“Of course it is.” Ethel covered her reactionquickly, but Chase still saw her surprise. Miranda must have told everyoneotherwise, for Ethel asked the question that probably all his employeeswondered. “But what about your vacation?”

“My year-long absence has been cut short. Mygrandfather won’t be back for a while, and McDaniel Manufacturing needs aMcDaniel at the helm. That’s my role.”

“I know you’ll do a fine job.”

The vote of confidence was what Chase needed,especially since Walter was a wild card. Chase wouldn’t be surprised if hetried to have the board place his protégée at the helm instead of him.

As for Miranda, despite what they’d shared,Chase couldn’t discount her ambitions. While he hoped she wouldn’t becutthroat, with Leroy out of commission and Walter making waves, Chase knew hehad to watch his back.

“Ethel, I’ll need you to alert the board ofthe change in leadership. I also need you to get me copies of everything that’scrossed Leroy’s desk since I’ve been gone. I’m out of the loop and I needed tocatch up yesterday.”

“Absolutely. Anything you need.” Ethel wouldget right on it. She was tops, and her loyalty lay with the McDaniel family.

“We’ll let my grandfather’s office sit emptyuntil we know when he’s coming back.”

“Will he be back?” Ethel asked.

Chase’s lips thinned into a tight line. Leroywould not return if his grandchildren had their way. “Idon’t know. So leave his office and don’t let anyone in there. Forwardeverything he deals with to me.”

“It’s good to have you back, Chase.”

“Thanks, Ethel.” He gave her a smile andheaded for his office, which was around the corner from his grandfather’s.

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