Page 24 of The Last Morgan
"Thank you all again. Please carry on with breakfast."
As the group broke apart and moved toward the dining room, Lucy followed with Corey a few steps behind. The long table was already set, silverware gleaming, fresh juice poured, and the scent of coffee drifting in the air.
The family was already seated: Richard at the head, Lillian beside him, Jackson and Sarah in their usual seats. Lucy sat across from Richard, with Corey beside her.
The staff began to serve breakfast. Richard first. Then Jackson. Then Lillian. Then Sarah.
Lucy waited. The Attitude was the same as last night, and given that Lucy had just delivered the polite warning not so long ago this was just not going to wash.
Corey was served.
And finally, Lucy.
There was a pause in the room, like the air had shifted. The server stepped back quickly, eyes averted.
Lucy placed her napkin gently on the table and rose to her feet.
The room stilled.
She turned to the remaining staff who were still present in the room.
"Just a moment ago, I spoke to you all with respect and openness. I acknowledged the work you do and offered you theopportunity to walk with me in the new direction this house will take."
Her voice was calm, but carried authority.
"But when I am deliberately served last in my own home and made to feel unwelcome, it sends a message—and not a good one."
She turned her gaze to the entire room, not just the server. “This is not about the food. This is about respect. It’s about how things work now. If you haven't adjusted to the order of things, you need to. And quickly."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. “If this kind of behavior continues, you will be reassigned and removed from all family-facing duties. That applies to everyone. I expect professionalism and equal treatment across the board — no exceptions.”
She looked at Corey, her tone gentle again. "I’ll get breakfast on the go."
Just then, the sound of tires on gravel signaled the arrival of the SUV outside. Lucy and Corey made their way to the front door.
Davina stepped out from the backseat, holding a tray of coffee and a box of treats.
"I didn’t know what you liked, so I got options," she said cheerfully. "Flat white, cappuccino, chai, and two kinds of breakfast Croissants"
Lucy smiled and gently grabbed a coffee. "You’re a lifesaver."
Corey grabbed a croissant and nodded. "Smart hire." Lucy smiled and whispered, “What a change in attitude from last night, when you slyly questioned me” Corey took a large bite of a croissant and kept his mouth closed. When they arrived at TheMorgan Group building, staff buzzed through the lobby, moving toward the demonstration hall. The air felt electric and full of expectations.
Lucy didn’t slow. She walked directly into the hall and up onto the stage.
The crowd fell silent.
"Good morning. My name is Lucy Morgan."
The crowd stared intently as she continued.
"Most of you know the story tied to my name. But I didn’t come here today to dwell on the past. I came here to lead."
She paced slightly, making eye contact.
"This company has survived scandal, tragedy, and time. Now, it will grow with transparency and strength."
She smiled softly. "There will be changes. Some small. Some big. All I ask is that you be patient and have faith that I’m not here to burn it down. I’m here to build it up."
