The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room as I meticulously folded shirts and rolled up socks into neat little bundles. My suitcase lay open on the bed, half-filled with the essentials for the trip. I tossed in a few more pairs of pants and thought about the days ahead—long flights, meetings, and the thrill of exploring new places.

"Don't forget your passport!" Mom's voice rang out from the kitchen, her tone both loving and insistent.

I smiled, reaching over to the dresser where my passport lay, a small but crucial item in this journey. As I slipped it into the front pocket of my carry-on, I mentally ticked off the list: wallet, check; charger, check; the casual suit for meetings, check.

"Pack light!" she added, her words laced with the wisdom of a seasoned traveler. "We'll do plenty of shopping there, so save some space!"

I nodded to myself, knowing she was right. The thrill of shopping in a new country was something we both looked forward to, but for now, I had to make sure I didn't forget anything important. I glanced around the room, double-checking every corner for stray items. My thoughts drifted to the office—I needed to stop by before heading to the airport.

Onio was set to step up as the official CEO while I was away, a role he'd been preparing for, but still, I wanted to give him a final word of encouragement. And Evelyn… Evelyn would be joining me on this trip. She was more than just my assistant; she was my rock, the one who kept everything in order when the chaos threatened to overwhelm. Without her, I wouldn't have lasted this long.

With the suitcase zipped up, I grabbed my jacket and called out, "Mom, I'm heading to the office for a bit!"

"Be back for dinner!" she shouted back, the familiar comfort of her voice wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

I paused at the door, smiling at her reminder. "Wouldn't miss it for the world," I replied, the words filled with the promise of homecoming, of shared meals and the comfort of family.

As I stepped out, I felt a surge of excitement mixed with a tinge of nostalgia. This trip was more than just business; it was a step into the dream I had been building for years. And I wasn't doing it alone—my team, my family, they were all part of this journey. The adventure was about to begin.

As I pulled into the office parking lot, the familiar sight of the Nova Enterprise building brought a sense of pride and satisfaction. I parked the car and made my way inside, where Onio was already waiting by the entrance. He greeted me with a warm smile and a firm handshake.

"Morning, boss! All set for your trip?" Onio asked, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

I nodded, returning the smile. "Almost, just wanted to check in before I head out. How did the meetings with Sentech and Bellalux go?"

Lars and Ray, along with Mia and Nora, joined us in the conference room. Lars spoke up first, his excitement evident.

"Sentech was thrilled with the results! They're really happy with the collaboration and the numbers we pulled off this month. They're already talking about expanding the partnership."

Ray added, "Bellalux was just as impressed. They loved the presentation, and they're eager to see what more we can do together. They were over the moon with the results."

Onio clapped me on the back, grinning. "You've got nothing to worry about while you're in the States. Just enjoy the trip, and don't forget to bring us back some souvenirs!"

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Lars and Ray chimed in, both of them exuding confidence. "We've got this, boss. Nova Enterprise is going to crush the numbers this month. You'll see," Lars said, flashing a competitive grin. "And by the way, my team's taking the top spot this time. Ray just got lucky last month."

Ray smirked, firing back with a playful jab. "Luck? Please, Lars, skill trumps luck any day. But hey, may the best team win—again."

The room filled with laughter, the camaraderie palpable. It was moments like these that reminded me why I'd built Nova Enterprise from the ground up. With a team like this, the sky was the limit.

As the conversation ebbed and flowed, I turned to Nora and Mia, curious to hear how they were adjusting. Before I could ask, Onio, ever the quick-witted one, leaned in with a grin. "So, ladies, surviving the Nova rollercoaster? Or should we prepare for any sudden exits?"

Mia chuckled, shaking her head. "Surviving? More like thriving. It was a bit of a juggling act at first, but now... it's like riding a wave. And I have to say, working with you all—it's way more fun than I expected."

Lars, not missing a beat, added with a mock serious tone, "Just don't get too comfortable, Mia. The real fun starts when we drag you into one of Ray's infamous sales challenges."

Ray smirked, crossing his arms. "Oh please, Lars. My challenges are what keep this place from becoming a snooze fest. You're just jealous because my team always wins."

Nora chimed in, her voice light but confident. "Honestly, it's been amazing. The workload was heavy at first, but with you guys around, it never feels overwhelming. Plus, the banter... it's half the reason I come to work."

Onio nodded, feigning deep thought. "True. It's all about the banter. Keeps the gears running smoothly."

I leaned back, watching the exchange with satisfaction. They didn't need to tell me they were happy—I could see it in the way they spoke, the way they laughed. This was the team I'd dreamed of, each person finding their place and thriving in it.

"Well," I said, leaning forward with a grin, "I'm glad you're all enjoying it. Just remember, the real fun begins when the next quarter starts. So, no slacking, and maybe—just maybe—Lars will finally win one of these challenges."

Lars shot back, "You know what? Bring it on. I'll make sure to win the next one just to prove you wrong."

As the laughter settled, I looked around the room, taking in each face—Onio's mischievous grin, Lars and Ray's competitive smirks, Mia and Nora's bright, eager expressions. This was more than just a team; it was the heart of Nova Enterprise, the pulse that kept it alive and thriving.

But beneath the camaraderie, there was a weight in my chest, a feeling I couldn't quite shake. This trip to the USA wasn't just a break—it was something more, something that would change everything.

I stood up, grabbing my jacket from the back of my chair. "Alright, everyone. I'm heading out. Remember, keep the numbers up, and don't let Ray's team get too cocky."

Onio clapped me on the back, his smile wide. "Enjoy the States, boss. And don't forget our souvenirs. We're expecting the best."

Lars and Ray exchanged a look, then Lars added with a wink, "Just don't get too comfortable over there. We might end up running this place better than you."

Ray, not missing a beat, chimed in, "Yeah, and by the time you get back, my team will have all the records. No pressure, though."

I laughed, but the sound felt hollow in my chest. As I turned to leave, I paused at the door, glancing back at them all. "Take care of this place. It's more than just a business—it's everything we've built together."

They nodded, still smiling, but there was an unspoken understanding in the room now, a tension that hadn't been there before. I stepped out of the office, the door closing softly behind me, and as I walked down the hallway, the weight in my chest grew heavier.

Nova Enterprise was in good hands. But as I left, I couldn't help but feel like I was saying goodbye to more than just the office. There was something final in the air, a chapter closing before a new one began.

And whatever came next, I wasn't sure if things would ever be the same again.

Dio Stat's Info:

Lvl: 15

Skill Count: 3 (Key selling point analyze) (Analyze) (Global Monitoring System)

Strength:35

Agility:24

Intelligence:28

Endurance:21

Charm:23

Dio influence, power & riches:

Money - 5.9 Million Kroner

Associate - 8

Asset - 0

Digital Asset - 250 BTC

Goons - 10

Car - 1

Guard - 0

Employers -25

Company - 1