Aaron's meeting with Alistair to convince him to promote Bruce hadn't gone well, leaving him in a foul mood when Cameron entered his office.

"No luck?" Cameron asked.

"None," Aaron replied frostily. "Why he won't promote internally instead of hiring someone new, I'll never know. It's bad business. Shouldn't you reward loyal employees?"

"I think so," Cameron said.

Aaron dismissed his opinion; of course Cameron would agree. He directly benefited from Aaron's policy of rewarding loyalty.

Aaron wasn't seeking validation anyway; he knew his father was rigid, inflexible, and outdated. Alistair hadn't grown the company nearly as much as Aaron, yet constantly boasted about his "amazing leadership." If Aaron hadn't intervened, that "amazing leadership" would have bankrupted Hale Investments through insider trading. Alistair wasn't just outdated and classist; he was a criminal father. Aaron only needed to quietly prove it to remove him permanently.

"There are still other investors you can sway," Cameron said optimistically. "You already have a third of the board."

Aaron clenched his fists. It wasn't enough. He needed either Alistair's crimes exposed or a majority of the board on his side. Last time, he'd failed to achieve either until it was too late.

"I need more," he growled.

Cameron understood his boss's frustration, but struggled to comprehend his determination to take over the company for a "completely average girl." He sensed Aaron's fury building and didn't want to be caught in the crossfire.

"I have something that might cheer you up," Cameron said mysteriously, producing his phone. He checked Instagram, then held up the phone. It showed a picture of Keeley in a pineapple dress, yellow sneakers, and a pineapple hat, wearing her lab coat and goggles, next to a girl in a cat costume, also in lab attire.

"NYU must allow Halloween costumes," Cameron commented.

Aaron's frown softened. She looked good in yellow, even in that ridiculous outfit. Cameron was right; it cheered him up.

"Any plans tonight?" he asked, curious.

Cameron seemed surprised. "Yeah, a singles party. It's been too long since I had a girlfriend."

Aaron hadn't had a girlfriend in a while either, but he wouldn't settle for anyone but Keeley.

"Is Aiden going?"

Cameron huffed. "I asked, but he said he wasn't single—long-distance relationship notwithstanding. I'm flying solo, unless you want to join me."

"I'll pass," Aaron said disdainfully. He wouldn't risk attracting more psychopaths like Lacy at a singles party.

"What's Keeley doing?"

"At a party with friends," Aaron replied frostily. "And no, I don't know where. I prefer staying home on Halloween."

Aaron hadn't celebrated Halloween since he was seven. Well, almost. Keeley had worked on Halloween their junior year, but their sophomore and senior years, she'd insisted on celebrating. He'd suggested scary movies (he'd heard it was a good date move), and it worked; she'd clung to him for comfort. He'd enjoyed the affection, which is why he'd done it again the following year despite disliking the holiday.

Keeley was a cuddler, and he'd been touch-starved, so he'd relished her closeness. He'd never imagined the comfort a single person could provide. He wished she were watching scary movies with him now. He missed her. Her brownies were two days away, but it felt like an eternity.

"I should get back to the analysts," Cameron said, stretching. "Have fun doing nothing."

"Good luck at that singles party."

After Cameron left, Aaron reviewed his shareholder files. Bruce was a lost cause. His father and Samuel were out. Alexander was a possibility, but might report Aaron's attempts to Alistair. That left Carol and Emilio. Even together, they only represented 8% of the shares, compared to Alexander's 10%.

It was exhausting.

Aiden was monitoring Alistair and Brann Knighton's emails, but there was no recent communication. Had they been discovered and changed tactics, or simply paused their plan?

Why was everything so difficult? His goals always seemed out of reach.