Chapter 29

Chapter Twenty Nine

Across from Selina Lawson, Fiona sat, the two warring emotions within her—the nervousness and the curiosity. Selina had been plain about exactly what her organization could do to help Fiona out, but she still had to know what kind of deal she would put her signature on. At her side, Rosa was firm, a constant anchor through the turmoil that threatened to erupt at any moment around her.

Selina took a sip of her coffee. She was deep in thought. "Just to reiterate what we're offering, this support is comprehensive: it involves financial backing, a house, and legal aid. Though, of course, there are conditions on the part of confidentiality and cooperation with our broader objectives."

Fiona narrowed her gaze. "What do you mean by 'broader objectives'? How does it affect us directly?

Selina angled forward, her eyes riveted. "The organization's purpose is to manage the fallout from Raven Qing's business practices. This involves dealing with different issues that have come to light as the result of his actions. Your involvement would be instrumental in clarifying these issues and how they affect people like you."

Rosa's mama bear instincts rose to the fore. "What kind of involvement are you talking about? We need specifics."

Selina nodded. "Of course. Your cooperation might include regular interviews, the supply of information regarding Raven's activities, and perhaps even collaboration with our legal team over related issues."

Fiona cast a furtive glance in Rosa's direction as her mind began racing. "And just how is this going to help us? What is this all leading up to?"

Selina's expression softened. "We have two goals in sight: one, dealing with whatever legal or financial fallout that may have originally occurred because of Raven's actions, indirectly for your own good; two, understanding and managing the more far-reaching consequences of these actions to establish a more stable environment for yourself and others affected."

Rosa's frown deepened. "That sounds very abstract. We would like to understand how it is going to affect our daily lives and if there are any risks involved.".

Selina took a deep breath. "I do understand what you are saying. The nature of the work could be complex and sometimes opaque. Let me reassure you, we have your best interests at heart. If you were to participate, we would assign an individual liaison to walk you through the process and help with any concerns regarding this study."

Fiona felt a pang of unease but also the first feeling of hope. The level of provision he was willing to give was high, but his vagueness rankled her. "I appreciate your honesty. I'd like to spend some time talking about this with Rosa and just thinking about our options."

Selina nodded. "Of course. Take all the time you need. If you have any further questions or need more information, don't hesitate to get in touch."

As Selina left, Fiona and Rosa remained in the conference room, their minds filled with questions. The offer sounded very promising but incurred risks and abstract involvement that would have made them feel queasy.

LATER THAT DAY

Fiona and Rosa went back to their apartment. The decision, to a great extent, weighed heavily on their shoulders. The rain had stopped, and the city lay before them, glistening in the afternoon sun. They sat down in the living room, knowing that their conversation would center around what lay ahead.

"I'm torn," Fiona admitted with exasperation. "The support they are offering is exactly what we need, and yet I don't know whether we're getting ourselves into.".

Rosa nodded for her. "It's a tough spot to be in. On one hand, the money and a place to live will go a long way to help us out. On the other, we have no idea just how much this entanglement will truly impact our lives."

Fiona sighed. "I just wish there was some clarity. It feels like we are being put into something and no one will give us a big picture understanding."

Rosa leaned over and took Fiona's hand. "We should consider reaching out to other people who might have dealt with similar organizations. That may give us a better feel for what to expect."

Fiona's eyes lit up. "That is a good idea. I'll see if I can find any contacts or references that may have had dealings with them.

The rest of the evening was spent researching and making contacts. Luckily, Fiona managed to get through to one of the organization's former clients. The conversation was enlightening and gave them some valuable insights into the case.


Better equipped and more confident, Fiona and Rosa finally sat down again with Selina. The questions this time around were incisive; the apprehensions were sharp.

"We did some homework and talked to people who worked with your organization," Fiona began. "We have a clearer idea of what to expect, but still have a few questions."

Selina nodded in agreement. "Glad to hear that. I am here to address any concern that may arise in your mind."

Rosa took a deep breath. "First of all, we would like some information regarding the aspect of confidentiality. How safe is our information going to be? What kind of measures are taken for our protection?

Selina's expression turned serious. "Confidentiality is paramount to us. We have very rigid protocols in place, which ensures your personal information and involvement are protected. Access to sensitive information is only given to people with the correct authorization. And we take breaches very seriously."

Fiona and Rosa exchanged a relieved glance. "That's very reassuring," said Fiona. "What about the cooperation part? Can you give us some examples of what we might be asked to do?"

Selina leaned forward. "Your cooperation may take the form of testimony or documents related to the business practices of Raven. It could include information and sharing with respect to any interactions with him or his associates. It's designed to help us piece together a comprehensive picture of the situation."

Rosa nodded in a thoughtful way. "And then when we're running into problems, or sometimes if something makes us really uncomfortable, what do we have?

Selina's eyes warmed in reassurance. "We do have a support team for one to follow through with the process. We are here to make sure your needs are met in case of concerns or when some readjustments need to be made."

Fiona felt cautious optimism. "Alright, under these conditions, we are willing to proceed. We want to make sure we're making the right choice for ourselves and our future.

Selina smiled. "Thank you for your trust. We shall initiate the procedure and see that you have all the support you require."


The succeeding weeks were busy as Fiona and Rosa got used to their new arrangement. The support from the organization was a godsend in terms of financial aid, housing, and legal assistance. Fiona began feeling more and more grounded as she became accustomed to her new situation.

One day, as she was ploughing through her documents, Fiona's phone rang. It was Elijah Blackwood. "Ms. Hardin, I only called to see how you're doing. Is everything smooth?"

Fiona smiled, her voice overflowing with her gratitude. "Yes, actually. The support has been incredible, and we're starting to feel more at ease. Thank you for making this possible.

"I am very glad to hear that," Elijah said warmly. "If there is anything more we can do, please don't hesitate to let us know."

With the phone now hung up, Fiona was rejuvenated with so much hope. The road ahead remained blurred, but the help from her sister and the organization made a way through which she could find her path amid all the challenging hurdles.


Afternoon, as Fiona was unpacking a box full of old photographs, she came across an envelope buried at the bottom. Bringing it to her attention, she opened up the envelope and found a series of documents and letters, most of which had Raven's name marked on them.

She took the documents to Rosa, equally intrigued. "These look important," Rosa said, examining the papers. "What do you think they are?

Fiona furrowed her brow as she skimmed through the contents. "These are legal documents and correspondence of Raven with different businesses. Some of it seems to be related to financial transactions and contracts."

Rosa's eyes widened. "Do you think these could be relevant to the investigation of the organization?"

Fiona nodded slowly. "It's possible. If these documents reveal anything significant about Raven's dealings, it could be valuable information for the organization.

They agreed to share the discovery with Selina and the legal team. The following day, when they were meeting Selina, Fiona handed over the documents, her heart thumping in expectation.

Selina's eyes widened as she looked through the papers. "This is vital information. It looks like it contains information about Raven's financial activities and business partners. It could be a very key element in our efforts to contain the fallout caused by his actions.".

Relief washed over Fiona. "Good, I'm so glad it is useful. I just want to make sure we're doing everything we can to move forward."

Selina nodded. "Your cooperation means a lot. We will add this information into what's already in the works and let you know if anything breaks."

Leaving the meeting, Fiona felt renovated. The support received and the information gathered supplied her with a new way to go in life. Indeed, the journey ahead still remained unknown, yet at least Fiona felt that she was not alone anymore. With Rosa by her side and the support of the organization, she could stand whatever lay ahead.