Trying to prepare for a potentially disastrous outcome had proven impossible. Every time my thoughts drifted toward the conference hall waiting beyond those doors, my pulse would spike until I could practically hear it in my ears.
So I’d done what always calmed me lately.
I’d thought about Cece.
Unfortunately, that hadn’t exactly helped either this time. Not when my mind kept replaying the feeling of her beneath my hands this morning. The heat of her waist under my palms. The coarseness of her buzzed hair when I slid one hand behind her neck and pulled her closer. The way she’d sighed against my mouth before kissing me back with enough enthusiasm to leave me dizzy for the rest of the day.
My heart somehow manages to beat even faster. Which is ridiculous, especially considering we still haven’t done anything beyond kissing. Not since the night I turned temporarily brainless and forgot to return those three precious little words.
I tell her I love her constantly now.
Every chance I get.
Every damn day.
But the words have become secondary to the actions, and I like it that way.
Then there are times when I remember the terrified look in her eyes when she’d finally forced those words out for me that night—on my insistence. And my heart slices clean in two.
God.
I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for making her feel unsafe enough to doubt when they come out of my mouth now. And nearly impossible for her to voice them herself.
“You ready?” Taewon asks quietly.
No. Not even remotely. But I stand anyway. “Let’s get this over with.”
By the time the doors open, every conversation inside abruptly dies.
My gaze sweeps over the room.
Directors.
Major shareholders.
Legal counsel, led by Jasper.
People who collectively hold enough power to alter the course of Astor Holdings in a single afternoon.
Oddly enough, they don’t intimidate me. Maybe they should. Maybe six months ago they would’ve.
But now? Now, I know exactly what waits for me regardless of what happens in this room today.
My Cece.
Whether I walk out as President or as a mere shareholder with nothing but a bruised ego, she’ll still be there.
The realization settles something inside me. Because loving her has already become more rewarding than any title Astor Holdings could ever give me. Any legacy I could ever want to uphold.
I take my seat, and across the room, Ronald catches my eye.
The Interim Co-President gives me a small, supportive nod. He’s been steady throughout this entire nightmare. Managing the fallout with Daniel.
A moment later, he stands, and the room immediately quiets. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Ronald begins. “Thank you all for attending today’s special election session regarding the office of President of Astor Holdings.” The familiar corporate cadence of his voice fills the room. “Per company bylaws,nominations have been closed and verified. Three candidates have accepted nomination and met all eligibility requirements.”
A screen illuminates behind him. Three names appear.
Levi Astor.
