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Instead of going with my original presentation with the best of the Alpha and Beta team ideas, I went with my gut intuition. It was a stressful change, but Martha helped me power through. And damn, I did not expect my secretary to be one of the votes. I can’t believe she hid that from me while helping me with the presentation.
At least I can guarantee myself one vote.
And maybe two.
Zahra seemed moved by the entire thing, but I wouldn’t hold it against her if she decided I wasn’t worthy of the position or the power associated with the shares. While I’m annoyed my father let out that secret, I think it was his way of letting me know that he is aware of our stakes. Somehow his letter from Grandpa must have said more than I bargained for.
There’s a knock on my door. Martha opens it and pops her head in. “Your father would like a word with you.”
“Let him in.” Might as well get this over with.
My father strolls into my office.
“Have a seat.”
He remains standing. “I don’t plan on staying long.”
I raise a brow. “Here to gloat?”
He shakes his head. “No. I want to tell you that I’m proud of you.”
I wait for the other half of the statement picking apart where I went wrong. The silence grows as I come to the realization that he really only wanted to say that.
“Why?”
He ignores me. “I wish you the best of luck running this place. I’ll expect you at the next board meeting, ready to deliver a more concise presentation regarding your budget plan for all of this.”
Did I really win the approval of the voters or is this some joke to string me along?
“What are you saying?”
“Your grandfather would have been proud of the man you’ve become.”
Another message.
He exits my office with a nod, leaving me to stare at the spot where he stood, wondering how the hell I pulled that off.
* * *
The lawyer enters my office soon after my father and confirms what I already know. The committee approved of my changes and he will be contacting me next week to discuss my finances. It feels surreal to finally put all this behind me. I’m looking forward to actually getting things done rather than discussing it.
I text my brothers and let them know that my part of the plan is complete. Now it’s up to them to secure their parts.
I pull up my messages with Zahra and text her, hoping she will finally give me the chance I need to convince her that I’m serious about us.
Me:Will you come over tonight and hear me out?
Me:Please.
I tack on the second message for bonus points.
Her response is instant.
Zahra:Okay. Only because you asked nicely.
Zahra:But don’t get your hopes up.
Too late.For the first time in weeks, I finally smile.
