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CHAPTER1
NOAH
Noah ran an agile finger along his desk and inspected it for dust. It was clean, and he grinned to himself in satisfaction. Everything appeared to be spotless for his father’s return.
He tried not to pace as he waited. The last thing he wanted was for his father to think he was nervous, or worse, excited. Instead he sat, attempting to look busy.
This was the year. He could feel it.
His father was going to pass down the torch and Noah would finally become thetrueCEO of Birch Industries. It was a job he had been doing successfully for years now, yet his father Richard still officially held the title.
The door opened and his redheaded receptionist Olivia entered, announcing Richard’s arrival.
His father flew through the door, not bothering to thank Olivia.Typical.
Noah smiled and stood. “Father,” he greeted.
Richard reached out a cool, tan hand, “Noah.”
Their handshake was quick and formal.
“It’s nice to see you. How was your trip?” Noah asked with enthusiasm.
His father had been on what seemed to be an eternal vacation for years now. Using his vast wealth to island-hop across different continents with women who looked nothing like Noah’s late mother. His most recent excursion had taken him away for four months straight. It was exactly why Noah expected him to announce his retirement tonight.
“Good,” Richard replied stiffly, moving over to the windows to take in the view.
Noah joined him, looking out onto the cityscape. His view of the skyline still never ceased to amaze him; it was the best in Olympus City. “Where did you say you were again?”
Richard shrugged his finely suited shoulders. “You know, after so long, the islands all start to blur together,” he replied.
This was normal of his father, to disappear for months without any form of communication. And upon returning, supply no details of his personal life.
Not knowing what to say, Noah grabbed last week’s numbers off his desk and passed them to his father. “I know you usually get them sent to your email, but these just came in an hour ago.”
Richard reviewed the numbers, nodding his approval. They were the best so far this year and Noah was happy to be able to deliver the news in person.
“Everything looks good.” Richard patted him on the shoulder and handed back the papers. “Is everyone ready for the meeting?”
Noah wasn’t bothered by his dismissive tone; his father had always been that way. And after so many years it no longer bothered him. Especially today. Nothing could dampen his good spirits.
Besides, his father rarely provided him with physical affection, so he took the pat as a good sign.
“Yes, everyone is already gathered and waiting.”
Noah gestured to the set of double doors and they exited his office to meet his team in the conference room.
Sophie, his head of marketing, caught his attention, as did the red dress she was wearing. She offered him an encouraging smile.
Noah gave her the slightest upturn of a smile in return. He wanted to maintain a formal atmosphere today.
“Good afternoon, everyone,” Richard greeted.
The small team offered formal hellos in response and Richard took his place at the head of the table. Noah took the now-unfamiliar seat next to him. It felt odd for him not to be the leader in this environment.
His father asked a few questions before the finance team gave a presentation on this quarter’s numbers along with their goals for the upcoming year.
Noah began to shake his leg unconsciously under the table. He was getting antsy as he waited for his father’s speech.
