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As they continue chatting, I can't help but notice Jake stealing glances at Melanie. There's a tenderness in his normally stoic gaze that intrigues me. It's the same kind of vulnerability that I often see in Wes when we're alone together.
But before I can dwell on it further, Wes squeezes my hand under the table and stands up to address the group.
His lips brush my temple in a fleeting kiss that sends ripples through me, and then he's moving away, stepping up onto the stage to give his speech with a confidence that draws every eye, including mine.
Chapter Seven
WES
I mountthe steps to the stage, a single beam of light pierces the dim expanse of the banquet hall.
The murmur of countless conversations fades into a hush. My eyes sweep across the sea of faces, but they're just blurred figures in fancy suits and glittering dresses.
All except one.
There she is—Fiona, with her long black hair cascading over her sharp shoulder blades, eyes that have challenged me since we were kids. She sits tall, confident as ever, unaware she's at the center of this brewing chaos. I give her a subtle nod, a smirk forming on my lips.
Her brow furrows, curiosity igniting in those ocean-deep eyes. Then, I clear my throat—a subtle prelude to the upheaval I'm about to unleash.
"Good evening," I begin, voice steady despite the adrenaline tap-dancing through my veins. "I stand before you tonight fully aware of the weight this moment carries."
The microphone suddenly feels like a lifeline and a grenade all at once as I grip it tighter. "Tonight is about honoring a legacy—a legacy built on the sweat, ambition, and vision of everyperson in this room." I pause, allowing my words to echo in the silence.
"Harold Parker is a man who needs no introduction.” A ripple of warmth spreads through the crowd, faces lighting up with respect for the man who's been at the helm for decades.
"His leadership has not only guided Parker & Sons to where we are today, but his influence has shaped the industry."
I sweep a confident hand through the air. "Harold is more than just the founder of this company. His dedication was the fuel that propelled Parker & Son's from a modest venture to the freight behemoth it stands today."
I watch the heads nod, the old-timers who knew Harold personally reflecting on the truth in my words. There’s reverence there, a collective respect for a titan of industry, and it thrums through the room like electricity.
"Harold's grit carved out a legacy," I continue, "one that transformed every challenge into a milestone, every setback into a comeback."
I turn to face the man himself, seated at the table in front of the stage.
"Harold, you've led this company with wisdom and strength for decades," I raise my glass, the amber liquid catching the light. "Thank you for your dedication and passion, for your unwavering commitment to excellence. You have left an indelible mark on this company and its people."
I wait as the applause breaks out, thunderous and genuine. Harold stands, his smile gracious as he acknowledges the room.
"But every titan must pass the torch," I say, the words hanging in the air, heavy with meaning.
"Change is inevitable and often necessary. As we look toward the future of Parker & Sons, it is clear that the road ahead demands a leader who not only understands our past but also has a vision for our tomorrow."
I take a deep breath before continuing.
"When I bought Harold's shares last week, I thought I was the leader that Parker & Sons needed," I say, my voice laced with a hint of regret. "I believed that I could carry on the legacy that Harold had built. That my experience and expertise would be enough to lead this company into the future."
I pause and look out in the crowd to Fiona. "But I was wrong."
A murmur ripples through the crowd, eyebrows raised in curiosity and surprise. No one saw this coming.
"I thought I was the right person to lead this company. But there is someone far more deserving, someone who encapsulates the spirit of Parker & Sons better than I ever could." The words hang in the air, a silent promise of revelation.
“Which is why tonight," I say, stepping away from the podium to ensure that every single eye in the room is on me. "As the majority shareholder of Parker & Sons, my first act is to appoint a new CEO."
The room falls quiet, a sea of uncertainty staring back at me.
"Many of you know her," I start again as my pulse hammers beneath my skin. "You've seen her dedication, her intelligence, and how she pours her soul into this place. Even when she was underestimated, she never faltered, proving time and again she's more than capable."
