Page 18 of Owning His Girl

I scan the crowd, making sure they're with me. I need them to understand, to see what I see every day.

"Her brilliance isn't just in her head for numbers or logistics—it's in her ability to see through problems, to find solutions where others hit dead ends."

"Harold has built an empire here," I continue, my words carefully chosen, "but the world is changing, and so must we." In my peripheral vision, I catch Fiona's profile, her expression a canvas of disbelief and dawning realization. "I believe in afuture where a leader doesn't have to choose between family and success—that one can fuel the other."

The buzz is palpable now, a static charge of anticipation. They want to know who will step into Harold's shoes, who will grab the wheel and steer this juggernaut into uncharted territory.

Little do they know, the answer to their silent question is right in front of them. She's been here all along, hidden in plain sight.

"So tonight," I announce, my voice echoing in the room, "I'm proud to introduce the new CEO of Parker & Son's Trucking: Fiona Parker."

A gasp ripples through the crowd, the sound sharp and sweet. Silence falls over the room as shock paints itself across every face.

But none are more stunned than Fiona herself.

My heart swells as I watch her, processing this revelation.

"But that's not all," I continue, my pulse racing with anticipation. "To ensure she has the control she needs to steer this company into the future, I'm making Fiona the sole shareholder of Parker & Sons Trucking."

Chaos ensues, a wave of noise washing over the room.

But Fiona is my anchor amidst the storm. I stride towards her, the din of the crowd fading into the background. Her eyes, wide with shock, meet mine and my heart clenches. I've turned her world upside down, but I know it's for the best. It's for her.

"Congratulations, love," I say, reaching her side, my voice just above a whisper.

She blinks, struggling to find words. "But Wes...are you sure? I can't afford to buy your shares."

I shake my head, a smirk tugging at my lips. "I don't want anything from you, baby.”

Her eyebrows furrow, confusion marring her beautiful face.

I lean in closer, my smirk widening. "Well, maybe that's not entirely accurate."

Before she can respond, I capture her lips with mine. The world around us disappears, replaced by the warmth of her lips and the taste of her surprise.

Pulling away slightly, my gaze locked on hers, I admit, "I want your love."

Her eyes soften, a smile playing on her lips. "I love you so much, Wes," she whispers, her voice shaky with emotion.

Before I can respond, her sister cuts in, a wide grin splitting her face.

"I knew it!" she exclaims, grabbing Fiona's hand and squeezing it. "I told you he loved you!"

Fiona laughs, her smile radiant, and turns back to me. "I love you too, Wes."

And as I pull her into my arms, laughter bubbling from us both, I can't help but feel hopeful.

We've been through hell and back, but here we are, stronger than ever. And as the cheers and applause fill the room, I know we're ready to face whatever comes next, together.

Chapter Eight

FIONA

One Year Later

The wind whipsthrough my hair as Wes and I roar down the trails of the Fit Mountain Resort on our ATVs.

The adrenaline rush, the cool breeze against my skin, and the powerful engine rumbling beneath me fill me with a sense of exhilaration that's hard to put into words.

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