Some of the pressure in my chest eased.
“Thank you, Arthur.”
Dr. Stifler spoke up. “I move that we formalize Theresa’s position as CEO, conditional upon final signing of the MacLeod partnership and federal regulatory approval.”
“I second,” said Harrington, which surprised me. He’d been one of Arthur’s strongest supporters.
“All in favor?” Dr. Stifler asked.
Ten hands raised around the table. Even Arthur’s.
“It’s unanimous,” Dr. Stifler said, smiling warmly at me. “Congratulations, Theresa. You’ve earned this.”
The relief that washed through me was so strong I had to grip the edge of the table. I’d done it. Saved Marco’s company. Proven myself capable of leading without him. Secured my children’s future.
“Thank you,” I said. “I won’t let you down.”
As the meeting adjourned, board members stopped to congratulate me on their way out. Dr. Stifler squeezed my arm and whispered, “Marco would be so proud.” Harrington gave me a gruff nod of approval. Even the more distant members offered congratulations.
I was gathering my materials when Arthur approached, hanging back until we were alone in the boardroom.
“Theresa.” His voice was softer than usual. “I owe you an apology.”
I looked up, surprised. “You do?”
“I underestimated you. I thought...” He sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. “I thought you were holding onto the company out of sentiment, not because you could actually lead it. I was wrong. Marco would be proud of what you’ve done here.”
I studied his face, searching for the usual calculation. But he just looked... tired. Like maybe he’d been fighting the wrong battle and finally realized it.
“Thank you, Arthur. That means a lot.”
He leaned against the table, his posture more relaxed than I’d ever seen it. “Listen, I want to make myself useful. You’ve clearly got the strategic vision handled, but there’s still a lot of regulatory work ahead for this partnership.”
“There is,” I agreed cautiously.
“Let me handle the CFIUS paperwork.” When I hesitated, he added, “It’s tedious work, regulatory compliance. You should focus on the technical side with Duncan’s team. That’s where your brilliance really shines.”
The compliment caught me off guard. After months of Arthur undermining me at every turn, this sudden supportiveness felt disorienting.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course. You’ve earned your position, and I want to help make this partnership a success.” He smiled—a genuine smile, not the tight-lipped one I was used to. “Besides, international regulatory filings are my specialty. I can probably cut weeks off the timeline.”
Part of me wanted to decline, to keep everything under my direct control. But Arthur had more experience with international regulatory filings. And if he was finally accepting my leadership, shouldn’t I meet him halfway?
“All right,” I said. “Thank you, Arthur. I appreciate it.”
He nodded, pleased. “I’ll get started right away. The sooner we clear the regulatory hurdles, the sooner we can move forward with manufacturing.”
As he left, I stood alone in the boardroom, my reflection faint in the polished mahogany table. CEO of CarideoTech. Not interim, not acting, but actual CEO. The board had voted unanimously.
Oh, my God… this was now a reality.
Back in my office, I closed the door and reached for the phone. There was only one person I wanted to share this victory with.
“Patrick McCrae.”
“I did it!” The words tumbled out, buoyant with excitement. “The board approved. It was unanimous, Patrick. Even Arthur voted yes.”
