A stunned hush fell over the room.I gaped at Dad, scarcely believing his words.
Gene had been his best friend for decades.I studied my father’s steely expression, searching for a hint that this was some kind of joke.But his jaw was set, his eyes resolute.
“On what grounds?”Gene sputtered, his face reddening.
“Misuse of power.Mistreatment of employees,” Dad said.“You’ve had ample warnings about your behavior, Gene.”
Gene opened and closed his mouth like a dying fish.The vein in his forehead pulsed with fury.
Dad looked at the other board members.“All those in favor?”
After a moment of tense silence, my hand was the first to raise.Then, one by one, other men and women around the table raised theirs as well.Everyone but my mother.Gene whipped his head from side to side, glaring at each of us with a look of naked betrayal.
“The movement passes,” Dad said, his tone matter-of-fact.“You’re relieved of your duties as president effective immediately, Gene.”
Gene rocketed to his feet, ruby faced.“You son of a bitch!You can’t do this to me!”
Dad merely arched a brow.“It’s done, Gene.Security will escort you out.”
Gene slammed his meaty fists on the polished table, making the water glasses rattle.“This is a goddamn outrage!After everything I’ve done for this company?”His eyes bulged as he stabbed a finger at Dad.“You’re overstepping, Thomas.The board doesn’t have the authority!”
Dad remained serene, steepling his fingers.“I’m afraid you’re mistaken.The corporate charter clearly empowers the board in matters of gross misconduct or dereliction of duty by the executive team.Your behavior of late constitutes both.”
Spittle flew from Gene’s lips.“Where’s your proof?
The other board members averted their gaze, plainly appalled by Gene’s unhinged tirade.Dad’s face was an inscrutable mask.“Security is waiting, Gene.Don’t make this any uglier than it needs to be.”
Gene opened his mouth, then seemed to think better of it, snapping it shut again with an audible click of teeth.He jammed his hands into his pockets and stormed out, slamming the door behind him hard enough to rattle the windows.
An awkward quiet fell over the room.I caught Meghan’s wide eyes next to me.She looked as stunned as I felt.Dad cleared his throat.All eyes turned toward Thomas Price as he calmly surveyed the dumbfounded board members.
“Now then,” he said.“We have a vacancy to fill.I’d like to nominate my son, Emmett, for the position of president.”
Heads swiveled toward me.I felt rooted to my seat, my heart pounding in my ears.
Fuck.
I knew this day would come at some point.Dad and I had been planning for it.I didn’t realize he had meant to enact those plans so soon.
“Emmett has proven himself time and again with his strategic vision and dedication to the company,” Dad said, his gaze locking with mine.“He’s more than qualified to lead us into this new era.”
My mouth went dry as I searched his expression for any hint of doubt or hesitation.But his eyes shone with conviction, an unmistakable pride etched into the lines of his face.
Around the table, board members exchanged glances, a few offering tentative nods of approval.All except my mother, Laura, whose lips pressed into a thin, disapproving line.
“Are there any objections?”Dad’s voice rang out.
There was a tense pause until, one by one, heads began to shake in negation.
I took a steadying breath and rose to my feet.All eyes fixed on me, the weight of their scrutiny pressing down like a physical force.
“Thank you for this tremendous honor and vote of confidence,” I said, my voice somehow remaining level.I glanced around the table, meeting each person’s eyes in turn.“I’m humbled by your trust, and I vow to uphold the highest standards of leadership and integrity in this role.”
My eyes landed on Dad last.He offered me the smallest of smiles and an almost imperceptible nod.I straightened my shoulders.
“My first priority will be fostering a culture of transparency, accountability and mutual respect across all levels of this organization.The kind of behavior we’ve tolerated from the previous leadership ends today.”
My mother’s finely tweezed brows drew together in a frown, but I held her gaze.This was my moment, and I would not allow her disapproval to diminish it.
