"Let them. I'm done making this easy."
We work on refining the approach, coordinating with Henry, preparing for every angle the board might take. Patricia will try to make Simone's position untenable. Brandt will attack her judgment. Others will pressure for voluntary resignation.
The morning of the board meeting arrives.
I wake early, find Simone already up and getting dressed. She's not wearing casual clothes. She's in full CEO armor. There's a tailored suit, heels, hair and makeup perfect. She looks like she's heading into battle.
Which she is.
"Ready?" I ask.
"No." She meets my eyes. "But I'm doing this anyway."
"Good." I settle behind her. "They can't force you out. All they can do is make noise. Don't let them make you doubt yourself."
"I won't."
"And if they push too hard, you can turn this around on them. Ask for their resignations."
"I'll consider it."
She finishes getting ready. She checks her reflection one more time. The woman looking back runs LaCroix Petroleum. She leads a board. She commands a room.
"Let's go," she says.
She walks out—spine straight, heels sharp on the floor, every inch the woman who's about to make her board bleed for this vote.
17
SIMONE
The drive to LaCroix Petroleum headquarters is quiet. Luc drives, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on my thigh, grounding me and reminding me I'm not walking into this alone.
The media presence has only intensified. News vans line the street outside the building. Reporters surge forward when they see the SUV, cameras rolling, microphones extended. Luc's security team blocks them with the follow vehicle while we pull into the underground garage.
Henry's waiting by the elevator. He looks like he hasn't slept, but his suit is pressed and his briefcase is in hand.
"Simone." He extends his hand. "Ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
Luc walks me to the elevator, stops just before the doors. His hand settles on the back of my neck, possessive and firm. "Go remind them who's in charge."
"I will."
He steps back but follows us into the elevator. We ride up in silence, Luc at my back.
Henry breaks the silence. "The board is already assembled. Full attendance. Patricia arrived early, been working the room. She's making her play to undermine you."
"Of course she did."
"Ryan Murphy is here. He's agreed to speak on your behalf as a professional reference. Luc will speak as well. I also have statements from business associates and industry partners attesting to your leadership and professional conduct."
The elevator doors open onto the executive floor. It's my floor. The one I've walked a thousand times as CEO of this company my father built.
We head to the boardroom. The double doors are closed, but I can hear voices inside. The full board, assembled to challenge my leadership.
Henry pauses before opening the doors. "Remember, this is about your competence as CEO, not your personal life. Keep the focus on your professional record."
