Page 104 of Sweet Redemption

Serena

Your schedule is already hard enough on kids. Be there when he wakes up tomorrow morning. Have a good game.

“Serena,” my assistant buzzes me through the intercom. “Max would like to see you in his office.”

Nothing like being summoned.

“Thank you,” I tell her before crossing the floor to Dad’s office and letting myself in. “You rang.”

“You came.” He winks like we’re playing cards at our dining room table instead of making decisions that will affect the rest of my life. “Have a seat.”

I pull out the chair across from him and sit, steeling myself for what comes next.

“Have you made your decision?”

I guess he’s not wasting any time. He never does, so I’m not sure why I thought today would be any different.

“I have,” I tell him with more confidence than I necessarily feel, but you know what they say—go big or go home. Guess I’m swinging for the fences. “I’d like to take you and King Corp. up on your offer.”

“That’s fantastic⁠—”

I hold up a hand. “On one condition.”

Dad crosses one leg over the other and sits back in his chair, like he’s readying for a negotiation. He’s not wrong. “Go on.”

“I want to name my replacement here,” I tell him, more relaxed than I expected to feel.

“And do you have someone in mind?” I swear there’s a smile he’s fighting that’s attempting to pull at his lips.

“I already told you I do,” I remind him and lean back in my own chair, knowing with my whole heart this is the right move for the Revolution and one day for the future of the company. “Teagan. She’s the perfect person, Dad. And one day, if I’m running King Corp., I want Teagan running the Revolution.”

“I’m not sure I’ve ever been more proud of you than I am right now, Serena. This company, these teams, this is the legacy we all leave you and your cousins. The future of the Kingston name is in your hands. Protect it. Fight fiercely. It’s your name and your legacy. It’s what you’ll leave for your own kids one day. Be proud of it.” He stands and walks around his desk, moving directly in front of me. “If you want Teagan trained to be my replacement, I trust your judgment. I can’t say I’m not going to miss you around here, honey. But I want you happy, and it seems like this is the right direction for you.”

I rise and wrap my arms around his waist. “I am happy, Dad. Thank you for trusting me.”

Dad’s arms envelop me as he presses a kiss to my head. “How about you go tell Teagan before you clear your desk out.”

“Really?” I wasn’t expecting this to go quite so smoothly.

“Yes. Go enjoy being unemployed for a few days, and we’ll get things moving on the deal and get the legalities of the new King Corp. structure finalized. I’ve got to leave for the game.”

I rest my head against my father’s chest and take a deep breath. “I love you, Daddy. Thank you for always being supportive.”

“I’m in constant awe of the woman you’ve become. You’ve made your mother and me incredibly proud.” His hold loosens, and he takes a step back. “I love you.”

“Have a safe flight.” I kiss his cheek and move to the door. “I’m going to go tell Teagan the good news.”

Serena

I did it. I’m officially done with the Revolution and should be starting with King Corp. sometime over the next few weeks. My nerves were all over the place. But I did it. And I was able to advocate for Teagan and then offer her my job. It was such a crazy, special pinch-me moment.

And you were the first person I wanted to share it with. You scare me, Hendrix. The fact that we can slip right back into our old shoes so easily scares me. I like the person I am now more than the person I was then. I clawed my way here, and I don’t want to go back to that broken girl.

That’s not your fault. It’s mine.

I’m not even sure what I’m trying to say . . . except that maybe I hope you can be patient with me.

Have a good game tonight.