My CEO 216

216 Passing the Torch (Jayden)

The boardroom buzzes with the usual tension that comes with high-stakes meetings, but today there's ant extra layer of unease. No doubt the rumors have been rife, but I have something no one saw coming. Not even me.

The proof has been shown. DNA proof. I only needed to see the Brennan eyes to know that. There's no doubt that I'm walking in with Greg's family behind me. All eyes are on us, and the room goes silent as the door closes behind us all, "Can someone get some more seats? Sorry, this is last minute." I ask one of the trainee assistants

Lance is at my side, but he's unusually quiet. I know he's trying to gauge the situation, but I can see the surprise in his eyes too. None of this was in the script, and he's not used to me being unpredictable.

I glance at the board members, their faces are a mix of confusion and curiosity. Good. Let them wonder They wanted change, they'll have it.

"Good morning," I say, my voice steady and clear as I take my place at the head of the huge table. Greg's family stands behind me, the son at the front.

Greg's secret family. I wish I could be a fly on the wall when Judy hears about them.

Their presence doesn't intimidate me. Nothing does.

"I hope you are all enjoying the breakfast," I scan the faces around the table. "As you have made clear, today's meeting is crucial for the future of Brennan Industries."

I turn slightly, motioning for the young man to step forward. He does so, his posture stiff. He's dressed neatly but casually, not a suit. Well, how could he have known he'd be part of Greg's company today? I mean, they were expecting a fight. I can tell he's nervous, but he's doing his best to hide it. I can respect that.

turn and smile at them and Maria gives everyone a small wave. She

are brought in and

Brennan, ran the company for the majority of the time before

every word. "Greg was away a lot." I indicate the group behind me. "Clearly busy and Judy built Brennan Industries to the powerhouse it came to be. She did that

runs through the room, but I hold up a hand to silence

216 Passing the Torch

family and they do look as confused

issues communicating." I grin at them all. "Greg had a secret family in Cuba, a family I didn't know about until... well, five minutes ago. But now that they're here, I trust you will

into my briefcase and pull out a thick folder-my portfolio of shares in Brennan Industries. The room falls completely silent as I

he takes them, his

that everything is transferred to you and... to Judy. You'll have equal shares." There's a collective gasp around the table, but I don't care. This is what I've

"Jayden are

the details of the company ownership moving forward," I say. "Please understand that this is a permanent transfer of power. I am

the shock on their faces, the disbelief that I'm actually walking away. But I don't linger. I don't need to. My work here

turn to leave, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, my decision is justified when I see the text from the

to handle the chaos I've just unleashed. I don't look back. I don't

the elevator, I dial the number left in the message, my mind already shifting to the only thing that matters right now-my unborn child. The phone rings once, twice,

voice urgent. "The baby is

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