Lovely wife 229

Reputational Impact

Olivier stormed out of the boardroom the moment the final vote was cast. It was done. Liam would hold the voting authority. Reinhardt had been named interim proxy CEO. The board didn't even hesitate to adjourn once the papers were signed.

He caught up to Liam just outside the double doors that led toward the CEO's office suite. Olivier's voice rose without thinking. "Where do you think you're going!?"

Liam paused mid-stride. He didn't turn fully at first. Just enough.

Olivier took a few more steps toward him.

"Step down," Olivier said. "Right now. You are not ready for this role."

Liam narrowed his eyes, still silent.

"You're my son," Olivier added, walking closer. "You are supposed to listen to me."

Liam didn't move.

"I built this company with your grandfather," Olivier continued. "I carried it through three fiscal downturns. And now the board sides with you? Of course, they did. You married into the Rossi Group. You used your wife's last name like a shield, and now they think you're some damn savior. But I see it for what it is. You're taking advantage of that girl."

Liam finally turned. His expression stayed the same-cold, measured.

"If you're looking for someone to blame," he said, "go look in the mirror."

Olivier stepped closer. "Don't act like you earned this. The press hates you. Your wife dragged this company into the spotlight. And you've been walking around like none of it matters. Like your name alone gives you immunity."

Liam didn't react.

"You think I'm the problem?"

asked. “She has her hooks in you and you don't even see it."

Liam laughed once-short, sharp.

Not you. You should try acting

stood frozen, fists clenched, his pulse loud in his ears. He

outside. His car was already waiting. Olivier

"Drive," he snapped.

driver didn't

said-"

driver didn't move. His chin rested

hand hovered near the door

sound came from

He turned sharply.

man sat there, dressed entirely in black. Black turtleneck. Black tailored suit. A matching black hat. Face shadowed. Olivier

the

the driver again. Still out cold. Then back to the stranger. "Who are

his sleeve, revealing a glimpse of a watch- not flashy, but expensive. Understated.

like what just happened old guard

Olivier stared.

man said. "Someone who prefers the Successfully

isn't the right one to lead.

man leaned

1/3

Reputational Impact

want the seat back,

answer, but he didn't

black envelope on the

be in

His hand hovered near it just as the man reached forward and tapped the side

driver stirred suddenly, blinking like he'd just woken from a nap. "Mr.

was empty. The man was gone. Olivier sat motionless, staring at the envelope for a long time. Then he picked it up, slid it into his inside pocket,

"Drive," he said again.

the driver

front of the camera while listening to the current reports for Rossi Group. Just as she expected, Gregory

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