Nicholas POV
“Nicholas goes home and when all this is decided, I will let you know,” Uncle Karl said, his voice slightly raised and I knew this was difficult for him.
He was the head of directors and one of the people I trusted in my life. Seeing him caress the lines on his forehead just showed how frustrating and exhausting the situation was for him.
“I’m sorry uncle. I’m sorry that you’re stressed this much because of me” I uttered in sincerity.
Uncle Karl raised his gaze and landed it on me, his once tired and cold eyes slowly softening.
“You’ve done too much Nicholas,” he said, slightly annoyed
“I know uncle but please reconsider this decision of allowing Greg to take over from me. Greg isn’t a good leader and he won’t be able to manage this company properly” I said, trying to convince him.
“And you think you’re a good leader?” Mr Benjamin asked, his voice cold and sharp
I stared at Mr Benjamin with a deep frown on my face. If there’s one person that has always been against me in this company, it has always been Mr Benjamin and I couldn’t help but begin to suspect him.
“Why have you always been against my decisions in this office Mr Benjamin? For strange reasons, you’ve never liked me” I uttered, staring at him intently and observing his reactions.
“What do you mean?” Mr Benjamin’s lips widened, forcing out a nervous smile “I’ve never been against you” he added.
“Yes, you have. If there’s anyone in this office who is always against me and very supportive of Greg, it has always been you” I said, letting out the little observations I’ve been gathering in my heart for a long time.
“Don’t be ridiculous Nicholas. You don’t know what you’re saying” Mr Benjamin uttered, forcing a smile while staring daggers at me.
“What should we do?” Uncle Karl asked, looking at each director.
“About what?” Mr John asked.
“About Nicholas and Greg? Who do you think about taking the CEO position”
“Greg isn’t very mature and experienced to lead this company,” Mr Paul said and I couldn’t help the smile that broke out of my lips.
“I agree with Mr Paul on that but Nicholas has been making a joke out of the board of directors and I think he should be punished” Mr John uttered and the one proud smile on my lips slowly turned upside down.
“I think Greg should be given a chance,” Mr Benjamin said, again supporting Greg like he always has.
“We all know what happened three years ago,” Uncle Karl said and Mr. Benjamin fixed his gaze on the table “Greg almost sold this company to pay off his debt which he had accumulated as a result of his gambling habit and if not for Nicholas who was quick to discover Greg’s secret then this como wouldn’t even have been existing now”
“Mr Karl is right. Greg almost ruined this company back then and it’s even because of that reason he lost his right to become CEO” Mr Paul uttered.
“Nicholas has led this company for three years now and this is his first mistake. Greg isn’t fit to be the next CEO and for that reason, I think we should forgive Nicholas and give him a chance to correct his mistake” Mr John uttered and I couldn’t help but smile once more.
I just stood behind Uncle Karl, pretending to be invisible with Anthony standing beside me.
“Greg almost ruined this company and I agree but he should also be given a chance. His mistake was three years ago and I’m sure he has learnt his lesson. He should also be given a chance” Mr Benjamin uttered and my hands which were already in a fist trembled by my side.
“I want you to find out everything about Greg and Mr Benjamin. I feel something is off” I whispered in Anthony’s ear and he nodded his head positively.
Mr Benjamin always supported Greg and I needed to know what the connection between them was. He was acting suspiciously.
Uncle Karl sighed, drumming his fingers silently on the table. Silence lingered in the room as each director where in their various world of thoughts.
“All those in favor of Nicholas Sterling remaining CEO should vote by raising their hands,” Uncle Karl said and Mr Paul and John raised their hands instantly.
Uncle Karl raised his hands and my heart pounded with happiness. Mr Benjamin wore a deep frown on his face and didn’t raise his hand.
“Then we have a winner. Congratulations Nicholas” Mr John said with a smile on his face.
“Thank you, sir. Thank you Mr Paul and thank you Uncle” I said, bowing my head respectfully to each of them. They just saved me and I couldn’t be more grateful.
“Don’t thank me yet. You’re yet to receive your punishment” Uncle Karl said.
“Huh” I uttered, staring at Uncle Karl in shock “There’s a punishment for me”
“Yes of course. Do you think I will let you go just like that? You stressed me emotionally and mentally just because of the scandal and you expect me to let you go Scott-free” Uncle Karl said, turning around in his seat to look at me.
“Okay, what’s my punishment?”
“You’re going to go on your knees and apologize to every member of this board,” Uncle Karl said and my eyes widened.
“What!” I exclaimed in shock as I stared at him in disbelief. How can he ask the CEO to kneel and apologize? What would people say if they heard that the youngest CEO was seen on his knees apologizing to his board directors?
“Are we too young to be apologized to?” Uncle Karl asked, his voice sharp as he stared coldly at me.
“Not at all” I forced a smile as I went to my knees and that was when I saw Anthony’s phone on my face.
“What are you doing” I whispered.
“Nothing” he whispered back with an amused look on his face. I knew he was recording and I wished for nothing more than to disappear from this office.
I got home to find the house empty. Raising my left arm to look at the watch on my wrist, I frowned at the time it showed.
“Honey I’m home” I yelled but the silent response from the living room made me frown deeper.
“Wasn’t she home?” I muttered under my breath as I took the stairs to our room.
“Honey are you_” I paused on my words as I saw Monica sitting on the floor, lost in a daze. “Honey, are you all right?” I asked as I placed my hands on her shoulder but there still wasn’t any response from her.
My heart raced in fear as I stared at her lost and confused expression. “Monica” I called out but she still looked dazed. “Honey” I yelled, shaking her vigorously by her shoulder and she instantly jolted back to reality.
She stared at me in confusion “Are you alright?” I asked worriedly.
“Who are you?” She asked and I fell mute. She sat still on the floor, her brows knitted together in a deep frown as her eyes began darting around the room “Where am I?”
“I’m Nicholas your husband” I managed to say, staring at her in confusion and fear. “Honey, is this a joke? Are you playing a prank on me? Where are the kids?” I asked, worry etched on my face.
“Kids? I have kids?” She asked, her shoulder slumped and looking around again, clearly struggling to make sense of her surroundings.