“Good morning, everyone. We’ll now begin the emergency board meeting. I’m sure you all know why we’re here, so let’s move straight to the agenda.”
I sat there, my stomach in knots, but I kept my face calm. Luna Catherine and Mona were staring at me, their eyes cold, trying to intimidate me. But I couldn’t let them see any sign of weakness. If this meeting went badly, my father would never get his position back, and I couldn’t allow that to happen.
Sir Jethro broke the silence. “We’ve all seen the emails sent out yesterday, and I trust we’re all clear on why we’re here. Let’s begin by hearing from Luna Catherine. The floor is yours.”
Luna Catherine adjusted herself in her chair, giving a small, rehearsed smile. “Thank you, Sir Jethro. First, I want to express my gratitude for the support I’ve received during these difficult times, especially with Alpha Darwin missing.” She paused, her voice taking on a dramatic tone.
I had to look away. The way she brought up my father made my skin crawl. It felt like she was trying to manipulate everyone with her false concern, and I couldn’t stand it.
“I’ve decided,” she continued, “that in Alpha Darwin’s absence, I will step in as chairperson of the company. I believe, with all of your help, we can continue his legacy and grow this company to even greater heights.”
A few people around the table nodded, murmuring their agreement. My blood boiled. Luna Catherine was exploiting my father’s disappearance to get sympathy and seize control. I couldn’t let her get away with it.
Sir Jethro turned to me. “Kimberly, what do you have to say in response?”
I took a deep breath. I knew this was my moment. “First of all, I want to thank everyone for coming on such short notice. The reason we called this meeting is simple: Luna Catherine is not qualified to lead this company.”
A stunned silence followed my words. Eyes widened, and I could see the shock ripple across the room. Luna Catherine’s smile faded, and her eyes narrowed at me, but I didn’t flinch.
Mr. Austin, one of the senior board members, leaned forward. “What makes you say that, Kimberly? Why is she unfit to lead?”
I expected this question. Mr. Austin was known for being tough, and he wouldn’t accept anything without a solid reason.
I held my head high. “Because she’s never shown leadership in any form. Not in her home, and certainly not here. And worse, she’s been hiding important information about Alpha Darwin’s health. She knew he had a brain tumor and kept it from everyone!”
Gasps echoed around the room. The tension was palpable.
Luna Catherine shot up from her seat. “That’s not true! I only found out recently and was planning to inform everyone!”
I shook my head, anger bubbling up. “Is that so? When I came to you the day after finding out, you refused to tell me anything! You chose to hide it instead of sharing the truth with those who care about him!”
Sir Jethro placed a gentle hand on my arm, calming me down, but my words hung heavy in the room. Luna Catherine’s face was tight, but she stayed quiet. She knew she was losing control of the narrative.
I continued, my voice steady now. “This company needs someone with proven leadership, not someone using my father’s illness to gain power.”
Several board members whispered among themselves, and I saw a few nodding. They were starting to see reason, but others were still unconvinced.
Mr. Austin spoke up again. “And who, in your opinion, should lead if not Luna Catherine?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Sir Jethro is the right person to lead this company. He has the experience, the dedication, and he’s been working alongside my father for years. No one is better suited to take over.”
Sir Jethro’s eyes widened, clearly taken by surprise. He hadn’t expected me to nominate him, but I saw approval on many faces around the table. It was clear that they respected him, and my words were resonating.
Mr. Austin looked at Sir Jethro. “Are you willing to step up and take the role if the board agrees?”
Sir Jethro, still a little shocked, smiled and nodded. “Yes, if the board decides it’s in the best interest of the company, I will take on the responsibility.”
The atmosphere in the room shifted. It was obvious that the majority of the board members supported Sir Jethro. Luna Catherine’s expression darkened, and I noticed Mona whispering something to Alpha Derrick, her face hard and unreadable.
One of the board members spoke up. “I don’t agree with this! Luna Catherine is the rightful successor. She should lead the company!”
A few others murmured their agreement, but their voices were few. It was clear that the majority favored Sir Jethro.
Another board member stood. “I second that. Luna Catherine should be the one to lead, not Sir Jethro!”
But as the voices of opposition rose, they were quickly drowned out by those in favor of Sir Jethro. The room was split, but I knew we had the majority.
After a long debate, Mr. Austin stood. “It’s clear we’re divided on this matter. The only way to settle it is with a vote. All in favor of Sir Jethro taking the position of chairman, raise your hand.”
Slowly, hands went up around the room. I counted each one, heart pounding in my chest. There were more than enough votes to secure Sir Jethro’s place.
The board members in support of Luna Catherine scowled, but it was over. Sir Jethro had won.
“Then it’s decided,” Mr. Austin declared. “Sir Jethro will take over as chairman of the board.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Luna Catherine sat rigid, her face pale, while Mona glared at me from across the table. But I didn’t care.
For the first time in weeks, I felt like we were finally on the right track.