SARAYA’S POV:
The room fell into a stunned silence. My grandmother’s face darkened, her knuckles whitening as she gripped the armrests of her chair. “How dare you insinuate…”
“I insinuate nothing,” Arlan cut in, his tone calm but commanding. “I merely highlight what’s evident. Saraya Newman has the board’s trust, the shareholders’ support, and the qualifications necessary to lead. Perhaps it’s time to let the new generation take the reins of the affairs of the company.”
“You dare speak of the board’s trust and the shareholders support without me.” My grandmother spat at me. “How about we call for a vote of confidence, let’s see if the board agrees with you.” She said confidently.
“I agree with you, let’s do this and save our time here.” Arlan replied with a smirk on his face while matching my grandmother’s gaze.
The tension in the room reached its peak as the final vote was cast. My heart pounded in my chest, the sound almost drowning out the murmurs of the board members. The secretary tallied the result.
“Now I will announce the result of the vote.” He said and got everyone spellbound with his voice. “The majority is in favor of Saraya Newman as the new CEO of Newman Corporation.”
A wave of relief washed over me, but it was quickly overshadowed by the sharp sound of my grandmother’s chair scraping against the floor as she stood. Her eyes burned with fury, her lips pressed into a thin, unforgiving line.
“This is outrageous!” she snapped, slamming her hand on the table. “You are all fools, blinded by sentimentality and ignorance. Mark my words, this company will crumble under her incompetence.”
Her words cut deep, but I refused to let her see the impact. I rose to my feet, keeping my expression calm and my voice steady. “With all due respect, Grandmother, the board has spoken. I intend to prove their confidence in me is well-placed.”
Her gaze bore into me, a storm of anger and disdain swirling in her eyes. “Confidence?” she sneered. “You’ve inherited nothing but arrogance. You lack the strength, the vision, the ruthlessness to lead this company, you’re a better fit for the street.”
Arlan leaned forward slightly, his presence commanding. “Mrs. Newman, the vote was clear. Perhaps it’s time to focus on supporting the future of the company rather than hindering it, she is your granddaughter after all.”
She turned on him with venom in her voice. “You may have bought your way into this company, Mr. Reef, but don’t think for a second you hold any true power here.”
“Power lies in results, Mrs. Newman,” Arlan replied smoothly, unshaken. “And I believe Saraya will deliver.”
My grandmother’s face flushed red, her hands clenching into fists. For a moment, I thought she might explode, but instead, she straightened, her voice icy and controlled. “You’ve all made your choice. Don’t come crying to me when it inevitably falls apart.”
With that, she grabbed her handbag and strode toward the door. Pausing just before exiting, she cast one last glare in my direction. “I hope you’re prepared for what’s coming, Saraya. You’ll find leadership isn’t as forgiving as your supporters.”
The door slammed shut behind her, the echo reverberating through the boardroom. A heavy silence followed which was soon broken by my father.
“Well,” he said, his voice filled with emotion, “We won, child. Congratulations, Saraya.” He stood from his seat and pulled me into a hug before releasing me from his embrace.
“Let’s put our hands together as we bring Ms. Saraya Newman for her first official speech as the CEO.” The secretary announced.
A round of applause echoes in the room and quiet down as I stepped up to the podium.
I didn’t know what to say but I know I have to something. I looked out at the faces of the board members, executives, and staff who had just placed their trust in me.
I cleared my throat. “Thank you for your confidence in me and for believing in the vision I bring to Newman’s Corporation and I am honored to lead it into its next chapter.”
I paused while my eyes met with Arlan for a brief moment. “I know this won’t be easy. Leadership never is. But I promise you this, I will be committed to making the tough decisions, embracing change, and working with each of you to ensure Newman’s remains a beacon of success and progress. Together, we will continue to thrive, to innovate, and to lead.”
The room broke into applause, I stepped back and bow my hair slightly catching my father’s proud smile and Arlan’s approving nod.
*
As the last of the board members filed out of the meeting room leaving my dad, Arlan and myself in the room, many questions ran through my mind.
“Dad,” I said finally, breaking the silence. “I need you to tell me what’s really going on.”
“I know you have a lot of questions about your grandmother but I’ve got you.” My father said. “You don’t have to worry about a thing.”
“But I need to know to help me perform my job better, you said itself. I need to prove her wrong.” I said not backing down.
My father hesitated, his hand dropping to his side as he sighed deeply. “You’re not going to like this, Saraya,” he began, his voice low. “But you deserve to know.”
I straightened myself on my seat, steeling myself for whatever revelation was about to come. “Just tell me.” I urged him.
He moved closer, taking the chair beside me. “I had a feeling your grandmother might try to block your appointment as CEO. She’s been vocal about her distrust in your leadership capabilities before your arrival, but more importantly…” He paused, his gaze darkening. “She’s been planning to hand the company over to Ian.”
“Ian?” I asked in surprise. “Who is he?”
“My nephew.” My father revealed.
“How come I haven’t met him?” I asked. “Why doesn’t he live with us?”
“Maybe because we are not on good terms but I’m sure you will him meet soon.” My father answered.
“Can you explain it so I understand it better?” I pressed.
Listen to me Saraya,” my father held my shoulders tightly. “I played the second fiddle to James, your uncle until his death, I won’t watch my child go through the same thing I endured.”
“She has always wanted Ian to take over ever since his father, your uncle’s passing. ” My father continued, his voice laced with bitterness. “But I couldn’t let that happen. This company is my legacy and hardwork, Saraya. It’s your right.”
I glanced at Arlan, who hadn’t moved a muscle, his expression unreadable. “And where does he come in?” I asked, gesturing toward him.
Arlan smirked faintly but said nothing, leaving my father to explain.
“I needed someone I could trust,” Alex said. “Your grandmother holds the second largest share in the company, and I knew she’d use that to sway the board. So, I used your grandfather’s slush funds and bought a significant portion of shares in Arlan’s name.”
I blinked, trying to process what he’d just said. “You… you bought shares for Arlan?”
“Yes,” he admitted. “Arlan is an old friend, someone I know wouldn’t betray us. On paper, he’s the third-largest shareholder, but in reality, those shares are a safeguard to protect you.”
My head spun. “So, you just announced war on grandma because she would try to get to the root of this.”
“You can say that.” My father said, his tone softening. “Your appointment as CEO is legitimate. The board voted for you because they believe in your capabilities. But without Arlan’s influence and support, your grandmother might have been able to block it.”
I turned to Arlan, my eyes narrowing. “And you just agreed to this?”
He finally straightened, his smirk fading into something more serious. “It worked out, didn’t it?”
I wasn’t sure whether to feel grateful or to be scared at their tenacity. “Wow!” Was all I could say.
“What do you think would have happened without those shares?” My father asked. “I did what I have to do to protect you. Your grandmother plays dirty, Saraya. She would have stopped at nothing to see Ian in your place.”
I rubbed my temples, the weight of everything pressing down on me. “And what happens now? She’s threatening to pull her shares.”
“She’s bluffing,” Arlan said confidently. “If she sells, she loses her influence. She won’t risk that.”
“But if she does sell,” My father added, “we’ll be ready. I’ve prepared for every scenario, Saraya. You just need to focus on leading.”
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. My father’s intentions were clear, he was on my side but I was lying to him.
“I appreciate what you’ve done,” I said finally, my voice quiet but resolute. “But if I’m going to lead this company, I need to do it on my terms.”
My father nodded, his expression softening. “I agree with you since I know the feeling.”
I turned to Arlan, who was watching me intently. “And you thank you for your support. I really appreciate it.”
His lips curled into a faint smile. “Fair enough, Miss Newman.”
“Alright then,” My dad stood up. “I’ll excuse myself and leave you both some privacy to discuss since you both are business partners.”
In the twinkle of an eye, my father was out of the door and Arlan and myself was staring at each other without a word.