“I agree. I think we have a bright future ahead with you two young people at the helm,” Blackwell added.
That was two out of six. I needed a majority, not a tie. With me on the board, it would bring the total count of members to seven.
“I’m so sorry, Leona,” Hayes said with a sigh. “It is certainly nothing personal, and no lack of belief, but I feel that, with the company’s current direction, we need someone with more experience in the final board member position. You understand, don’t you?”
I kept my face passive. “Of course, Hayes. I hope I’m able to prove you wrong.”
“Max? What do you think?” Sterling asked.
Max leveled his titanium gaze at me. “I vote no.”
“Surprise fucking surprise,” Cas murmured.
I inclined my head before moving to the last two members. I neededbothof their votes. Nicholas Stone and James Marino.
“I’m torn,” Marino said as he took a drink. “I respected your father. He was a good businessman. But I also think you’re so very young, sweetheart.”
My teeth grated at the condescending term. Nothing like Ryu’s sultry endearment.
“Marino likes to make bets,” Ciel whispered in my ear. “He’s known to put time and energy to unlikely wins. Push him on that.”
“Sir, I appreciate your concern,” I said demurely, “but what is good business without a little risk? Take a risk on me.”
He stared at me for another moment before his mouth turned up in a smile. “All right. Let’s see what you’ve got. Stone? We were just talking about new investments. Let’s invest our time into this woman.”
Stone nodded. “If your father had these hopes for you, I think it’s wise to get you in early. You can sit in on meetings at the beginning, learn how all this works, but maybe you can take on some new projects in a few months.”
I beamed.I got the fucking votes.
“Thank you, sirs,” I said, reaching across the table to shake each of their hands. “I have special interest in supply chain. Maybe I can start there.”
Marino looked at Sterling. “That’s possible. Let’s get you looped in with the CSCO.”
I almost squealed, but I simply clasped my hands in my lap. “I can’t wait to make you, and this company, proud.”
“Fuck yeah,” Ryuji said. “Can I shoot him now?”
“No, Ryu.” Obi sighed. “Let us take this win as a win.”
Max glowered, then looked over his shoulder as Daniele walked up behind him. I sucked in a breath. We hadn’t even seen him here, had we? What the hell was he doing?
Daniele stared down the crook of his nose at me, then leaned over to whisper something in Max’s ear. As the board members chatted around me, my eyes were locked on the whispered“Fuck”coming from Max’s mouth.
He stood and buttoned his jacket. “Gentlemen. I’m afraid business calls me elsewhere. Please continue without me.”Sterling, Blackwell, and Hayes quickly said their goodbyes as we all stood. He cast a glance in my direction. “Leona.”
“Max,” I said brightly. “See you soon.”
He nodded and turned, stomping out of the restaurant. Chiara hopped off her stool at the bar and glanced at me. She rubbed her temple once more, signaling her double agent status, then followed him out.
What the hell? Was Max running with his tail between his legs?
Finally, I allowed myself the grin.
We fucking outsmarted him.
Wedid it.
I had a seat on my father’s board, and I could finally start taking control of the pieces of VCI we needed for our empire.
