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Taking a deep breath, I started.
“Thank you for joining me tonight,” I said in a loud, clear voice and curved my lips in a calm, relaxing smile. “I am honored to be trusted with this position of responsibility and pledge myself to take Amhurst Co. to newer heights of success.”
Claps erupted at my declaration. When it died down, I began again.
“I’ll talk about my plans for the company in a moment but let me introduce myself to those who don’t know me yet.”
I looked around at the crowd, meeting several curious gazes.
“I am Azalea Amhurst and grew up right here in Silverlake City. After graduating from Silverlake University, I moved to California to start Azalea Tech. with a handful of research students I’d come to know during my time in college.”
I took a pause, making sure the crowd wasn’t bored just yet.
“It’s not easy to establish your presence in a highly competitive market like the electronics industry but I kept at it. Hard work is the only thing I rely on to achieve success. I give my hundred percent and motivate my employees to do the same. Together, we’ve achieved the accolades Brian just showered on me.”
Enthusiastic clapping followed this little speech.
“I aim to use my experience to lead Amhurst Co. to greater heights. I’ll be working with the Amhurst brothers to establish ourselves as the most sought-after builders on the East Coast.”
I glanced toward Noah, Caleb, and Corey, and received their grim nods.
Looking back toward the crowd, I added, “Brian will continue to mentor us. He might not be working full-time but he’ll always be with us. I’m very excited about Amhurst Co.’s prospects, so please, be with us and watch us grow even further.”
I smiled over everyone’s heads. “Once again, thank you for joining us on this special occasion and celebrating with us. Have an excellent evening, ladies and gentlemen!”
With that, I stepped away from the center stage. Claps and cheers followed me as I climbed down and headed toward a valet carrying glasses of punch.
Taking a grateful gulp of the sweet drink, I looked around as the gathering around the stage dispersed into smaller groups. Excited chatter rose up among everyone.
Corey, Caleb, and Noah waved at me. I was about to move toward them when someone called my name from behind.
“That was a great speech.”
Turning around, I spotted Luke.
“Hey,” I said with a smile. “I hope I didn’t bore you.”
“Not at all,” he said with a calculated look in his eyes. “It was very interesting to hear you promising a great future for Amhurst Co.”
“Interesting? Wasn’t it rather obvious since I am its chairperson now?”
He shook his head. “It means you’ve rejected my offer to join Beckett Industries.”
“That was never going to happen, Luke,” I said in a grim tone. “I can’t be disloyal to Brian, not after everything he’s done for me.”
“But—”
“Come on,” I said, hoping to distract him. “Everyone’s heading to the banquet room. Let’s get some food and catch up.”
“Hold up a minute.” Taking my elbow, he led me toward a lone corner while the room steadily cleared away.
Brian and Noah were already herding the guests to the adjacent hall where dinner was being served. Caleb and Corey hung back, keeping their gaze on me.
“You have the perfect opportunity to get your revenge now,” said Luke. “Aren’t you seeing it yet?”
“I already have the CEO position,” I said, looking up into his glittering silver eyes. “They no longer have the power to make final decisions in the company. I’m in control now.”
Luke shook his head. “That’s nothing. Listen to what I have to say and you can make them cry tears of blood.”
