Page 119 of A Win-Win Situation
"Dad, can we go now?" Milena complains, impatient as always. "This place is so boring."
"I’ll see you soon gentlemen," Michel says before they both walk away.
I sitin a stately conference room, the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the city's skyline. The room exudes formality, with dark mahogany furniture and plush leather chairs surrounding a long, polished wooden table. Crystal chandeliers hang from above, casting a warm, golden glow.
At the head of the table, Antoine sits, looking composed but bearing the marks of his declining health. To his left, my brother Liam, and to his right, myself.
Liam can't help but fidget subtly in his seat, his nerves betraying him. I glance around, my eyes meeting Michel's. He sits among the other six stakeholders, a sly smile playing on his lips. His gaze locks onto mine, and he raises a taunting eyebrow at me. The other stakeholders maintain a stoic demeanor, fully aware of the gravity of this meeting.
Antoine calls the meeting to order, his voice firm but carrying a hint of strain. As the discussions commence, I can't shake the feeling that Michel is plotting something, and it keeps me on edge throughout the proceedings.
When it's Michel's turn to speak, he stands up. "We all know this meeting was called upon by me. As we're all aware, our long-time friend Antoine is sick, and his health has been deteriorating." There's a hidden agenda lurking behind his carefully chosen words and I grip the edge of my chair, my knuckles turning white.
"As we face this challenging situation," Michel continues, "we must consider the future of this business. It's clear that decisions need to be made, and I believe it's time for us to plan for a smooth transition. Perhaps it's time for new leadership." My heart races as I watch him manipulate the situation.
Liam leans over and whispers to me, "Stay calm, Lucas. We expected this."
Antoine addresses the room, his voice carrying the weight of years of experience and dedication. "I appreciate Michel's concern for the well-being of the company, but rest assured, I have a succession plan in place. Lucas will take over and the business will continue to thrive under his leadership."
Michel's smile widens, and it's clear he's ready to challenge whatever plan Antoine has set in motion.
"You mean the man who pretended to marry a girl to fool us all?" Michel's voice drips with mockery. I try to maintaincomposure because Michel can’t know about me and Leora. He can’t have any proof, no one will believe him.
"Enough," Gérard Moreau speaks up this time, his tone firm and commanding. "This is neither the time nor the place for personal vendettas."
"What do you mean by pretend?" Louis Grimaldi asks. He’s the oldest and probably the most old-fashioned of all people involved today so I’m not surprised he took Michel’s bait.
"I happened to have the incrementing agreement, signed by both Mr. Ayoub and Miss Davis. Filled with different kinds of conditions and a sum she would be paid at the end. If that doesn’t speak of both their character, I don’t know what would. Is that the man you want to handle the hotels and your investments?" He holds up our agreement in his hands, with a smirk on his lips.
The room spins as Michel's words cut through the air, and a chilling panic takes hold of me.How the hell did he get a hold of those papers?
I glance around the room, meeting the eyes of the people who have the choice to change my life today. They now wear expressions ranging from shock to skepticism. Their trust in me hangs by a thread, and I can feel it slipping away with every passing second.
My mind races, contemplating the repercussions. This revelation not only jeopardizes my chances of taking over, but it also has the potential to cast a dark shadow over my family, over Liam. We all knew there was a risk of them not choosing me, but never about them finding out about the agreement with Leora.
Leora. The woman I’ve come to love, whose name is now associated with a scandal that threatens to tarnish her reputation. There would be no fixing it; these people would speak to everyone they know, and word would travel. That can’thappen. She’s my wife. No matter how the marriage started, she’s my wife now, and it will remain that way.
"It’s Mrs. Ayoub," I interject, unable to remain silent any longer.
"Excuse me?" Michel responds, feigning ignorance.
"I said it’sMrs. Ayoub. Not Miss Davis," I assert firmly. "I’ve told you this before, and this will be the last time, but you don’t speak about my wife, Michel. Not now, not ever. Do you understand me?"
"Is she truly your wife if you had to find her on the streets just to fulfill your desperate, selfish needs to uphold a clause?"
I stand up quickly and move toward him and Liam follows me. "Did you not hear what I just said?"
"Your wife is?—"
"I would be very careful how you finish that sentence, Michel," Liam says in a low, threatening tone.
"Is it true, Lucas?" Estelle Lavigne's question pierces through the room, her eyes searching mine for an honest answer. I meet her gaze, recognizing the genuine concern etched on her face. In this sea of scrutiny, she stands out as one of the few stakeholders who genuinely cares.
She was always there, a constant presence as I grew up, a witness to my journey. Now, her inquiry demands a truth that could shape, not only the company's future, but also the perception of my character.
"Yes, it’s true. Both him and that wife of his are liars." Michel speaks up again and I have to stop myself from grabbing on to his collar.
"Leoraismy wife," I declare firmly. "It doesn't matter how she became my wife, just that she is and will stay so." I run my hand through my hair, frustration filling me. "You all forced me into this."
