Page 120 of A Win-Win Situation
Louis' stern voice echoes through the room, "Your actions are set on your shoulders, son. There's no room for blaming others."
I meet his gaze, acknowledging the weight of his words. The responsibility for my choices rests squarely on me, and no amount of justification can change that.
"That clause shouldn't even be there. Haven't I proven to you what I'm capable of?" I retort, frustration seeping into my voice. The achievements and dedication I've demonstrated seem to fade in the face of this traditional constraint.
"It's tradition," Michel interjects.
"But traditions can evolve, can't they?" I challenge, attempting to plant a seed of doubt in their adherence to the old ways. Michel's smirk persists, but there's a flicker of doubt in his eyes.
"It's true that circumstances led to a unique marriage arrangement," I begin, addressing the elephant in the room head-on. "But let me be clear, Leora is not just a means to an end. She's my wife, and I care deeply for her. The agreement is a part of a complex situation that doesn't define the entirety of our relationship. But that shouldn’t matter to you. My uncle has taught me everything he knows and I’m certain I can continue on in his footsteps."
Liam stands by my side, a silent pillar of support, and I sense his unspoken determination. The stakeholders remain divided, some still skeptical, while others seem swayed by my sincerity.
Estelle, with a thoughtful expression, speaks up again, "In matters of the heart, perhaps we should focus on the commitment. After all, it's not unheard of for marriages to begin under unconventional circumstances."
Michel attempts to interject again, but Gérard, with a raised hand, silences him. "We’re all aware of the clause, and from where I’m standing, Lucas has followed it. Now, let us proceed with the vote. This meeting is not the forum to pass judgmenton personal matters. We are here to decide the future of the company." He takes a break and looks Michel in the eyes. "Lucas has consistently demonstrated his capabilities in his role, the hotel we’re sitting in today is open because of him. He’s the reason we’re planning to venture into the United States, with not one, but three, hotels. One set to open its doors in New York in three years. Antoine has chosen him as his successor and it’s our job to accept it or not. So let me start . . . I accept."
Gérard’s words offer some relief. His support reminds me that there are people in the room who recognize the depth of my commitment to the company and my integrity. While it's true that Leora and I didn't start off on the most honest footing, we couldn't have predicted how our relationship would evolve, and ultimately strengthen our resolve. I'd make the same choices again if it meant keeping Michel away from our company and Leora in my life. I don't regret it and never will.
Michel leans back in his chair, his sneer fading into a scowl. "I do not accept."
My eyes travel to Estelle, and the look on her face is warm when she speaks, "I accept."
Then it’s Louis’s turn, "I do not accept."
Two, on our side
Two against us.
Three votes left.
FORTY-TWO
LUCAS
My search for Leora begins almost instinctively. I need her by my side, now more than ever. As I exit the room, she suddenly appears, rushing towards me with open arms. Leora wraps herself around me, her arms secure around my waist. It's a welcome embrace, and I hold her just as fiercely, feeling the warmth of her presence wash over me. When she lets go, I glance around. Gérard and Estelle walk by with warm smiles, acknowledging us. Their support is comforting. Michel, however, pushes his way through the crowd, his face contorted in a scowl. Without a word, he grabs Milena and forcefully leads her away. Milena’s bewildered expression adds to Leora’s confusion.
Her worried voice breaks through the chaos. "What happened in there, Lucas?" Her eyes are filled with concern, and there’s unease in her tone.
I let out a sigh, my fingers running through my hair. "Will you stay even if the news is bad?" I ask, my voice heavy with insecurities. I can’t help it, Leora is everything. She’s everything I’ve been missing and everything I need. How I’ve lived thirty-four years without her, I don’t know. But now that I have her, I’m never letting her go. She’s the only woman who’s made me thinkabout having my own family—the only woman I would want as the mother of my children.
She hugs me again while she leans her head against my chest. "Of course I’ll stay with you. I just want you."
I kiss the top of her head. "Good, because we won."
"What?" She looks up at me, tears forming in her eyes. "They voted for you?"
I smile at her, cupping her face gently with my hands. "Yes, they did. Gérard Moreau and some others spoke up for me, and Michel’s attempts to tarnish us backfired. We’re in the clear, Leora. Antoine’s plan worked."
In the end, five out of the seven stakeholders accepted me as the successor, and after Michel’s actions, I doubt he’ll stay with us for long. This might have been the last straw. Many have been displeased with him for the past years, and now there might be enough people to collectively vote him out. Louis, on the other hand, will soon forget about this, as he enjoys making money, and with my future plans, he will.
Leora wraps her arms around me once more, tears of joy replacing the worry in her eyes.
"This is all I wanted," Antoine says, and we both shift to look at the smile on his face. His eyes glisten with unshed tears and I go to hug him tightly before I move to hug Liam.
But when I look back at my uncle, his expression has transformed. It's no longer the prideful smile I just witnessed; instead, it's a serene and content one that radiates profound fulfillment. His eyes convey a depth of gratitude and love that strikes a chord deep within me. Before I can fully comprehend the moment, time seems to accelerate, and with a sudden thud, he collapses to the ground.
"Ammo," Liam and I scream as we rush to his side, panic plastered on all of our faces.
