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My family had shown up in force. They all insisted on supporting her. Callum and Victoria were somewhere to my left. Micah and Grace had flown in specifically for this, which had made Darcy tear up when she’d found out. Cleo was near the front, phone already out, ready to document everything for posterity.

Even Mom and Dad were here. Mom had insisted. She’d told me over the phone that Darcy was family now, and family showed up for the important moments. I hadn’t argued. There was no point arguing with Tiana Blackwell when she’d made up her mind about something. They weren’t staying because Mom didn’t want to steal the spotlight, but she was not going to miss this big moment in Darcy’s life. I loved my family more for it. I loved that they had basically adopted her. She was a Blackwell in every way except by name.

Lou Corwin stepped up to the small podium that had been set up on the stage. The crowd quieted, champagne glasses lowering, conversations trailing off. He looked distinguished in his dark suit. There was something different about him today. A lightness I hadn’t seen before. He was ready to sail off into the sunset in the very literal sense.

He’d changed too, these past few weeks. The relationship between him and Darcy had shifted into something healthier. More honest. He’d stopped treating her like a subordinate who needed to prove herself and started treating her like a daughter he was proud of. He’d always been proud, but they’d worked together long enough. It was time for him to simply be her father. Not her boss.

“Thank you all for being here today,” Lou began, his voice carrying easily through the space. “This is a momentous occasion for Corwin Gems. A passing of the torch, if you will, from one generation to the next.”

He paused, letting the words settle.

“I’ve spent my entire career building this company. It’s been my life’s work, my passion, my legacy. But every legacy needs someone to carry it forward. Someone with vision and dedication and the kind of fire that can’t be taught.”

He turned slightly, gesturing toward the side of the stage. An assistant wheeled out an easel with a large photograph mounted on it. I leaned forward, curious.

The photo showed a little girl, maybe five or six years old, sitting behind an enormous desk. Her feet didn’t reach the floor. Her platinum hair was in pigtails. She was pretending to talk on a phone that was bigger than her head, a serious expression on her tiny face.

The crowd let out a collective ahh sound.

“This is Darcy,” Lou said, his voice softening. “At my desk pretending to run the company before she could even spell the word ‘diamond.’ She’s been preparing for this moment her entire life. There was never any doubt she’d take over the company one day.”

I watched Darcy’s face. She was staring at the photo with a smile but I could see she was fighting back tears.

“My daughter has worked harder than anyone I know to earn this position,” Lou continued. “She’s put in the hours and the sacrifices along with the late nights and early mornings. She’s proven herself a hundred times over, not because I asked her to but because that’s who she is. She doesn’t know how to do anything halfway.”

He turned to face her directly.

“Darcy, I haven’t always shown it the way I should have, but I want you to know how proud I am of you. Not just for what you’ve accomplished professionally, but for the woman you’ve become. Your mother would be so proud.”

Darcy’s hand came up to press against her chest.

“This company is in the best possible hands,” Lou said, turning back to the crowd. “I know Darcy will lead us into a prosperous future. She has the vision, the talent, and the heart to take Corwin Gems to heights we’ve never imagined.” He raised his champagne glass. “Please join me in congratulating our new CEO, Darcy Corwin.”

The room erupted in applause. I clapped so hard my palms stung. Darcy made her way to the stage and hugged her father. He held on for a long moment, saying something in her ear that made her nod and wipe quickly at her eyes.

Then she stepped up to the microphone. “Thank you,” she said, her voice steady despite the emotion I could see in her face. “Thank you all for being here. And thank you, Dad, for that embarrassing photo. I’m sure it’ll be all over social media within the hour.”

Laughter rippled through the crowd. Cleo was indeed already tapping away at her phone.

“I’m not going to give a long speech,” Darcy continued. “You all know me well enough to know I prefer action over words. But I do want to say this.” Her eyes met mine for a half-second. “Find someone that will make you feel seen and heard. Someone who can see the parts of you that you hide from the world. That’s who gets a Corwin Gems ring.”

My throat tightened. More applause. Board members nodded like they had written her speech. My family beamed like Darcy was already one of their own.

Because she was.

The formal part of the event gave way to mingling and congratulations. I hung back, letting Darcy have her moment. She deserved to be surrounded by colleagues and well-wishers. I wanted her to soak in everything she’d worked so hard to achieve.

I watched her move through the crowd, accepting handshakes and hugs, her smile genuine and warm. The ice queen was nowhere to be seen. In her place was a woman who had finally figured out that strength and softness weren’t mutually exclusive. My family took the opportunity to personally congratulate her before they quietly left.

She finally made her way to me.

“Hey, boss,” I said.

She laughed. “Don’t call me that.”

“Why not? It’s accurate.” I pulled her into my arms, not caring who was watching. “I’m so proud of you.”

She melted into me, her face pressed against my chest. “Thank you for being here.”