Chapter 7 - Reclaiming the Crown
Over the next four weeks, the corporate fallout was immense, but Landon moved with surgical precision.
As the newly appointed Interim CEO, he held daily press conferences, reassured international investors, and initiated a complete overhaul of the board. He donated $5 million of his own personal inheritance back into the company's ruined charitable foundation to make up for Victor's theft. Within twenty days, Vance Enterprise stock didn't just recover—it rose by 12% above its original value.
One late evening, I walked into Landon's massive corner office on the 50th floor. The city lights below twinkled through the rain-streaked windows.
Landon was sitting at his desk, his suit jacket off, his sleeves rolled up, staring at a framed photograph of us from college. He looked exhausted, dark circles under his eyes, but his gaze was peaceful.
I walked up behind him, placing my hands on his shoulders and gently massaging his tight muscles. "You should go home, CEO. You've been working eighteen-hour days."
Landon leaned his head back against my chest, reaching up to cover my hands with his. "I couldn't sleep anyway, Aubrey. Every time I close my eyes, I keep seeing my father's foot coming at me... and Sienna slapping you."
"That nightmare is over, Landon," I whispered, kissing the top of his head. "We fought them off. We won."
May you like
He turned his chair around, pulling me into his lap, wrapping his arms around my waist tightly. "Thank you for staying with me through this nightmare. Most women would have run for the hills."
"I love you, Landon Vance," I smiled, tracing his strong jawline. "I'm not going anywhere."
