The Billionaire's Offer

Chapter 8

Asher

Since I got back home, I've been working hard to gain the trust of key stakeholders and to convey my vision for the company. Truth be told, much of it is thanks to Max's efforts, though I'm determined to show them my commitment.

And now, the ultimate test lies ahead: facing the board.

Inhaling deeply, I brace myself as I step into the boardroom. The air is thick with the scent of leather and polished wood, mingling with unspoken tension.

A huge mahogany table stretches before me, surrounded by imposing high-backed leather chairs. Everything here reeks of old money and power, and I can't help but feel out of place.

Max stands at the head of the table, flanked by his trusted advisors and the board members, whose expressions are a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

And then there's Henry, our stepbrother. I can feel his disdain for being caught off guard by my unexpected return, but I choose to ignore it. Our father married his mother a few years after our mother died from a brutal battle against cancer. But we never really became a family since they are both too self-centered and only care about their own interests.

Even after all this time, I'm frustrated our father would get involved with someone who is so vicious; so heartless. She is nothing like our mother, and this definitely played a role in the deterioration of our relationship.

Sinking into a chair, I feel the weight of Max's anticipation bearing down on me. Max's health might be improving, but the road ahead remains uncertain. Besides, I have a lot to prove.

Without missing a beat, Max launches into the meeting, providing a concise rundown of the company's current state and the critical need for a temporary CEO. As he speaks, I observe the board members shifting uncomfortably in their seats, clearly uneasy with anyone other than Max taking the lead.

After some time, Max turns to me, his eyes filled with a mix of pride and hope. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm delighted to introduce my brother, Asher Sullivan, back to the company. He has generously agreed to serve as the interim CEO while I focus on my recovery."

The room crackles with palpable tension, and I can't help but notice one of the board members, a distinguished older woman with sharp eyes, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Max," she says, "are you positive you don't want Henry to step in as interim CEO? He's been effectively managing the day-to-day operations since your accident."

Max's unwavering confidence in me is evident, but instead of easing my nerves, it only intensifies my anxiety. "I have complete faith in Asher's abilities to lead the company right now," he asserts. "I wouldn't propose this if I didn't believe he was the right choice."

Henry leans forward, his gaze locked onto mine with a vicious intensity. "This is preposterous," he sneers, his voice dripping with hatred. "Asher has been absent from the company for years, traveling the world doing God knows what. What makes him qualified to lead this company?"

I refuse to let his words shake me even though they hold some truth. "Henry," I say. "My experiences outside this company have given me a unique perspective. I believe I can inject fresh ideas and innovation into our strategies."

Max steps in once again, his voice firm. "Asher may have been away, but he carries our family's legacy in his blood. He understands our values, our history."

Henry scoffs, his anger at Max for not considering him family clear in his eyes. "Adaptation is one thing; running a multinational corporation is entirely different. Do you even understand the specifics of our current projects? Our financial status? The market challenges we face?"