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“That’s right. Effective immediately, I am also resigning,” he said.
“You’re out of your minds,” Uncle Kroy snapped.
“Am I, Uncle Kroy? You’re the one who has been fighting to kick me out ever since my father passed away. I gave my heart and soul to this company. Over and over again. I gave everything I had to this boardroom.”
“This is your damn legacy, Damien!” Uncle Kroy shouted.
“Don’t you worry.” I pointed at him. “I’m still the majority shareholder. This is and always will be my company. I just won’t be running it anymore. Congratulations, Uncle Kroy, on your new position.”
The door opened, and Theodore stepped in and took a seat. “I apologize for being late. It couldn’t be helped. What’s going on here?”
“Damien just informed us he’s resigning as CEO, and taking Charlie with him,” Uncle Kroy told him.
“Damien, is this true? Why on earth would you resign?” Theodore asked.
“I’ve found something better. A company that is built on truth. Something that is actually changing lives. And I won’t keep wasting mine in a room full of people who think empathy is weakness. Theodore, you merged with Blackwood Holdings based on family values. But the family values of this company are nothing but a lie.”
“And what are you going to do?” Theodore asked.
“I’m globally expanding Curated Chaos.”
Uncle Kroy chuckled. “And you think those stupid boxes will replace a billion-dollar company? You’re a fool. You’ll lose everything.”
“No,” I calmly spoke. “I walk away, and I finally have everything that matters.”
“Beautiful. Print that on a mug.” Charlie grinned.
“You all think this company needs someone who’s always here and never leaves the boardroom. You’re wrong. You need someone who leads with vision. I’m no longer that man.”
“You walk away from this, and you walk away from everything your father left you,” Uncle Kroy shouted.
I inhaled a deep breath and smiled. “My father left me his name. You wanted me out, and so I’m out. Congratulations, Uncle Kroy. You won. But make no mistake. I will be watching. One slip-up, and I’ll vote you out.”
Charlie and I slid our resignations across the table.
“Here are our resignations, effective immediately.”
Charlie and I headed toward the door.
“And one more thing,” I said, turning around. “The next time you mock someone for choosing love over power, remember this. Power fades. But what I’m building? That will outlive all of you, one breakup box at a time. You can keep your title, while I keep my soul.” I grinned, opened the door, and walked out with everything ahead of me.
ChapterThirty-Eight
Willa
Daisy and I arrived home from the shop. With her on my hip, I rummaged through the mail that was delivered earlier. A smile graced my face when I saw the white envelope from my OB/GYN.
“Mommy needs to put you down.” I set Daisy on the playmat in the living room.
“Mama,” Daisy said, smiling.
A few moments later, the elevator dinged, and Damien was home. Daisy knew that sound all too well because she crawled across the floor as fast as she could to him.
“There’s my princess.” Damien grinned, setting down his briefcase and picking up Daisy. “God, I’ve missed you.” He hugged her tightly.
“Dada.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.” He walked over and kissed me. “Hi, beautiful.”