Page 222 of Invisible Bars

He scanned the audience, his gaze landing squarely on his son, Imanio.

“When I gave my son Imanio the COO title at twenty-six, I had people to tell me that I was crazy. Some even said he was too young, too untraditional, a little too…” Robert paused, a smirk curling at the corners of his lips as if he was toying with a secret. “Grumpyeven.”

The crowd erupted in laughter again, this time softer, filled with a knowing familiarity.

“But he exceeded every expectation. He built taller towers, secured younger investors, and never lost the soul of our company in the process. So tonight, I’m formally stepping down and promoting him to Chief Executive Officer. It’s his ship now… fully.”

The applause was thunderous.

My chest warmed as I glanced over at Imanio, who was already rising to speak.

Then his father raised his glass and added, “To the man my legacy lives in. And to the woman beside him… may the world learn to lead with more grace.”

My eyes widened in surprise—I wasn’t expecting such heartfelt words from him or for him to acknowledge me at all.

I blinked rapidly, my heart racing, and reached for my water, attempting to steady my trembling hands.

At that moment, Imanio took the microphone, and the room fell silent, every eye turning to him.

“And tonight,” he said, voice deep and clear throughout the hall, “with my father officially stepping down, I want to say I don’t take any of this lightly. I’ve accepted the full transition. Every deal, risk, and legacy move… now starts with me.”

He let the weight of it hang, just long enough for the room to catch its breath.

“This next chapter will be defined by innovation, discipline, and unwavering integrity—principles that my father instilled in me, and I believe they can coexist even as we grow. We will expand our horizons, but we will also stay rooted in our core values. I am dedicated to preserving not only the legacy we’ve built but also the people who played crucial roles in that journey.”

The applause that followed was a mixture of respect and admiration—hard-earned and well-deserved. But he raised a hand—stopping it.

“There’s one more thing I wish to address—because I refuse to engage in baseless speculation.”

The subtle shift in his tone was palpable. It became firmer, quieter—a deliberate contrast to the earlier excitement.

“There have been rumors swirling around, whispers and half-truths about my personal life. Speculations on whether thewoman—my wife—is with me against her will. Whether she has been silenced or isolated. So let me make this clear, and I want it heard directly from me, not from the blogs, not from whispers in a comment section. I’m addressing it here, in public, so no one can twist it—so everyone can see and hear it coming straight from me.”

Imanio turned to me, his gaze steady and intentional, locking eyes with me in a way that felt both protective and challenging.

“Does she look like a woman who’s been held captive?”

As he spoke, all eyes in the room—every camera, every curious face—turned toward me, capturing a moment filled with tension and anticipation.

I straightened my spine, lifted my chin confidently, and let the luxurious silk of my flowing white dress cascade around me.

I held my gaze steady, refusing to blink or flinch. My soft smile radiated warmth and strength, silently communicating, “I’m good. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

“I’ll tell you what she is,” he announced, pivoting to face the crowd that had gathered in the opulent ballroom.

“She’s brilliant and one of the strongest people I’ve ever met.”

As he spoke, my throat tightened with emotion, a mix of pride and vulnerability swelling within me.

“She lives with Tourette Syndrome. It’s a condition that many people still don’t understand, and even more quietly judge. But she carries this challenge with a grace and dignity that most individuals couldn’t hope to replicate, even on their best days.”

The room fell into a heavy silence, the air thick with contemplation and respect.

“I would deeply appreciate it if everyone in this room—and those who speak when the cameras aren’t rolling—didn’t treat her differently because of something she didn’t ask for and can’tcontrol. She’s not broken, nor does she need your pity. She just deserves your respect.”

Imanio scanned the crowd with a fierce determination, daring anyone to challenge his words.

“If you’re part of our world, you will respect her. You will respect what she endures every day, and if you can’t… there’s the door.”