14
Elena's POV
I sat at the head of the table, facing a room full of blank expressions. The board members stared at me with closed-off faces, and the energy in the room was quiet against every idea Id suggested.
It didnt matter that Id stayed up late planning, revising, or that I believed in this project with every fiber of my being. They were dismissing it all, their quiet murmurs filling the room.
"It's a bad idea,"one of them whispered just loud enough for me to catch.
My heart skipped, the words were piercing through the confidence I was trying to build for this moment. I wanted to say something—anything—that would convince them, but every glance exchanged among them was like a silent confirmation of their rejection.
Part of me wanted to give up, to accept that they were right, that I wasnt ready for this responsibility. But another part of me, the part that knew I was capable, I fought to keep my shoulders straight.
Just as I was about to speak again, there was a knock on the door. I looked up, grateful for the interruption, hoping it would at least break the tension in the room. Samantha entered, followed by a young man in a navy blue, tailored suit. He walked in holding a briefcase. His eyes scanning the room before landing on me. He flashed me a polite, warm smile.
"Sorry to interrupt, Elena,"Samantha said, stepping aside to let him in fully. "This is Mr. Diego from the company weve been discussing."
She gestured to the man, and I nodded in acknowledgment. I hadnt expected anyone to be here today, I stared at him curiously.
He turned to me and extended his hand, his grip firm and steady as we shook hands.
"Miss Elena Brooks, I presume? As she mentioned, Im Mr. Diego, one of the managers overseeing the project at company responsible for the bridge project, Im here to deliver a contract on behalf of our CEO, who has decided to move forward with your company."
A stunned silence filled the room, the board membersexpressions shifting from skepticism to shock. I could feel their eyes on me, wide with disbelief. My heart pounded as Mr. Diego placed the contract on the table in front of me.
"If you have any questions, youre welcome to reach out at any time,"he said, his tone friendly yet professional. "Otherwise, you can go ahead and sign at your convenience."
He gave a polite nod and left. I stared down at the contract, my mind racing to process what had just happened. The very project that Id fought so hard to push through, the one the board members had dismissed as impossible, was now supported by one of the most reputable companies in the industry.
One of the board members, Mr. Preston, broke the silence first. "How… how did this happen? We thought it was impossible. The CEO was so strict with us."
Another board member, Ms. Fields, nodded, her expression a mix of amazement and newfound respect. "This is incredible, Elena. Youve managed to do what we all believed couldnt be done."
Before I could respond, Mr. Preston looked at me with a rare smile. "With this accomplishment, Miss Elena Brooks, youve proven that youre not only worthy but fully capable of becoming our CEO. As of this moment, you are officially the CEO of Brooks Group."
The words struck me with a force that left me breathless. I felt a surge of joy so intense that it seemed almost unreal. Id dreamed of this moment, of being recognized and entrusted with leading my familys company, but now that it was here, it felt almost like a dream.
"Thank you… thank you so much,"I stammered, barely able to contain my excitement. The board members filed out, leaving me in the room with Samantha, who rushed to my side, grinning from ear to ear.
"We did it!"I squealed, pulling her into a hug. "Im the CEO! Finally!"
Samantha laughed, her eyes bright with pride. "I knew you could do it, Elena. But, girl, have you thought about why this happened? I mean, you dont even know who this CEO is. Why would they support us?"
Her question made me pause, the reality of the situation settling over me like a cool breeze. She was right. I hadnt met the CEO of this company, and it was rare for a company as powerful as theirs to take interest in a smaller project without solid reasoning.
"Do you know who their CEO is?"I asked, curiosity mingling with suspicion.
Samanthas eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "Ive heard its Jason Campbell. And, if my sources are right, its none other than your fiancé, Elena."
My jaw dropped as her words registered. "What?!"
Samanthas grin grew wider. "Yep, it looks like your fiancé pulled some strings for you."
My mind reeled. Jason? I hadnt considered the possibility that he might have been behind this sudden support. Jason was thoughtful, supportive, and dedicated, but Id never expected him to step into my professional life so directly. He knew how much I valued my independence and my role in the company.
Without wasting another second, I pulled out my phone and dialed his number, my fingers trembling slightly as I pressed the call button. He answered on the second ring, his familiar, warm voice filling my ear.
"Hi, beauty,"he greeted, his tone as smooth and charming as always.
My cheeks heated with a blush, but I forced myself to stay focused. "Can we meet at the bar where we first met? Six o'clock?"
There was a brief pause before he replied, "Of course. Ill see you there."
I hung up and exhaled, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness twisting inside me. I had so many questions, and I couldnt help but feel both grateful and frustrated at the same time. Grateful for his support, yet frustrated that he hadnt told me about his involvement.
When six o'clock came, I found myself at the bar, scanning the room until I spotted him at a corner table. He stood up as soon as he saw me, his smile warm and inviting. But I noticed the hint of nervousness in his eyes as I approached, and I realized he probably knew why I wanted to meet.
"Jason,"I began, taking a seat across from him, "thank you for helping me. But why didnt you tell me? I would have appreciated a heads-up."
He looked down, a sheepish smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I wanted it to be a surprise. I know how much this project meant to you, Elena. And I also knew you could handle it on your own. But the opportunity came up, and… I wanted to give you that extra push. I believe in you."
I felt my heart soften, the frustration melting into admiration. He had believed in me, in my vision, enough to support me from behind the scenes without making me feel indebted.
"But… you know I like doing things on my own,"I said softly, searching his face.
"I do,"he said, reaching across the table to take my hand. "And thats why I didnt make this about me. The project was your idea, your hard work. I just wanted to make sure the right people saw it."
I smiled, squeezing his hand. Maybe I hadnt needed his help, but his support made me feel valued, cherished, and seen.
"Thank you, Jason. For everything."
Jason draw her closer and kissed her passionately.
Jason lifted his glass, his eyes warm as they met mine. "Let's drink to success and to the newest CEO!"he said, grinning as he raised his glass higher. His pride in me was so genuine, and I felt a thrill of happiness, excitement, and maybe just a little bit of relief.
"To success,"I echoed, clinking my glass with his. The champagne was light and fizzy, and I felt it go straight to my head.
We talked, laughed, and drank a few more glasses. I was riding on a wave of celebration, the bubbles and the joy blending into a blur. Only the soft clinking of glasses, warm lights, and Jasons gentle laughter grounding me in the moment. But as the glasses emptied, my mind grew a bit fuzzy.
Somewhere in that haze, a memory of Lucas crossed my mind—a shadow of the betrayal and hurt hed left behind. My heart clenched, and before I knew it, Id mumbled, "Lucas… that bastard."I said drunkenly not even minding people around me.
Jason held me closer to himself, his smile fading as he tilted his head in concern. "Elena?"
I looked at him, my vision a little blurry. "Jason, take me somewhere quiet,"I murmured, needing to escape from all the memories that were creeping in. "I want to forget that hypocrite. Tonight, I just want to be free from all of it."
His gaze softened, and he nodded, standing up and reaching out a steady hand to help me to my feet. "Come on,"he said gently. I felt his arm wrap around my waist, guiding me away from the noise and loud music.
Somehow, we ended up in a secluded, private room attached to the bar—a cozy, dimly lit space where the music was faint, and everything seemed softer, easier to handle. I kissed jason, closing my eyes as his hand gently stroked my back, easing away Lucas's betrayal.
"Elena,"he said softly, lifting my chin so I looked into his eyes. His expression was full of concern and something deeper, something that made my heart beat just a little faster. "I dont know what Lucas did to hurt you, but he doesnt deserve even a second of your thoughts."
I managed a weak smile. "Thank you, Jason. Youre right,"He stared into my eyes seductively biting his lower lips. He tucked strands of hair behind my ear.