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CHAPTER 9
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The next morning, Caleb stood before his mirror, adjusting his tie with meticulous care. Today was more than just a formality; it was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. He had barely slept the night before, his mind racing with thoughts of this moment. Every late night, every sacrifice, every step he had taken had led him to this day. Yet, the irony
wasn’t lost on him–his worth was tied to a will and a marriage contract rather than his abilities
alone.
The handover ceremony was a significant event,
and Caleb felt excited, like a child again. Like a child who couldn’t wait to unravel his gifts after
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working hard for it. He smiled at his reflection in the mirror. This was his moment.
As he descended the grand staircase, his mother, Rose, was waiting for him. She smiled warmly. “You look amazing, Caleb,” she said, her voice filled with pride.
“Stella would be here any moment, she’s happy for you” Her mom chipped it again.
“Thank you, mother” he grinned. Today was a happy day, and he wasn’t going to let his mom
and Stella ruin it.
Caleb felt a slight embarrassment creep up when his gaze met Jane, recalling whay had transpired between them last night.
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He caught sight of Jane standing apart, giving him a reassuring smile and a nod.
Lillian couldn’t resist making fun of him. “Oh look, he’s blushing!” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Caleb’s stern facade cracked, and he managed a smile. “Have a nice day,” he told them, turning to leave. But before he could step out, Lilian called after him. “Today is an important day for us, and you’re just going to forget your wife?”
Although he had seen Jane, it hadn’t fully registered that they were supposed to maintain the pretence of their marriage. He sighed
inwardly and turned back to her. “I’m in a
hurry,” he muttered, but he approached Jane regardless.
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He pulled her in closely, and a flicker of fear passed through her eyes. Leaning in, he whispered, “Why are you here?”
She glanced around nervously. “Your sister asked me to come join them for dinner. According to your sister I’m not a furniture so I
shouldn’t be in my room all day,” she whispered back.
“Don’t be found where you’re not supposed to
be.”
Jane opened her mouth to speak but before she could speak, Caleb silenced her with a brief peck on the lips. She stood there, stunned and a bit humiliated, as he walked out the door and
right to the waiting car.
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The drive to the headquarters was quiet, giving him time to mentally prepare for the important event ahead. His speech wasn’t planned. Although he had always waited for it, he didn’t have a special line somewhere that he had crammed. He could only believe in his mouth to say the right thing. Being overly prepared messed things up sometimes and the least thing he wanted was to screw up before every watchful eyes.
Arriving at the headquarters, Caleb was greeted by a sea of faces–employees and board members alike, all gathered in the grand lobby. The ceremony was set to take place in the executive conference room, a space designed to impress with its floor–to–ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city skyline.
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Caleb was escorted to the front of the room where a large mahogany table was set up with documents and the company seal. The room fell silent as he entered, all eyes on him.
Xavier stood by the table, his expression neutral but with a hint of tension. As Caleb took his place, Xavier stepped forward to address the
room.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Xavier began, his voice steady, “today marks a significant transition for Lockwood Enterprises. Before we begin, let’s take a moment to acknowledge one of our own, Caleb, on his recent marriage. This marks a new chapter for him, both personally and professionally.”
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There were gasps of surprise and exchanged looks before the room erupted in applause and congratulations. Caleb smiled, accepting the good wishes with a nod of respect.
“Before we begin, I’m sure you all are curious to know why you’ve been assembled here. For years I’ve been in charge of Lockwood Enterprises and it has been an amazing journey growing with you all. But as stipulated by the will of my late brother, Robert, the company will now be handed over to Caleb Lockwood.”
There was a round of applause again and Xavier waited for the noise to die down before
proceeding. “But first of all, we must all cast our. votes which is only fair.”
The boardroom was tense, and filled with
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murmuring as the shareholders gathered to vote on the new leadership of Lockwood Enterprises. Caleb stood on the side trying to maintain composure as his heart thumped and his mind raced with thoughts and possibilities.
As they awaited the results, the big screen flickered on, displaying a shocking headline: “Caleb Lockwood and First Love, Stella Rosman Rekindle Relationship.” A video followed, showing Caleb hugging Stella late at night as they walked into her apartment.
Cold sweat broke out on Caleb’s forehead and an unsettling feeling settled in the pit of his stomach as he glared at the screen. The video was clearly an old one, but why now? How had it gotten to the media?
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Whispers filled the room. “Didn’t Caleb just get married?”
“Why is he with another woman?”
“Can we trust someone like this to lead the
company?”
Xavier’s expression shifted from shock to relief. Was his nephew unhappy in his marriage? Why was he cheating? he wondered. He leaned back in his chair watching the drama before him. “What do you have to say about this?”
Caleb took a deep breath and stepped forward. “This video is from years ago, long before my marriage.” Caleb said, his voice steady. “Indeed the woman in the video was once my lover but that was long before, when my father was alive.
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Not anymore.”
He paused, meeting the eyes of the
shareholders. “I have always acted in the
best interests of Lockwood Enterprises. My
commitment to this company and its future is unwavering. I assure you, my personal life is in order, and my marriage is strong.”
The room fell silent. The shareholders exchanged glances, weighing his words.
“Indeed, Caleb has been a dedicated worker,” Xavier muttered, breaking the silence. “I can vouch for him. I’m not saying this because we are related. I am not partial. There are records and everyone can testify to his loyalty to this company.”
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“True,” they agreed.
“We can’t judge based on a video or some news. Marriage and business are two different things but Caleb has done a good job of being dedicated to both. With that being said, let’s focus on the reason why we’re here,” Xavier
said.
Caleb was shocked that his uncle was vouching for him, and felt there was something behind all this. But he didn’t give it too much thought, he needed it at the moment, after now, he will look for how to unreveal what’s up in Xavier’s
sleeves.
Soon the voting results were out and Caleb was confirmed as the new leader. There was a murmur of approval and a few scattered claps.
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Xavier gestured for Caleb to step forward. “Caleb, the documents are ready for your signature. This will officially transfer the title and responsibilities of CEO to you.”
Caleb approached the table with determination. He picked up the pen and, with a steady hand, signed each document in turn. Once the last document was signed, Xavier handed Caleb a sleek, leather–bound folder containing the title deed and official CEO credentials.
“Congratulations, Caleb,” Xavier said, his voice lacking warmth. “The company is now in your hands.”
Caleb looked up, meeting the eyes of each board member in the room, silently asserting This new authority. “Thank you, Uncle,” he
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replied. He then turned to address the room. “Thank you all for your support and trust. Lockwood Enterprises has a proud history, and I intend to lead us into a future that honors our legacy while embracing innovation and growth.”
The room erupted into applause, more enthusiastic this time. The genuine relief and happiness on the faces of the employees were unmistakable. They had endured Xavier’s treacherous ways for too long, and the promise of new leadership was a welcome change.
Caleb felt a swell of pride and accomplishment. This was his moment, a tangible success he could hold on to. For the first time, he allowed himself to believe that perhaps he was truly ready for this responsibility.
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After the formalities, the attendees mingled, exchanging congratulations and discussing the company’s future. Xavier, however, lingered near the back, his expression souring as he watched Caleb interact confidently with the board members and senior executives.
Once the room began to empty, Caleb approached Xavier. “Did you know about this?” he asked, his voice low but controlled.
Xavier shook his head. “I’m as surprised as you are and why would I be against my nephew’s
success?”
Caleb fell silent.
“I’ve never been interested in your love life,
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Caleb, just the business affairs. But think about who might want to bring you down. This wasn’t
me.”
“Congratulations once again, Caleb. I hope you’re ready for the responsibility?” Xavier said with a broad smile which always fails to reach
bus eyes.
Caleb smirked, his eyes hard. “I’ve been ready for a long time, Uncle. And I assure you, I won’t disappoint.”
“I don’t need your assurance,” Xavier whispered. “I still view you as someone who isn’t competent enough to handle a company so don’t get too excited.” He leaned closer and whispered so just the two of them could hear.“This is just nepotism.”
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Caleb’s smile turned into a smirk. “Nepotism, Uncle? Perhaps. But remember, even in a game of chess, the king is the most important piece. Watch closely; you might learn a thing or two.”
“Of course” he started smiling again as other stakeholders walked up to him and started congratulating him.
His uncle moved to a corner and sent a text message to his private investigator.
“Let’s Meet”
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Chapter 10 Ten
