The Proud CEO

The boardroom was colder than usual—polished wood, glass walls, and fifteen powerful people who held Adrian's future in their hands.

Eliana sat beside him, not as his assistant, but as his equal. No papers to shuffle, no coffee to pour—just presence.

The chairman, Mr. Langford, cleared his throat. "Mr. Wolfe, given recent events, the board has called for a vote of confidence regarding your position as CEO."

Adrian stood, spine straight, voice steady. "I built Wolfe & Kings from nothing. I've led with integrity, with results. I won't apologize for falling in love."

A murmur spread across the table.

One hand went up. Then another. Then four.

Eliana's chest tightened.

Six. Seven.

Langford raised his hand last.

"Tie," he announced. "As acting chairman, my vote decides."

A pause. A breath held by all.

"I vote to keep Adrian Wolfe as CEO."

Relief rippled through the room.

But Langford wasn't done.

"However, your relationship will be under ethical review. You'll both be expected to adhere to clear boundaries moving forward."

Adrian nodded. "Understood."

After the meeting, he turned to Eliana, eyes bright. "We won."

She squeezed his hand. "We haven't even started."

Because surviving the board was just the beginning.

Now came the world.