Chapter 46

Xander knew without a doubt who it was that leaked the news of his ‘engagement’ to the tabloids and Donovan was on his way to pay. Xander had spoken to Lucas who was a little too eager to destroy Donovan’s company. He’d hacked into the company’s system and leaked the hidden files to the EPA and considering the Waste Management company was already undergoing investigation, Lucas's tip-off would cause its permanent shutdown, and Donovan’s arrest.

Xander knew all he had to do now was wait. That was the only good news he had any hopes for in the near future. He’d stepped into the company today knowing his meeting with his grandfather could easily go sideways. He'd pushed the old man but Xander didn't regret it one bit. A little part of him swelled with joy when Kathleen had been linked to him on the news.

Now he was seated in Archibald Blackwood’s office and hours had gone by and they were still here, discussing.

“You keep looking for ways to step on my toes, Xander. I raised you and I didn't raise a fool. What games are you playing here?” His grandfather asked.

Xander said nothing and simply shut his eyes to calm the throbbing in his head.

“This is the last chance I'm giving you and I've given you far too many than you deserve…”

Xander sat up. “It won't happen. The marriage with Julia Wynter, make of that what you will.”

His grandfather clenched his fist tightly. “You will do as I say! I will not ask you about the petty rumors about you and that woman, you will marry Romano’s daughter and this is the last we will discuss this matter.”

Xander let out a slow exhale. “I'm exhausted, Grandfather. This back-and-forth you do, your desire for control is going to burn this company to the fucking ground because you better than anyone else knows who the right candidate for this job is.”

His eyes formed slits. “You won't take that position by disobeying me. Go to whatever lengths you may! Get out!”

Xander shrugged. He wasn't mad, not even in the least bit. Somehow nothing bothered him about all of these, he was glad Kathleen was safe and back in his home. He was going to sort out this issue and he knew deep down, it was going to be tough without his grandfather’s approval but even the thought of that didn't bother him too much.

Micheal was outside the office when Xander stepped out. He watched Xander smugly.

“They're calling you a heartbreaker and a disappointment all over social media. Some say you are a dirty cheat.” Micheal said.

“I bet they're all from you,” Xander responded dryly as he walked out but Micheal was undeterred and followed him, hot on his heels.

“What did grandfather have to say? Has he dropped you from the candidate list yet?” Micheal asked.

“You'd like that very much, wouldn't you?” Xander said.

“You know the best thing about all of these, Xander? It's the fact that I do not even have to lift a finger to ruin this for you. You're on a self-destruction path and all I have to do is wait, it won't take Grandfather much longer to snap. You've tested him in ways that even I couldn't have made you do so it's a great thing, patience is all I have now and I trust you'd do it for me.”

Xander nodded thoughtfully. “I'm glad I could be of help.”

He was hell-bent on not giving his brother and grandfather the reaction they were pushing for. Micheal was as usual, Micheal—ignorant and ambitious but he wasn't stupid, and Xander knew not to let him go further with this.

“As much as I enjoyed chatting with you. It's time to do the real job we get done around here.” he walked off but not without hearing his brother yell after him.

“You'd be on your knees soon enough, Xander. I have enough patience to spare!”

His next stop was the conference room where Olivia was already waiting for him.

“They are already waiting inside,” she said.

Xander nodded and took in a breath. He was nervous about this meeting. So much could go wrong in such a short time, it already has. His life was chaotic, a far cry from what it had been months ago just before his grandfather had mentioned marriage, and Xander had chosen to walk out of the company instead.

If he needed to get this right, he needed to take power from his grandfather and that was just exactly what he aimed to do now.

“Sir, should I send flowers to Miss Julia?” Olivia asked, stopping him. “Your mother invited her to dinner and I understand the news was a misunderstanding so the flowers would be…”

“Do not mention Julia to me ever again,” he said, walking away. “Send tulips to my fiancèe, Kathleen loves them.”

His mouth curved into a smile at the thought of her, it was quickly replaced when he saw the somber looks on the faces of the men in the conference room.

With his eyes fixed on Shareholder Benjamin and Board Member Thompson, their stern expressions a warning sign, Xander settled himself at the head of the table “Good day, gentlemen," he said, his voice confident.

Benjamin nodded curtly, his gaze piercing. "Good day to you. We need to discuss the recent news about your engagement."

Xander took a deep breath, his jaw clenched. To hell with Donovan!

"I understand. Let me assure you, my personal life will not compromise my leadership of this company."

Thompson leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. “You were portrayed in a bad light, Xander, and there is no erasing that. You've allowed your personal issues to influence your public image and frankly, I do not have complete faith in you and how you manage your image.”

Xander felt a surge of anger in him. This felt like begging and he hated it, hated that he had to prove himself to these men to garner their support but that was what the company’s politics was about and he had made a mistake in the past, he wouldn't make another now.

He kept his tone even. “You know me and you know how I've handled my affairs in the past. The media had only taken an interest in me because of the upcoming election and once that's over, all these would pass. Like I said, my personal life has nothing to do with my leadership position.”

“Well, what do you have to say about your grandfather's blatant disapproval of this? The chairman has made it clear he won't support your candidacy as CEO if you continue this… relationship.” Benjamin deadpanned.

Xander felt the pain travel from his head, spreading through the rest of his body. "Grandfather's opinions shouldn't dictate the company's decisions. I won't be swayed by his disapproval and neither should you. You know me, you have firsthand experience with me and you've seen the dedication and hard work I put into this company.”

“Yet you walked away due to your feelings being hurt by your grandfather,” Thompson said, his eyes accusing. “You hold your ego in high esteem and it has cost you and almost cost the company. With all that is going on, it's harder to get the others to back you up if you don't get a stronghold of your affairs and stay on the chairman’s good side.”

Under the desk, Xander clenched his fist.

Benjamin sighed, his expression sympathetic. "Xander, we understand your feelings, but the chairman still holds significant influence. If he withdraws his support, it could harm the company's stability and reputation."

“I won't back down nor will I be swayed. You know I am the best candidate for this position and I have only made decisions for the benefit of the company but you can't say the same about the chairman. I will continue to do what’s best for the company, even if it means going against Grandfather's wishes." Xander said with a tone of finality.

The room fell silent, tension blanketing it. Xander watched them for a few more seconds, he'd said his piece and now it was up to them to decide which side they were on.

He got up. “Have a good day, gentlemen.”