Chapter 83 83
Andrew’s POV
Kate was in the shower when I came down for breakfast.
I felt light, almost euphoric, as if the weight of all those years working in Lisbon had evaporated in an instant. Last night, when Kate came back to the room after talking to Elliot, her face was serious, but her words were music to my ears: “He’s thinking of naming you CEO.” She said it almost in a whisper, as if she still couldn’t quite believe it herself.
I believed it from the very first second. It was perfect. Everything was perfect.
I went down the stairs with a smile I couldn’t wipe off my face. The dining room was bathed in morning light, the tall windows open to the garden, the smell of coffee and freshly baked bread filling every corner. And there was Elliot, sitting alone at the table, a cup in his hand, his gaze lost somewhere far away. He was wearing a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants, his hair still damp from the shower. He looked calmer than yesterday, but he still carried that shadow in his eyes, that air of someone who hasn’t slept properly in days.
“Good morning,” I said, my voice bright—maybe too bright for the occasion. Should I have toned it down a bit? After all… the house was in mourning, the company, him.
He looked up and smiled.
“Good morning, Andrew. Did you sleep well?”
“Like a baby,” I replied, sitting across from him. “And you?”
“More or less,” he said, shrugging. “But today feels better. I hope you and Kate are comfortable here. If you need anything at all, the staff can help with whatever it is.”
I nodded, pouring myself coffee. Silence settled for a moment, comfortable, as if we both knew there was something important waiting to be said.
Elliot was the first to break it.
“Did Kate tell you what we talked about last night?”
I looked him straight in the eye.
“Yes. She said you were thinking of me for the CEO position.”
He nodded slowly, as if weighing every word.
“That’s what I’ve decided. What do you think of the idea? I’m not ready to take full control. I’m barely in university; I don’t have real experience at that level. My mother always wanted me to get involved gradually, and now I realize how right she was.”
“You don’t have to rush. Things are learned better when you take them slowly.”
“I know. I never thought this moment would come so suddenly. My mother always said power is earned with time and knowledge. I don’t have either yet. You do. You ran the Lisbon branch with a steady hand. My mother trusted you. And I… I trust you. I think I’m making the best choice. There were many candidates, but you’re the one.”
My heart started racing. I tried to stay calm, but inside I was screaming.
“Elliot, it would be an honor. A tremendous honor. You can trust me completely. I won’t let you down. Never. You’re leaving it in good hands. And I feel very fortunate to have earned your trust. I won’t disappoint you.”
He smiled again, wider this time.
“I know. You’re a good man. That’s why I’m offering it to you. It would be temporary at first, until I finish my studies and I’m ready. But I need someone now. Someone trustworthy. Someone who knows what they’re doing.”
I nodded eagerly.
“I understand. And I’m ready. Whenever you want, I can start moving things forward. Meetings with the executives, reviewing pending contracts… whatever you need.”
Elliot set his cup down on the table.
“This means you’d have to move back. Leave Lisbon. Come here, to headquarters.”
I didn’t even hesitate.
“It won’t be a problem. Kate and I are willing. It’s a unique opportunity. For us and for the company.”
He looked at me for another second, as if assessing me. Then he nodded.
“Good. I’ll speak with the lawyers this week to make it official. I’ll keep you updated.” He stood up, leaving his half-finished cup behind. “I have some matters to attend to. See you later.”
“Of course,” I replied, still floating. “Thank you, Elliot. Really.”
He left. I stayed alone in the dining room, staring at the cup he’d left. I closed my eyes. Too happy. Too much. The CEO position. Headquarters. Real power. Real money. Real recognition. Everything I’d dreamed of during my time in Lisbon, running a secondary branch while others took the glory. Now it was mine.
I pulled out my phone. I couldn’t wait to finish breakfast. I went out to the garden without touching the food. The morning sun warmed the grass, birds sang in the trees… everything was perfect! Life was finally smiling at me. I sat on a stone bench under a willow, far from the house windows. I dialed my assistant in Lisbon.
“Hi, it’s Andrew. Listen carefully: start preparing the move. Everything. The house, the offices, key personnel transfer. We’re coming back. And it’s not a visit. It’s permanent.”
I hung up and dialed another number. The real estate agent I knew in the city.
I hung up. Smiled. Filled with happiness. Our lives were about to change. Kate would have the house of her dreams, the baby would grow up in luxury and security. I would have power, respect, control. Elliot would have someone to guide him. And everything fit perfectly.
At minimum, it would be a couple of years until he finished university. My time in power could stretch even longer if, in that time, I turned him not just into my ally, but made him see me as his mentor.
I closed my eyes, letting the sun warm my face.
It was perfect. Nothing could ruin this.