Chapter 101 The Takeover
Elsie
The shock on their faces when I walked into the boardroom was more than just a victory; it was a drug. I let the silence stretch, savoring the way the air seemed to leave the room.
Jacob was the first to break. He rushed toward me, his arms open as if he expected me to fall into them like I used to. Before he could get within three feet, Spyro stepped forward. My bodyguard's massive frame acted like a steel wall, blocking Jacob’s path.
“Back up,” Spyro said. His voice was a low, commanding growl that made several investors flinch.
I didn't miss a beat. “No worries, Spyro,” I said, my voice smooth and cool, like silk over ice. “I’m sure he just confused me with someone else.”
I let a charming, distant smile play on my lips. It worked instantly. I watched the tension in the room drain away, replaced by the confusion of men who couldn't believe the "weak girl" they once knew was standing there looking like a queen. Spyro stepped aside but stayed close, a silent reminder that I was no longer unprotected.
I had worked too hard for this moment. For years, I stayed in the shadows, invisible, grinding until I wasn't just on their level—I was five steps ahead. With Mrs. Lancaster’s help—my mother now—I had been forged into something unbreakable.
I finally shifted my gaze to Caleb. Behind his stony mask, I saw it: terror. It was a flickering flame in his dark eyes. He thought he had succeeded in killing me. Now, I was back to destroy him and every person who had a hand in my ruin.
The old Elsie would have fumbled her words or turned a shade of peach. But this Elsie? I blew off Jacob’s advance like it was nothing but dust on my sleeve. If they thought their charms would still make my knees weak, they were in for a painful awakening.
The room erupted into a flurry of polite corporate chatter. Managers and high-profile investors scrambled to stay in my good graces.
"Do you find the city changed, Ms. Lancaster?"
"Will you be staying long?"
"Would you consider shifting the headquarters to California?"
I answered every question with a practiced smile. I assured them that TitanCrest’s workflow would remain untouched, for now.
But as I spoke, I couldn't help but notice them. Seven years had hardened their jawlines. Their tailor-made suits fit them like a dream, accentuating their broad shoulders. They were beautiful monsters, hiding their cruelty under a facade of expensive fabric and stubble. My body betrayed me for a split second, hatred fighting against a lingering, primal desire, but I kept my face neutral. I was grateful for Spyro’s presence; he was the shield I needed to compose myself.
Caleb cleared his throat, and I looked toward him. For a heartbeat, our gazes locked. The air between us felt charged with seven years of unanswered questions and bitter silence. I stopped mid-sentence, my eyes narrowing as I read the tension in his posture.
“Problem, Mr. Lancaster?” I asked. I made sure my tone was curt, cutting through his ego.
I watched him draw in a sharp breath. He knew I was here for the crown, and he wasn't going to make it easy.
“Your track record in California is impressive,” Caleb said, giving me a stiff, reluctant nod. “But running a construction business is a different beast entirely. You’re dealing with steel, sweat, and dirt, Elsie...”
“Ms. Lancaster,” I corrected instantly.
He shook his head dismissively, refusing to acknowledge me as part of the family. It was a hard pill for them to swallow—that the girl they once fucked, used mercilessly, and discarded was now technically their sister.
“And to your point,” I continued, my voice turning grim, “I understand the industry perfectly. Probably better than someone who has grown comfortable in a leather chair.”
Caleb’s lips curled into a dangerous smirk. “Can you honestly assure this board you can run this business as well as I can?”
My eyes darkened, turning predatory. I leaned over the table, invading his space. “As well as you, sir? I’m certain I’ll run it better than you.”
The arrogance of my challenge stung him. “Can you prove you’re not all talk?”
“My work speaks for me,” I said, straightening my back. I radiated power, forcing the directors to lean in. “I built an industry from ground zero. In seven years, no other company has come close to our products. We are a trusted brand because I led us there. I am the one who motivates, plans, and directs.”
I swept my gaze across the room, capturing every investor's attention. “Isn’t that what you’re looking for? Someone reliable and competent who can take TitanCrest to the next level?”
Caleb raised his brows, trying to look unimpressed. “And you think you’re that person?”
I let out a short, dry scoff. “It’s definitely not you, Mr. Lancaster.”
Caleb bristled. The direct rudeness was like a slap in the face in front of his peers.
“You’ve been managing the construction wing for seven years,” I continued, my voice gaining momentum. “And in that time, you’ve played it safe. You maintained the brand. You kept the profit margin steady. But there has been no innovation. No development. We are the new generation. We should be building on top of what’s been given to us, not resting on the laurels your parents won decades ago.”
“Well said!”
I snapped my head to the side. To my absolute shock, Aiden was smiling—actually adoringly—at me. I could practically feel Caleb cursing his luck under his breath.
“That’s the kind of attitude we want in our young executive officer,” Mr. Alloy added, weaving his fingers together. “You’ve impressed me too, Ms. Lancaster.”
The room was shifting. I could feel the gravity pulling away from Caleb and toward me.
“This meeting has been an eye-opener,” said Mrs. Anabas, our most senior manager. “I’m interested in this 'innovation' you mention. Construction is stagnant. How do you plan to change that?”
I closed my eyes for a second, a small, knowing smile playing on my lips. When I looked up, I looked like I was holding all the cards. “You’re wrong there, ma’am.”
“Oh?” Mrs. Anabas hummed, leaning forward.
“There have been massive innovations globally. In Japan, they can construct a multi-storied residential tower in a matter of months using modular tech. We are decades behind because we are afraid of change.”
The surprise in the room was loud. I pushed back my chair and stood up, dominating the space. “I plan to open a Research and Development specifically for construction. We need to build our own proprietary technology. The more we invest in ourselves, the better our chances of capturing the entire market.”
“That would require a massive investment of both time and money,” Caleb interjected. He tried to sound like the voice of reason, but he just sounded bitter and desperate.
“Obviously,” I snapped back, looking around the room at the investors who were already nodding. “Ongoing operations will stay as they are. No disruptions. But we are moving forward.”
“Sounds good, Ms. Lancaster,” Mrs. Anabas said, her excitement clear. “I hope you’re staying in the city? I’d love a private meeting with you.”
My eyes flickered to Caleb for a fraction of a second—a look of pure triumph. “I’m staying,” I said, my voice echoing in the silent room. “I’m here to stay.”