Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Max’s Point of View

The boardroom was tense, a heavy silence pressing down on everyone as I strode in, trying to appear calm and unaffected, though the weight of our company’s troubles sat like lead in my chest. The directors sat around the gleaming, dark-wood table, their eyes shifting between me and the reports spread out before them. For once, they looked at me not with respect, but with the same cold calculation they’d turn toward a stranger. I knew what was coming.

I took my seat at the head of the table, squaring my shoulders. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice. Let’s get straight to it. What concerns need to be addressed?” My tone was steady, but inside, I braced for the worst.

A murmur of voices rippled through the room until Geoffrey, one of our senior directors, cleared his throat and leaned forward. “Maximilian, it’s no secret why we’re here. Our stocks have taken a severe hit over the last few days. We’re looking at a drop that’s… well, unprecedented.”

My jaw clenched involuntarily, though I forced my face to remain neutral. I’d seen the reports myself, knew the numbers well. But hearing it from Geoffrey, spoken out loud for all to hear, felt like a blow to my pride.

Another director, an older woman named Beatrice with sharp eyes and a voice to match, jumped in. “The media fallout has been relentless. Every day, there’s a new headline dragging our name through the mud. Investors have lost faith, and honestly, we’re all wondering what’s being done to fix this.”

The room was silent, their expressions demanding answers, reassurance something I didn’t have. A spark of frustration flared in me. They expected me to perform miracles, to somehow erase the media circus and investor panic, yet they’d never lifted a finger to support me when it mattered.

Taking a steadying breath, I looked each director in the eye. “I’m aware of the gravity of the situation, and I’m already implementing steps to fix the damage. This setback is temporary. We’ve faced challenges before, and we’ll get through this one too.”

But the response was not what I’d hoped for. A few skeptical glances were exchanged, and I felt a prickling sense of betrayal. It was Geoffrey again who broke the silence, his voice lacking any hint of sympathy. “Respectfully, Maximilian, ‘fixing damage’ isn’t enough at this point. We’re past reassurance and promises. The board needs concrete actions, solutions, and we need them now.”

The words were like sandpaper against my pride. How could they, of all people, question my ability to fix this? I had given my life to this company, sacrificed everything. But looking at their stony faces, I realized that loyalty wasn’t part of the equation here, it was about numbers, plain and simple.

Beatrice shook her head slowly. “This is not just a bad press phase, Maximilian. We’re dealing with a full-blown crisis of confidence in leadership. Investors and employees alike are doubting the company’s future. I’m afraid words alone won’t restore that trust.”

“Then what exactly are you suggesting, Beatrice?” I said, trying to keep my voice steady though I could feel my patience slipping.

She held my gaze, unwavering. “We need a fresh image a face to instill confidence, someone who can reassure our stakeholders that we’re still as strong as ever.”

I scoffed, crossing my arms. “A new face? And what, you think some spokesperson can undo all the media frenzy? Don’t insult me. This company’s strength doesn’t depend on who’s speaking for it, it depends on the work we do, the integrity we show.”

Geoffrey sighed, a weary look crossing his face. “Maximilian, it’s not about words. You have to see it from the investors’ perspective. When leadership shows stability, the market responds. But you… you’ve been seen in the middle of a very public scandal. That doesn’t look stable.”

“I’m doing everything in my power to resolve this situation,” I said through gritted teeth. “I know the gravity of it better than any of you.”

But the directors’ expressions didn’t soften. Instead, a few looked away, exchanging glances that made my blood boil. Geoffrey finally broke the silence again.

“We’re not questioning your dedication, Maximilian,” he said slowly, as if choosing each word carefully, “but perhaps it’s time to consider bringing in someone perhaps a partner who can help guide the company through this. We’re facing a credibility issue, and fresh leadership might be the only way to restore investor confidence.”

A cold chill ran down my spine as their words sank in. They were suggesting I step aside me, the very person who had held everything together when it almost collapsed after my grandfather died

“You think I’m incapable of running my own company?” I asked, the edge in my voice sharper than I intended. “After everything I’ve done...”

Beatrice interrupted me, her voice cutting. “This isn’t about capability, Maximilian. It’s about perception. We’re trying to prevent a collapse here, and if that means some changes in the way we present ourselves, then so be it.”

For a moment, I couldn’t find the words. I felt the walls closing in, my control slipping from my grasp like sand through my fingers. After everything my years of dedication, my sacrifices this was how they repaid me? By questioning my ability to lead?

I drew a breath, forcing myself to stay calm. “And who, exactly, would you suggest to step in and ‘guide’ us through this?” I spat, barely concealing my disgust.

Geoffrey exchanged a glance with Beatrice. “It could be an advisor, or perhaps even family. Someone familiar with the business but without the current… complications.”

They didn’t say it outright, but I knew what they meant. They wanted someone untouched by the scandal, someone who could swoop in and fix the mess they believed I’d created. And I had a good idea of who they had in mind.

Liam, who had been standing in the corner silently, shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting between the directors and me. He was nervous, no doubt sensing the tension thickening by the second.

I glared around the room. “Let’s get one thing clear. I’m not stepping aside. I’ve built this company every success we’ve had, every victory, it was under my leadership. You may think you can replace me, but you’d be tearing down the very foundation of this business.”

The room fell silent, but the directors’ faces told me everything I needed to know. They were unmoved, resolute. I could feel the walls closing in, the sense of betrayal burning like acid in my chest.

Just as I was about to say something more, a figure appeared at the door. The directors turned, their eyes widening as they recognized the man standing there. I froze, my heart pounding.

It was my uncle. After years away in Spain, he had returned, his face a mask of calm as he surveyed the room. He looked at me, his gaze unreadable, and then at the directors.

The weight of his presence filled the room, and for the first time, the directors seemed unsure, their earlier confidence faltering. My uncle took a step inside, his eyes meeting mine, and I felt a chill run through me.