A TRUE LEADER



This witch ain't going to stop her interrogations? But today I am putting her right where she belongs, in the dark. It is high time she learns that she knows nothing about me or my family, and that should clearly tell her that she does not belong here!

"My father trusted Damian and me enough to confess that to us before going to the theater. That was the reason why he couldn't go to the operating room without seeing Damian. He wanted to tell me the truth because maybe he sensed that accidents like this might happen. Unfortunately, he isn't here to confirm everything. And saddening enough, the attorney who had the will was killed this very morning in his office."

"What?" Countless voices ask in unison.


"Yes, unfortunately. Apparently, his office was burned to ashes this morning. I just learned about it when I told Greg to locate him," I assert.

"That leaves me, as his wife, the only immediate candidate fit for this position!" Gracia insists.


Really now? That is all she has to say? She will not ask anything about the lawyer.

"Not really," I stop her, 'because legally, you are not even part of the Riccaford family. Stop forcing yourself because we all know you are incapable of running this company, and you are not deserving of that seat." I state!

I know it's unprofessional to bring this feud to the board, but this witch won't get what she wants. "Calm down, you both. We can come to an amicable decision without having to hurt each other's feelings." Damian's father speaks.

"I agree. There is no need for you both to fight. I know Mr. Riccaford made his decisions carefully, so we have no reason to question his will." Another member states:.

'I support Mr. Riccaford's decision. I mean. We have never seen you, Gracia, around here, not even a single day when Mr. Riccaford was alive. And besides, this is not how things are done!" another member states.

'I also think the same."

'Me too." Uncountable voices chorus together.

"These two could be making that up for all we know. As long as there is no proof, their statement is nothing but trash." Gracia refuses to give up on the fight.

"Alright. Then we come to an agreement." I start, catching the attention of everyone. "In two weeks, I am going to look for a way to prove that what Damian and I are saying is true—that my father appointed my husband as the new CEO. And until then, Damian will be the acting CEO of The Riccas Hotel Chain." I finish, and they all look at each other.

"And how do you plan on finding that proof? Didn't you say that the attorney's office burned down to ashes and that nothing was recovered?" Gracia barks again.

She must have run out of options. "That's for me to figure out, Gracia, and I swear on my parent's name I will. One thing I am asking myself though is, What a coincidence it is for the attorney to die on the same day you were planning to take over my father's company?"

"Better watch what you say, Ellie! Don't you dare accuse my mother of something you have no proof of!" Nelly speaks for the first time.

"Easy, Nelly! Don't put words in my mouth, please! I didn't accuse anyone! It was a mere harmless questions, and remembering the chaos you caused this morning at home, I honestly don't know what to think anymore. All I know is that I don't trust your mother or you as well."

"But you insinuated. You like…"

"That is all in your head, and that only happens to the guilty ones." I respond, cutting her off.

"Let us get out of here, Nelly! I have heard enough of this madness, but mark my words, you all: I am not giving away my husband's fortune just like that. I have all the rights to this and I will get it, by hook or by crook!"

Like the mannerless, classless witches they are, they leave the meeting that they themselves called for and storm out of the room in defeat. They can die of anger, for all I care! The nerve!

Damian looks at me, and I nod my head. He strides to the seat that Gracia was sitting on, and I join him on the right-hand side, where I belong as his wife.

He starts his speech! "Ladies and gentlemen, first, I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to you all for this emergency meeting and what has transpired in the last couple of minutes. Please forgive my wife and me. We were left with no choice but to address the matter at hand. We apologize for any inconveniences caused and any disrespect that you might have witnessed. My apologies!"

My! He speaks so well and is composed, like a real leader! And he so damn well fits in this seat. My adoration for him is cut short by his hand on the table. I forgot we had to act like lovebirds. I clutch his hand tighter, sweeping a smile across the tables.

"Second, I would like to emphasize what my wife said. We will prove to you that this is not made up. Mr. Riccaford sent for me before he went to the theater, and this news shocked both me and my wife, just like you are all shocked. I couldn't say no because there was no time. His health was at risk. I am here to honor his will, and if in any case it is legally proved otherwise, I will have no problem stepping down to the right person. Until then, I call for a peaceful working environment for all of us. Together, let's continue the legacy that my second father left behind."

As echoes of applause fill the entire room, I can't help but admire the bravery exuded by the man beside me—my husband. He has quite a talent. A bold, wise, and true leader. Cold and compasionate.

What would I have done without this angel?