Page 128 of Knight Life In Vegas

I gave her some time to process.

“Are you fucking serious right now?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you think I would joke about this?”

“I don’t think you would joke aboutanything. That’s why I’m so confused.”

“Autumn, I’ve watched you from the beginning. You learn quickly, you take shit from no one, you intimately understand the business we’re in, and you believe in the work that we’re doing. To me, those are the makings of an incredible leader, and I want to support you stepping into that role if it’s something you’re comfortable doing. If you don’t want to, I’ll stay on remotely until we select a suitable replacement.”

“Have you talked to the rest of the team already?”

“Not yet. I didn’t want you to feel pressured, so I thought it would be best if we spoke first. Feel free to take some time to consider.”

“I want it,” she chirped. “I never thought I’d get it, but I want it. I can’t believe you’re offering it to me. What if I fuck everything up?”

“Do you think this transition is going to involve me pushing you off a metaphorical train? I’ll be available for any and all questions. I’ll stay on in some capacity if you would like me to, but I promise I’m not going to disappear into the night and leave you to fend for yourself.”

“What if the team gets upset that none of them got promoted instead of me?”

“Then they would not be the people I thought they were. This ismycompany, and I decide what’s best for it. I know that’s you.” My executive team were impeccable at their jobs but their skills were tailored to their roles. They all knew and loved Autumn and worked seamlessly with her. Regardless of their reactions, I was confident she would be the best choice.

“What happens once I agree?”

“I’ll call a meeting with the team to announce it to them before we tell the rest of the company and get the lawyers involved.”

Autumn hopped to her feet, pacing back and forth. “I can’t believe this is real. You really,reallywant me to be the CEO?”

I laughed. “Should I draft a letter of offer to make it feel more real?”

“You know what, yes. I need to hold it in my hands.”

“I had one already partially drafted. It still needs to be adapted to your benefits, but I can send it over now. Your pay will be quadrupling.” I went into my email to forward it to her.

Autumn sat down hard in front of the screen. “I feel like I need to get you aBest Boss Evermug. I’m going to keep you on as a consultant for as long as you want. Keep the position ’til you retire. This company is your baby, and just because you’re letting me lead, it doesn’t mean I want you to be completely hands-off.”

That only made me more confident that she was the best choice. She knew how much this company meant to me.

“Should I call in the team?”

“Yes. I want to see their faces when they find out so I know if they’re going to be upset or not. No one is in a meeting right now, I just checked the calendars.”

I sent a meeting request to the rest of the team and they popped on one by one.

“He lives,” Sienna joked.

“Ladies, I have an important announcement about the future of this company.”

“Ominous,” Caroline said, forehead creasing.

“I’m going to step down as CEO.”

Shock covered their faces.

“You’releaving?” Chelsi asked.

“My family is in Las Vegas and I need to be here for them.”

“But who’s taking over?” Sienna asked.

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