Page 9 of Cruel Hero

“I am.”

“Good, because you’ll also have to convince the board of it.”

“I’ll convince them. But I can’t do it without your backing.”

“You always have it. You should know that by now.” Olivia’s voice is softer now, the edge of anger giving way to resignation. “If you truly believe this is for the best, then I’ll stand with you.”

“Thank you.” I cross the room and wrap my arms around her, holding her tightly. “This isn’t going to be easy, but it’s the right move. I promise.”

The meeting with the board goes as well as I expected. As soon as they hear terms like ‘Senator Hawthorne’s son‘, ‘family values‘, and ‘public image‘, the murmurs of skepticism begin to quiet, and everyone agrees to appoint Alexander as the interim CEO.

As the meeting draws to a close and the attendees start to leave, I rise from my seat at the head of the table and turn to Olivia and Alexander.

There is a strange tension between them. Olivia’s posture is stiff, her arms crossed as she avoids Alexander’s gaze. He, on the other hand, seems to be studying her with a mix of concern and something else—something I can’t quite decipher. It’s as if an unspoken conversation is happening between them, one that I’m not privy to.

I watch them for a moment longer, my stomach tightening with unease. I wonder if I’ve made a mistake in offering Alexander the position.

There was no other way, I remind myself firmly, pushing aside the doubt creeping in.

“We’ll make this work,” I say, breaking the silence that’s settled over the room. My voice sounds more confident than I feel, but I need to set the tone—for them, myself, and the company.

The three of us proceed to the next meeting with our publicity team. It mostly involves a lot of talking and not much doing—we’re advised to steer clear of any controversial statements or actions that might further harm Carter Corporation’s public image. This means that our annual Carter Gala and other charity events won’t be canceled, despite the recent turmoil. If anything, they need to be more polished and flawless than ever. The public needs to see us as a united front, strong and stable amidst the chaos.

“The Carter Gala is a perfect opportunity to showcase our new direction and philanthropic initiatives. We can use it as a platform to announce Alexander’s appointment and unveil our plans for a brighter future for Carter Corporation,” our senior publicist, Emma Saunders, says.

The Carter Gala is an annual event hosted by Carter Corporation, a glamorous affair attended by the city’s elite and influential figures from various industries and the most important event in the Carter family’s social calendar. The event is known for its charitable auctions and fundraisers, with all proceeds going towards different causes each year.

“But it’s only two weeks away,” I point out. “Won’t it seem insensitive if we proceed with it so soon after Dean’s passing?”

“Marketing will work on crafting the perfect narrative to spin the gala in a positive light,” Emma assures. “We can turn this event into a celebration of Dean’s legacy and showcase the values he instilled in the company.”

Dean has always been clear about his priorities—money above all else. However, I also know that arguing with Emma and the rest of our team will be a futile use of time and energy. We have more important issues to tackle, so I need to choose my battles wisely.

“Alright,” I say. “Let’s move forward with the gala. What do you need us to do?”

“No comments on Carter Corporation’s future until the gala,” Emma says, her fingers tapping away on her tablet. “We must keep the media at bay and control the narrative leading up to the event. Olivia, I suggest you make a few public appearances with Alexander to present a strong image of stability and continuity for the company. And let’s push the wedding a few months back. It’ll have to be a grander affair now, given the circumstances. We’ll use it to reinforce the alliance between Carters and Hawthorns. It’s not just a wedding—it’s a statement.”

Olivia’s jaw tenses, but she doesn’t argue. “Cassandra will need information regarding the guest list and venue options as soon as possible.”

With only three months until the big day, Cassandra—Olivia’s best friend—has been working tirelessly to ensure that the wedding is nothing short of spectacular.

Poor Cassandra, I think. She didn’t know what she was signing up for when she agreed to plan this wedding. The pressure on her must be immense, especially now that the stakes have been raised. I can only imagine the chaos she’s dealing with—vetting vendors, coordinating with designers, and managing the expectations of two of Empire Heights’ most prominent families.

Emma nods. “I’ll coordinate with her, but our priority is the gala.”

There’s one thing about the rich and powerful: not even a death can stop the party from taking place.

Chapter 6

Tiffany

Two weeks later

Stepping onto the glistening marble floor of the Carter family’s grand ballroom, I am surrounded by a sea of red roses and white lilies. The gala is in full swing, with an orchestra playing in the corner and guests buzzing with excitement as they mingle and dance. This scene is all too familiar to me; it reminds me of every lavish party Dean has thrown—over-the-top, extravagant, and excessive, designed to showcase Carter’s wealth and status.

Navigating through the crowd of socialites and business magnates, I exchange polite greetings and nods until my gaze lands on Cassandra. She glides through the room, her auburn hair cascading down her back like a fiery waterfall. She is the epitome of elegance, wearing a sleek black gown that accentuates her lithe figure.

As I approach her, she turns to me with a warm smile. “Darling, you look stunning. This color suits you perfectly.”

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