Page 53 of The Alpha's Crimson Vow

“Yes, quite reasonable indeed,” another board member echoes, nodding slightly.

“I was never in agreement with him returning,” someone else murmurs, their voice edged with newfound conviction.

“It will be in the interest of the company if he were to step away for a while,” another adds, and this time, the conviction in their tone makes it clear—Frank is done.

Frank visibly tenses, his breathing coming quicker now. His eyes dart from face to face, searching for some kind of lifeline, but all he finds is indifference.

He swallows hard.

And then, with forced composure, he lifts his hands slightly. “Wait… hold on a minute. Let’s all just calm down for a minute.”

His voice is calmer now, softer, almost pleading.

But it’s too late.

The tide has already turned.

Lawrence, of all people, adds his voice now, ever the opportunist, ever the one to swim with the tide. He leans forward slightly, his tone carrying the edge of finality.

“Ms. CEO, I think, given the importance of the deal at hand and how vital it is that it runs smoothly, a decision has to be made regarding the CFO. And I think the board agrees.”

A murmur of approval ripples through the room. Heads nodding, the change in their stance so blatant it’s almost laughable. Amazing, really, what money can do.

A few hours ago, this same board was all too eager to see me stripped of my position, willing to blame me for a crisis that Frank himself created. And now? Now that Alex has come in with a lifeline, they’ve suddenly rediscovered their principles.

I almost laugh.

Frank’s eyes widen in shock at Lawrence’s words, as if he genuinely thought the man would stand by him. He stares at him like he’s waiting for some kind of retraction, but Lawrence doesn’t even flinch.

He’s on the losing side now. And he knows it.

Slowly, Frank turns to me, and the look on his face is almost comical.

Silent pleading. A desperate, wordless bid for mercy.

It’s insane.

A moment ago, he was practically salivating at the thought of me being thrown out of my own company. And now? Now he’s looking at me like I’m the only person who can save him.

I straighten, keeping my expression cold, my voice firm. “Frank, effective immediately, your suspension from your role will resume indefinitely, pending a full review.”

He doesn’t even argue. No clapbacks, no self-righteous tantrum. He just stands there, his face crumbling, the reality sinking in.

He’s done.

I tilt my gaze to the rest of the board. “Given that we are all in agreement with the deal that’s been tabled, we at Pinnacle Group officially accept these terms.”

My eyes land on Alex now, meeting his gaze across the room.

He smiles.

I don’t return it.

“This meeting is over,” I declare.

Lawrence is the first to rise. He buttons his suit jacket and strides out, not sparing Frank so much as a glance. But Frank watches him leave, watches as the man he clearly thought would back him up turns his back on him completely.

The other board members follow, filing out, talking among themselves in hushed voices.

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