Page 129 of Second Chance for Mr. Alden

“Or they’ll want to report how we rose from the ashes of my parents’ deceit,” I joked.

His face tightened. “Don’t do that. Don’t ever diminish what you’re capable of. I won’t allow it.”

I peppered kisses all over his face, before placing one on his lips. “James Alden, my fiercest supporter, I fucking love you. I won’t. I promise.” Having his support and unwavering belief in me, made this day far better, and helped me keep my confidence wrapped around me tight.

The ding of the elevator broke into our moment, reminding us we’d reached the floor the board meeting was being held on. I’d purposely chosen to be fifteen minutes late to better surprise my parents.

Once we were out of the elevator, I let the sides of the box drop open and Alden and I gently tugged them away from the masterpiece they’d hidden. I grinned. Ruby was a fucking sugar goddess.

Inside was my birthday cake. It had to be at least two feet high, with pink buttercream roses, and tiny little confections all around it that looked like diamonds. On the top was a glitter sign that read, Happy 30th Jess!

I added the sparklers on top, waiting to light them until we were in the room. Fire hazard be damned. I’d put them out before they became a problem.

“You ready?” James asked and grabbed the cart.

I led the way. The hallway was carpeted, and our footsteps made no sound as we moved closer to the boardroom. Once there, I could hear the muffled voices inside as they went through the items on the agenda that were about to become momentarily obsolete.

I drew in a deep breath and let it out. I yanked James in for a quick kiss to bolster myself, and then nodded.

He opened the door.

“This is a private meeting.” An unfamiliar voice rang out.

A slight gasp sounded in the room. I imagined it was my mother, which made me feel powerful. We both knew that the moment they saw James they’d realize I wasn’t that far behind, so we had to act fast.

He held the door open for me as I wheeled the cake in and started singing Happy Birthday to myself in a way Marilyn Monroe would have been proud of.

“What is going on here?” One of the board members interrupted me.

“Well, that was a little fucking rude,” I whispered to James. Normally, I’d have no problem in saying that for everyone to hear, but right now I needed to get the board members here on my side, not alienate them.

At the front of the room, lording over the meeting, sat my parents, who both looked me in the eye as though they didn’t try to have me kidnapped a few weeks prior, that they didn’t try to steal this company out from under me, or try to shackle me to a man through marriage that I didn’t want to benefit them.

“I can’t say that I know.” My father spoke up.

“What is the meaning of this, Jessamine?” My mother asked.

I faced them. “I’m sorry, but last I checked, the shares Nani left for me were transferred to me today.” I smiled. “At this meeting on my birthday and since itismy birthday, I thought it was appropriate to bring a cake for us all to celebrate.”

Their eyes met mine, pale brown, similar to my own, except my father’s were practically lifeless and my mother’s sparked hatred. I still wasn’t sure how we’d gotten to this point. I’d spent years trying to be the perfect daughter and it had never been enough.

My mother leaned in. “If that’s all you're here for I don’t understand the reason for this blatant interruption. It’s a waste of all our time for such a childish prank. Once again you’ve proved to us you’re not fit to run this company.”

Every bone in my spine stiffened at her condescending tone. I waited to see where she was going with this instead of verbally attacking her like I so badly wanted to do.

“Yes, today you get your twenty-eight percent.” She waved her hand at the people gathered in the room as though she hadn’t tried to keep them from me. “But we still have thirty-two percent and majority. So, if you’ve finished this little display of infantilized behavior the grownups need to get back to work.”

I slipped my hands under the rolling cart to where I’d stashed my copy of the document that sold Jareth’s extra shares to me. Striding over to my mother’s side I placed them down in front of her before moving to the head of the room.

“The paper I handed my mother is the additional three percent that was sold to me which now brings my grand total, with the two percent I’ve always had, to thirty-three percent. And for those of you still confused,” I flicked a gaze at my parents. The shocked look on their faces making this drama all worth it. “Puts me in charge.”

“You fucking bitch.” My mother screeched, lunging for me.

I threw up my hands to cover my face, not sure if her intention was to tackle me or scratch the shit out of me. Not that I needed to worry. James was immediately by my side, holding Mother back.

The members of the board gazed at me uneasily. I had no idea which of them knew of my mother’s underhanded plans, but over time I’d weed them out.

“I understand that this is a lot of change all at once. I’m not looking to clean house. I want those of you who enjoy being part of this company to stay.” I blocked out my mother’s rants. “But be well aware things will change. And soon.”

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