Page 100 of Until You (Forgive Me)

Isabella looked over at Toby, who she could have sworn was sporting a rosy glow.

“No comment,” he said, letting out a huff as he continued walking.

Isabella felt Christian grab her hand. “I’m proud of you,” he said.

“You can show me how much, when we get home,” Isabella added, taking off after Toby.

Chapter Forty-three

Isabella

Over the next week, the board members all contacted Isabella. The meeting at Danielle’s apartment had been a success. Each member had done their due diligence and found that what Isabella had said was the truth. By the time the board meeting came about, Isabella knew Pierce and Edward would be voted out, and a new CEO voted in. Most of the board were happy to accept Sebastian as their interim CEO with the option of making it permanent should it work out. Isabella had spoken to Seb at length. He was ready to leave Christian’s organisation and branch out on his own, but there was always the option to go back if it didn’t work out.

“You need to stop worrying,” Seb told her, squeezing her hand. “I’ve got this. Once I’m in, they won’t be able to resist my charm and brains.”

Isabella rolled her eyes at him. “You’re more than qualified for this. I know that. I just don’t want them to be prejudiced against you because of Christian.”

“What will be, will be. Having you agree to stay on for a couple of months to help me get to know these people and bed in... That will be priceless. When they see the daughter of the man they looked up to working by my side, they will forget all about Christian. Together, we will show them what we are capable of,” Seb said, his eyes gleaming.

Isabella paused. “I’m not sure about priceless, it’s the least I could do after all you’re giving up. I don’t think I have said thank you. You’re turning your life upside down to help me.”

“No, I’m not. It is not every day a man with my experience gets the chance to take over a large company without having to build it from the ground up. I’ve stayed with Christian longer than I should’ve done. He’s told me as much. But I care about him, and I stayed to ensure he doesn’t work himself into the ground. But with this opportunity, it’s a sign.”

Isabella flinched. “Who will keep an eye on him now?”

“I was hoping it was going to be you,” Seb said honestly. “But I think we’ll manage. We can continue to keep an eye on each other. Scarlett is moving back. She’ll keep her brother in check.”

Isabella raised an eyebrow and watched Seb grimace.

“I know Scarlett told you about us. I also know you haven’t told Christian, as I’m still breathing.”

“Scarlett is a grown woman. What the two of you did or do is nobody else’s business,” Isabella said. “And Seb, Christian can’t talk. He slept with his sister’s best friend. Remind him of that if it ever comes out.”

Seb’s smile grew. “I like you, Isabella. I wish you were staying.”

Isabella inhaled deeply. “This is not my home. I have a business that I need to get back to. May is holding the fort, but she has a young baby. It’s not fair. She has been amazing, as has Annelise covering for me. Annelise has agreed to stay on until I get back, but that isn’t indefinitely. Even if I wanted to, I have commitments.”

“If you didn’t... have commitments, I mean. Would you stay?”

“I can’t even let myself go down that path. It’s not an option.”

The sinking feeling she’d been experiencing recently was getting stronger the more she thought about leaving. It was probably why she’d jumped at Seb’s suggestion to stay on for a couple of months. Any excuse. When she’d mentioned the possibility to Christian, there’d been no doubt in her mind he was happy for her to stay. The bottle of Cristal Champagne he’d opened and the way he’d worshipped her body had told her all she needed to know. May and Annelise had told her to take as long as she needed… but that time would come to an end.

“Anyway, enough of that. I’m here for at least two months, and we need to get through the next couple of hours.”

Seb had agreed to accompany Isabella to the board meeting. Christian was staying out of sight. They didn’t need to let the press get wind of this unless it was absolutely necessary. The aim was for Pierce to go quietly, retire and appoint Sebastian as his replacement.

That was the plan, anyway.

∞∞∞

Curtis greeted them at reception, taking them to his office to prepare for the meeting. Isabella could barely hear anything over the beating of her heart.

Over the past week, Curtis had gone from being Sebastian’s biggest adversary on the board, to his staunchest supporter. The more Curtis had uncovered, the angrier he’d become. It was all Isabella could do to prevent him from storming into Pierce’s office and demanding he tell him what he’d been doing.

The board meeting was scheduled for two o’clock. Isabella called on every ounce of her breath training to help calm her nerves. Seb squeezed her elbow as they entered the room before making his way to a seat set up for him in the corner. Isabella had a seat at the table. Her father had seen to that, so she moved forward and took her rightful place and waited.

Pierce and Edward were the last to arrive. Pierce pulled up short as he entered and saw her sitting at the table.

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