Page 99 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“We had just lost our CEO. Dominic had only been gone eighteen months. Pierce told me he had everything under control and he would repay the money out of his own savings. He called me into his office and showed me the money transfer. He also told me he had restricted Edward’s access and that he was getting help for his addiction.” Jonas sounded broken. “I am so sorry, Isabella. If I’d known. But Pierce had been my friend for as long as Dominic. I’d already lost your father...”

Isabella stepped forward and hugged the man, looking down at the floor, his shoulders hunched.

“So, what are we going to do now?” Curtis asked. “It is clear Pierce and Edward have to go. Although I am not sorry about the latter.”

Mumbles of agreement echoed around the room. Edward was clearly unpopular with the board.

It was Tobias who stepped forward and explained the legal aspect and options they had.

“But who will take over? Isabella, are you thinking of coming back and stepping into your father’s shoes? We’re getting too old to want to take on the pressure of the CEO, especially with all this hanging over our heads.”

It was Rhonda who spoke up.

“No, I have no intention of coming back. This is not where my path lies currently. I have a business in Thailand that I need to get back to. However, this company was my father’s baby, so I will always be here to give my opinion and help if needed. What I suggest is an interim CEO until you can find a more permanent one.”

“Who? Is that going to be you, Dupree?” Curtis muttered.

Isabella rolled her eyes and looked at Christian before holding up her hand. “No, Christian offered, but I turned him down. He has more than enough on his plate running his own multi-million-pound empire. We would be lucky to have him, so I think you should cut the attitude.” Isabella was getting a little sick of Curtis and his jibes at Christian. “I am suggesting Sebastian McCarthy.”

“As in The Dupree Group CFO?” Rhonda said. “Would he be willing to step in?”

Isabella turned to Rhonda. “Yes. I’ve had several conversations with Sebastian. He is more than qualified. He also specialised in hospitality and hotel management when he did his masters in business and economics.” Isabella turned to the rest of the room. “I understand tonight you have received a lot of information. I’m happy for you to go away and absorb it. Investigate our findings yourself. I would like to attend the next board meeting.” Isabella took her time and looked at every member of the board present in the room. “I want to do this with the minimum of fuss, both for myself and my father’s memory. However, let me be very clear... I am going to take down Pierce and Edward Lebroc. They tried to ruin my reputation and stole from me. I won’t let that lie. The board has a choice. It can either stand with me or against me.”

Isabella had decided at that moment she was out for blood if she needed to be. It was what her father would have wanted. He had always told her,if you put yourself down as a doormat, people will walk all over you. That stopped now.

Danielle came up and placed a hand on her shoulder in support. Isabella looked over at Christian, whose eyes were radiating pride. He smiled, inclining his head in acknowledgement. She was going into battle. All she needed to know was whether her army was behind her or if she was on a suicide mission.

Curtis stepped forward. “We’ve heard a lot. You are your father’s daughter, Isabella. He would be very proud of you for standing up for yourself. Out of respect for your father and Pierce, and our history, I would like to spend some time looking into the accusations you laid out this evening.”

“I can ask and would expect nothing more,” Isabella said, stepping forward and shaking his hand.

Danielle clapped her hands then. “There is far too much food left over. Please, everyone tuck in. Isabella, Christian, and Tobias are happy to answer any of your questions.”

The night seemed to stretch on. One thing was clear. Pierce was not as popular as her father had been amongst the board. There appeared to be several members unhappy with the direction he’d taken the business. Their hands had been tied, keeping them silent until now. When the business decisions Pierce had pushed for failed, some had raised their hands. But when no money had been lost, they had fallen silent... how could they complain? It was beginning to dawn on people that they hadn’t lost money because Pierce had been bailing himself out using Isabella’s trust fund.

By the time everyone left, Isabella’s voice was hoarse from all the talking.

“I think they were beginning to see the bigger picture,” Toby said as they walked back to Christian’s apartment.

“I hope so,” Isabella said. “I don’t want to go nuclear, but after tonight and everything I’ve heard... I’m not letting them get away with all they have done.”

Christian chuckled and pulled her to his side. “That’s the Isabella I want to see.”

Isabella looked up at him. “I still must go home, but I will fight him if I have to. It has become a matter of principle. He’s lied and conned too many people. People who’ve trusted him.”

“He has. You have our backing and our support.”

“Do you think they will go with Sebastian?”

“I’m not sure. They could do a lot worse. It will depend on Curtis and how many people he can convince I’m about to swoop in and take over the business,” Christian said.

His voice was calm, but Isabella couldn’t help but notice the way his jaw clenched as he said the words.

“It’s not your fault. I’m glad you were there to support me. I could’ve done none of this without you,” Isabella said, stopping and pulling him around for a kiss, her hands massaging the tight muscles in his shoulders, as her lips caressed his.

Toby coughed. “We are nearly back at yours. Can you halt the PDAs until then?”

Christian laughed, swinging Isabella around before looking at Toby. “You’re one to talk. I’ve heard all about your PDAs from Skylar.”

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