Chapter 15 - the patriarch's choice
Later that afternoon, back at the sprawling family estate, the golden sunlight poured warmly through the massive glass windows of the patriarch's private study.
The Father sat behind his heavy oak desk, looking remarkably older, exhausted, but profoundly at peace. The nightmare of the wedding reception and the horror of the attempted murder had taken a massive toll on his weathered soul.
Caroline stood by the window, holding a cup of hot tea, watching the gardeners tend to the pristine white flowers that had once decorated the ruined wedding reception.
The Father slowly slid a thick, leather-bound folder across the desk toward the center of the room. He looked up at his brilliant eldest daughter with eyes shining with immense, unreserved pride and deep paternal love.
"What is this, Dad?" Caroline asked softly, walking over to pick up the document.
"It's my formal retirement letter," the Father answered steadily, his voice carrying the weight of a lifetime of monumental achievement. "I am stepping down as CEO of the conglomerate effective immediately."
Caroline's breath hitched. She looked from the document up to her father in absolute shock. "Dad, you don't have to do this. The empire is safe now."
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"I am not stepping down out of weakness," the Father replied, a faint, genuine smile finally touching his lips. "I am stepping down because the empire belongs to its rightful queen."
👉 Read Part 16 to witness the official crowning of the new CEO.
