Page 55 of Vows In Corruption

“Since I’m retiring, not only do I have to announce who I’m choosing as my replacement, but a vote to put the change into motion needs to happen. Why not just do it all in one go?”

Gerald scans the room, meeting the eyes of every single board member.

From the corner of my eye, I see someone moving. I turn to see Peter Hill place his elbows again the table, his almost foaming at the mouth at the anticipation of who Gerald was going to announce.

The asshole thinks it’s going to be him. Of course he does. It finally clicks as to why Peter hates Bennett so much. He sees him as a threat, an unstoppable one at that.

So when Gerald doesn’t speak right away, of course he is the one to speak up about it.

“We don’t have all night, Gerald. Who are you choosing as your replacement.”

A look of anger passes across Gerald’s face when Peter speaks but Gerald is able to compose himself and give the room a bright smile.

Peter’s mouth keeps foaming and I see Henry place a hand on Bennett’s shoulder. If I were sitting next to him, I would be holding his hand.

“There was nothing hard about my decision. I know that who I have chosen will always do great by this company.”

“Who is it?”

I swear Peter is on the verge of jumping out of his seat and celebrating a victory that is never going to come.

Gerald looks around once more and the bright smile from before overtakes the room.

“I’m choosing Bennett Lane to replace me.”

There’s silence for a few second, before the room fills with claps and cheers. Like with Gerald, people get out of their seats and walk over to Bennett to give him their congratulations. As if the vote already came and went and he officially holds the title. Everyone congratulates Bennett, everyone but Peter.

My eyes stay on my boss for a minute or two and I love the fact that there is actual happiness flowing through his eyes. I want to see that happiness every day.

My marveling of Bennett is cut short when I notice Peter get up from his seat, a sadistic grin playing on his lips.

This man is up to something and from the looks of things, we are all about to find out why.

“This absolute bullshit. He can’t be named CEO.” Peter snarls, after slamming his fist against the conference room table, grabbing everyones attention.

It’s Bennett who confronts him.

“And why the fuck not?” He says, the happiness in his eyes completely gone.

“Because of the clause. And because the clause hasn’t been met, there can’t be a vote tonight.” The grin on Peter’s face grows even more.

Clause? There’s a clause?

“And what clause are you talking about, Hill?”

“The marriage clause. The one that states the CEO of Lane Enterprises must be married in order to hold the title.”

Oh shit.

14

BENNETT

Iknew it.

I fucking knew Hill was going to pull something to stop me from getting what I want. I knew something was coming, but this far from what I thought would come.

A marriage clause? That’s one of the stupidest pieces of shit that I have ever heard.

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