Page 127 of Executive Decision

“You’re going to kill it,”Cal said.

He gave me a long, sweet kiss.

“You will, too,” I said. “Let’s celebrate tonight.”

“Always, baby,” Cal said. “I need to head out. Will I see you when I get home?”

“I think so,” I said. “I doubt I will be working around the clock tonight. I don’t even have my office in order yet.”

“Well, enjoy it. You’ve earned it.”

Cal dipped out, leaving me to finish my much-needed coffee in peace. Somehow, everything feltright. Today was the start of forever. I would use my presentation to put everyone at ease and maintain my position. As I walked into the office, Davey found me.

“Daph, good. You’re here.”

“Yes. I was summoned.”

He pulled me into my office and shut the door.

Davey put his hands on my shoulders, “Daphne you have the goods. This presentation will end all debate about whether you’re right for the role. Don’t look at it as a challenge, but an opportunity.”

I choked up, “You sound like Dad.”

“Delphines make lemonade. We don’t settle.”

I smiled, then gave him a big hug.

He wrapped his arms around me, “I just… I want to make it clear I’m with you. So much so that I have an article inChicago Business Weeklycelebrating my sister’s return the family business.”

I pulled away, mouth agape. “Davey, that is… bold.”

“Today, you’ll watch this fucker do his perp walk. Tomorrow, the whole city will understand our future.Thatis worth celebrating, okay? I believe in you. Let there be no doubt.”

“Thank you, Davey. I really do want to save this place. How candid can I be?”

“Think about what Dad would do and do that,” Davey urged.

So, very candid.

I collected myself, taking in the city and calm, now-warm Lake Michigan in the distance. Today, I regained my power. Tomorrow, we started to fix so many broken things. And I wouldn’t be alone.

Rejuvenated, I entered the conference room and queued my presentation. Chloe shot an encouraging look, but had no idea what I was announcing. I hoped the speech would bejustas exciting for her as for me. I ignored the annoyed faces of other c-suite execs and board members. I’d overcome their doubt and stay the course. My sisters filed in, ready to do battle. Once they settled, the meeting began.

Davey commanded the room. “So, as I’ve written in my statements, Daphne remains our President. All of you here have personally expressed doubt in this choice given Daphne’s legal battles?—”

“All but me!” Chloe declared.

“Yes, all but Miss Markham and the other family members. Uh… you see… while there are challenges, the family remains in charge of this business?—”

“I would like to call for a vote of no confidence,” our CFO said.

“And I would second it,” Mr. Menedez said.

It hurt, but I let Davey speak.

“You do not have the votes, but we’ll take a roll call,” Davey said.

I hoped they would have held off and let me speak, but I’d take my lumps. Davey called the vote and settled when it failed.

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