Page 141 of The Fiancée Farce
“Stable?” Victor scoffed. “Who the hell wants to settle for stable? We should be striving for record-breaking profits.”
“People over profits is one of the founding tenets of this company,” a voice she didn’t recognize chimed in.
“Well, maybe this company needs to consider moving in a different direction if we’d like to keep up with the competition and the times,” Tucker said.
A stark silence followed.
“Everyone, I suggest we proceed with the agenda. Our first matter of business is instating our new president. I remind the board that Hieronymus Wilhelm van Dalen’s trust named me the executor of his will, a role I have approached with due diligence. Hieronymus named his granddaughter, Gemma Lise van Dalen, his successor, with the stipulation that she be legitimately married by the annual shareholders’ meeting. In the event that his granddaughter does not meet the stipulated conditions, which she has not, Hieronymus has named his grandson, Tucker Midas van Dalen, his successor.”
“I think this is your cue,” Teddy whispered.
It was. If only she could get her feet to move.
“As a matter of formality, I move to instate Tucker as the new president of Van Dalen—”
Someone started to cough. Loudly.
“Sorry, sorry,” Brooks said. “Tickle. Does someone have water?”
“It’s right in front of you,” Victor said.
“Tansy?” Teddy prompted. “It’s now or never, love.”
Now or never. Right. Gemma had been so brave, unflinching in the face of adversity; the least Tansy could do was be brave, too. Regardless of the outcome, regardless of how Gemma felt. The truth didn’t need defending. It just needed to be said.
Tansy closed her fingers around the doorknob and pushed her weight against the door.
“You’ve got this,” Teddy whispered.
The door opened and the conference room fell silent, all eyes on her. Sweat broke out along the small of her back, her shirt sticking to her skin.
“What areyoudoing here?” Tucker sneered. “This is a private board meeting. Board members and shareholders only.”
Sunlight caught on the multicolored glitter flecked throughout Tucker’s hair. Teddy snickered.
“Shut up, Edward Cullen,” he said. “And let the lady speak.”
Tucker purpled, seething silently.
Apparentlysomeonehad driven themself to work today.
Laughter died on her lips as Gemma met her eyes across the conference table. “Hi.”
Gemma smiled. “Hey.”
“MissAdams? This is a private board meeting,” Mr.Barnes said gently.
“Right. I’m sorry to interrupt, but—”No.That wasn’t true at all. “Actually, no. I’m not sorry. I’m not sorry in the slightest.”
A murmur rose as several board members leaned toward one another, whispering.
Tansy stood a little straighter. “I’m here because I have something I need to say, something that can’t wait.”
“This is preposterous.” Sterling crossed his arms. “Buster? Kick her out.”
Mr.Barnes frowned. “MissAdams, I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to ask you to wait out—”
“I’m here because I’m in love with Gemma van Dalen,” she blurted.
