Chapter 5 — The New CEO

My grandfather kept talking about the impressive growth numbers of Mr. Tomás and Alex's company, which the truth is, were very good, but when I listened to him in more detail, I was surprised how my grandfather did not stop praising them.

It's not that my grandfather was one of those people who didn’t recognize the accomplishments and abilities of others, but I've never seen him be so cloying. Finally, I looked up, giving my full attention to my grandfather, still wondering if this was a hallucination or a vivid dream.

Maybe it was a nightmare? I quickly checked to make sure I was dressed just in case it was one of those dreams where I ended up naked, and everyone could see my imperfections and make fun of me.

Not bad! I was wearing the clothes I had put on.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that Alex was still there, watching me intently. I quickly glanced back at him. "What the hell is going on?!"

"Everything I've just explained leads me to my next announcement." I turned all my attention to my grandfather, who was still speaking. "I've decided it's time to retire." I opened my mouth in surprise.

Well, my grandfather was retiring. I was a little surprised, but then I realized it made sense—it was something we all expected. He was getting older, and it was time for him to take a well-deserved break. What I didn’t expect was for him to announce it today.

On the surface, this was actually good news. It meant I wouldn’t have to get married to become the new CEO of the company. Since I was his heir and apprentice, it was clear I would take the position. And it also meant I wouldn’t have to confess to my grandfather about my decision to live without stable relationships or marriages.

I smiled at the thought. Now I was more confident that this was real, not just a dream or hallucination.

"And I have to announce who will take my position as the new CEO of this company." My grandfather’s eyes seemed a little uneasy, and I noticed he avoided looking at me. Still, I prepared myself to hear my name.

"Alex Grand," he announced, pointing to the spot where the handsome man with the blue eyes stood.

It felt as if the world had flipped upside down. My head spun, and my chest tightened. I was sure these symptoms weren’t caused by the hangover I was nursing. Did I hear correctly? Had he appointed Alex Grand as the new CEO instead of me? A stranger, not his granddaughter? The same stranger I had a casual, intimate encounter with the night before?

My grandfather watched me for a moment, probably waiting for my reaction, thinking I would rebel, scream, or do something.

But no, I didn’t say a word. How could I? I was frozen, in shock. I didn’t look at anyone, didn’t move. I only heard the murmurs of the members, whispering, probably talking about me. I wasn’t sure, as a ringing sound filled my ears, like static.

A few seconds later, applause rang out, pulling me from my reverie. I turned around, and Alex was standing, smiling. I couldn’t believe it! Was this really happening?

I looked down, trying to focus on the floor, concentrating on the pattern in the tiles, trying to catch my breath. How could I protest this injustice when I could barely breathe?

"Of course!" My grandfather raised his voice, trying to silence the background noise and regain everyone’s attention. "Obviously, Ava will work hand in hand with the young Grand, just as she did with me."

"What?" I managed to gasp, looking up again, my eyes wide with disbelief.

I turned toward Alex, who had leaned forward in his seat, watching me closely, as if he were a predator observing its prey, waiting for my reaction.

"This will only be a temporary arrangement," my grandfather clarified, making me turn to him in shock. I assumed those words were meant for me. Then, addressing the room again, he continued, "Until my granddaughter, Ava, gets married, and they both take care of the business—she and her husband." He cleared his throat. "Which we plan to happen soon."

The murmurs grew louder, and I almost fell out of my chair in surprise. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my grandfather examining my hands, and I immediately understood—he was looking for an engagement ring.

My instincts kicked in, and I quickly hid my hands under the table. "My marriage? Which marriage? Will it be soon? Is my grandfather talking about marriage to Mike? But I never told him he asked me to marry him. Did he just deduce all this?"

I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to think, but my brain seemed to be in a fog. I pulled one of my hands from where I had hidden it and slapped my forehead. Why hadn’t I just told my grandfather the truth from the beginning? How could all of this happen because of a simple little lie?

"Any problem, Miss Ava?" I heard Alex's hoarse voice from his seat at the table.

"No, none." I answered immediately, opening my eyes and feeling slightly dizzy.

"You look a little pale." Everyone in the room started to look at me attentively, making me even more nervous.

"No, it’s just that... I..." I began to stammer.

I had worked at this company for years, running it alongside my grandfather. I’d been through countless meetings, which had made me lose my shyness in front of these men. Yet, for the first time in a long time, I felt genuinely intimidated.

"Are you okay, Ava?" I heard my grandfather speak to me in a gentler, closer tone.

"Yes, I’m okay." I murmured, nodding while trying to hold back the lump that was forming in my throat.

"Not bad! So, we can continue." My grandfather picked up the conversation while I struggled to regain my composure. "While the marriage plans are being finalized, we can take full advantage of this partnership, which will allow both companies to learn from each other and grow together..."

My grandfather continued talking about the benefits of all these changes, adding that he would stay at the head of the company for a few more days to finalize the last projects he was overseeing, giving Alex and me the opportunity to get to know each other better and figure out how to work together effectively.

I listened carefully, understanding everything he said, but at the same time, my mind raced, reviewing everything that had just happened.

From time to time, a furtive glance slipped toward Alex, just like the night before at the club. However, this time, I wasn't smiling sensually but frowning, my jaw clenched. Was he angry? Why? His expression looked intimidating when he was upset.