79

Zephyra's POV

Lirael continues, unperturbed. "Your company has been facing difficulties for a while now—mismanagement, apparently. Your shares are at the lowest price they've been for a decade. I saw you come in, and I decided now was the right time to make the call. So no, you don't have some investments for me. You are an investment. And unfortunately for you, as of," Lirael checks his watch, "ten minutes ago, you're no longer CEO of Apex Industries. My brothers and I will appoint one of our own people to take over first thing tomorrow."

My father stares at Lirael, shock and disbelief warring on his features. "Y-You can't be serious. That's... That's preposterous."

Lirael turns his back on him, dismissing the conversation with a curt statement. "Are we all done, ladies?"

Mom stands up gracefully, and I follow suit, mirroring her movement. "Yes, thank you, Lirael," she says with genuine appreciation. "The meal was absolutely delicious."

Lirael responds with a smile that lights up hi