All Chapters of The Ceo's Unexpected Choice : Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Zara had almost forgotten what it felt like to walk into Knight Technologies without a meeting scheduled.She was there on Wednesday afternoon to collect a document Amara had asked her to review. Daniel had already sent the relevant files, so she expected to be in and out within twenty minutes.She was crossing the reception area when Evelyn called her name.“Zara!”She turned.Evelyn was standing beside the lifts, holding a folder.“It's been a while,” Zara said.“Too long. You're becoming one of those people we have to book an appointment to see.”“I'm sure you'll survive.”Evelyn laughed, but her expression changed when she looked at Zara again.“Do you have a minute?”“Of course.”“Not here.”Zara studied her face. “What's wrong?”“Nothing I can explain properly in the middle of the reception area. Can we talk somewhere private?”The request unsettled her.Evelyn wasn't usually secretive. If she had something to say, she said it.They went to a small meeting room on the quieter si

The independent review began on Monday morning.Adrian had instructed the legal department to retrieve the complete records relating to the old financial investigation involving Richard Hayes. Nothing was to be excluded simply because it was uncomfortable or potentially damaging to the company.By ten o'clock, the documents had been transferred to the review team.Zara wasn't present at the meeting, but Adrian had promised to keep her informed.She spent most of the morning at university, trying to concentrate on a lecture while her mind kept returning to the conversation with Charles Knight.He had admitted that the original records were incomplete.That alone changed everything.When the lecture ended, she checked her phone.There was a message from Adrian.Adrian: The review has started. I'll call you when we have something substantial.Zara: Thank you. Please don't let them rush it just to protect the company.Adrian: I won't.She put her phone away and joined Chloe outside the le

By Monday morning, the correction had become the most discussed subject at Knight Technologies.Zara noticed it before she even reached the executive floor.Two employees standing near the reception desk lowered their voices when she walked past. A television mounted on the wall displayed a business news report, with the Knight Technologies logo appearing beneath a headline about the company's decision to correct a historical financial record.She stopped briefly.The reporter was discussing the independent review, the company's acknowledgment that Richard Hayes had raised objections before the disputed transaction, and the decision to examine the remaining legal implications.It was strange hearing her father's name discussed by people who had never met him.Even stranger was knowing that, for years, the company had allowed a version of events to stand that made him look solely responsible."You're early."Zara turned.Evelyn stood behind her with two takeaway cups and an expression

Zara read Adrian's invitation again the following morning.The annual Knight Technologies leadership dinner was scheduled for Saturday evening. It was one of the company's biggest social events, attended by senior executives, business partners and selected members of the press.She wasn't unfamiliar with formal gatherings.She had attended foundation events, company meetings and dinners with Adrian's family. But this invitation felt different.He wasn't asking her to attend as an employee or an adviser.He wanted her there as his partner.Her phone rang."Good morning," Adrian said."Good morning.""Have you made a decision?"Zara smiled."You're rather eager.""I prefer knowing my plans in advance.""Of course you do. You're Adrian Knight.""Is that a yes?"She paused deliberately."Yes."There was a brief silence.Then, "Good.""That's all?""What else would you like me to say?""I don't know. Perhaps a little excitement?""Zara, I'm trying very hard not to sound too pleased with my

The cemetery was quiet when Zara and Nadia arrived.It was a Saturday morning, and the sky was unusually clear. Nadia carried a small bouquet of white flowers, while Zara held a paper bag containing a few things they had picked up on their way.Neither sister spoke much as they approached their father's resting place.Nadia placed the flowers carefully."Hello, Dad," she whispered.Zara stood beside her, looking at the inscription on the headstone.For a few moments, she remembered the last time they had spoken about something completely ordinary. She remembered his advice, his occasional stubbornness and the way he could turn even a simple conversation into a lecture.She missed those things."I brought something," Zara said.She opened the paper bag and took out a small photograph.It was an old picture of Richard Hayes, taken years before the scandal. He was standing outdoors, smiling at someone behind the camera.Nadia looked at it."I remember this picture.""You were much younge