The air in the boardroom buzzed with anticipation. Julian stood at the head of the long glass table, his presence commanding but unusually relaxed. The men and women seated before him—his closest allies, his handpicked leaders—leaned in, waiting for his words. “This moment marks the end of an era,” Julian began, his voice even but layered with conviction. “Not just for me, but for us as a team. We’ve built something extraordinary. This company is no longer about dominance or survival—it’s about innovation and impact.” The group nodded, their respect for him palpable. Julian’s gaze settled on Rebecca Stanton, his COO. She met his eyes steadily, her composure unwavering. “Rebecca,” he said, his tone firm yet encouraging, “you’re the future of this company. Lead it with the same determinat

