JULIAN'S POV
The boardroom was still reeling.
I stood frozen at the head of the table, the echo of Adele’s declaration ricocheting off the walls. Her perfume still lingered in the air, daring anyone to speak out of turn. But nobody did.
The board members exchanged cautious glances. Alexander leaned forward, clearing his throat.
"Julian, I wasn’t aware you had made such a…dramatic decision. Co-CEO? That’s quite the surprise."
I forced a smile while my insides turned to lava.
"We were discussing her involvement more deeply. Adele is well-qualified. She has an MBA, a Master's in Accounting, and a solid track record at Lustré Interiors before her... hiatus."
He arched his brow. "And the appointment? It wasn’t cleared with us."
I could feel the storm building.
"We’ll arrange a formal
