Chapter 18: A New Throne
1056 Words
Stepping Into the Lion’s Den
Alodia entered the towering glass building that once felt like a prison. The place where she had stood beside Raegan, silent and controlled. But today, she wasn’t the wife in the shadows.
She was the woman in charge.
The board members were already seated when she arrived at the executive conference room. Their expressions ranged from hopeful to skeptical.
Hastings stood as she entered. “Ms. Rivera, have you reached a decision?”
Alodia set her bag down carefully before meeting his gaze.
“I’ll take over.”
A ripple of surprise ran through the room, followed by murmurs of approval.
“But,” she continued, “I will be making drastic changes. Raegan’s business tactics were built on corruption. I won’t run this company the way he did.”
Linton nodded. “And how do you plan to rebuild investor confidence?”
Alodia clasped her hands together. “By proving that we can function without bribery, backdoor deals, or intimidation.”
A younger board member scoffed. “That sounds nice, but this industry is cutthroat. The only reason Raegan kept us at the top was because he wasn’t afraid to play dirty.”
Alodia’s eyes hardened. “Then it’s time to show that we can win without staining our hands. If anyone here doesn’t believe in that vision, you’re free to step down.”
Silence.
One by one, the board members exchanged looks, and then—they nodded.
Hastings smiled. “Then let’s get to work.”
Alodia sat down at the head of the table. For the first time, it was hers.
---
The Weight of Power
Hours later, Alodia finally stepped into her new office. It was once Raegan’s, but it no longer felt like his. She had the heavy mahogany desk removed and replaced it with something sleek, modern—hers.
As she stood by the window, staring down at the city below, her phone vibrated.
Jasper.
She smiled, answering immediately. “Miss me already?”
Jasper chuckled. “Always. How did it go?”
She exhaled. “They accepted me as CEO.”
“Of course, they did. You’re unstoppable.”
His confidence in her sent warmth through her chest. “It’s a lot to take in. I’ve never run a company before.”
Jasper’s voice softened. “And yet, you’re already doing it. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone, Alodia. Not even them.”
Her heart clenched. He always knew exactly what to say.
“Dinner tonight?” she asked. “I think I deserve a celebration.”
Jasper’s tone dropped to a low, teasing murmur. “Oh, I’ll make sure it’s a night worth remembering.”
Heat flushed through her body.
She bit her lip. “I’ll hold you to that.”
---
The Price of Power
As the evening set in, Alodia left her office, exhaustion and exhilaration swirling inside her. The company was now hers, but the real battle had just begun.
Her driver opened the car door, and she slid into the backseat, already anticipating the night ahead with Jasper. But before she could relax, her phone buzzed with a blocked number.
She frowned but answered. “Hello?”
A low chuckle came through the line.
“I must say, darling, you didn’t waste time taking my seat.”
Alodia’s breath hitched. Raegan.
Her grip tightened on the phone. “What do you want?”
“To remind you that I’m not gone,” he said smoothly. “You may have the board’s trust, but do you really think they’ll stay loyal once I’m out?”
Her stomach twisted. “You’re in prison.”
“For now.”
Cold dread washed over her.
Raegan continued, his voice laced with amusement. “Enjoy your little victory, Alodia. Because soon enough, I’ll be back where I belong.”
The line went dead.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she lowered the phone. She had expected him to fight back eventually—but not this soon.
Not when she was finally free.
---
A Night Worth Remembering
By the time Alodia arrived at Jasper’s penthouse, the tension in her body was suffocating.
Jasper opened the door, already dressed in a crisp black shirt, the sleeves rolled up, revealing strong forearms. His dark eyes scanned her face immediately.
“What happened?”
She sighed, stepping inside. “Raegan called.”
Jasper’s jaw tightened. “That bastard still has access to a phone?”
She set her purse down, running a hand through her hair. “He’s planning something. He’s not going to let this go.”
Jasper exhaled sharply, stepping closer. “Let him try. You’re not alone in this, Alodia.”
Her eyes met his. And that was all it took.
The moment his arms wrapped around her, the weight on her shoulders lifted. Here, with him, she was safe.
He cupped her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek. “Tell me what you need.”
Her breath hitched. “You.”
Jasper didn’t need further encouragement. His lips crashed onto hers, demanding, possessive, intoxicating.
He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the bedroom. Tonight wasn’t just about passion—it was about reassurance. About reminding her that she belonged here, with him.
And as their bodies tangled together, the world outside—Raegan, the company, the battles ahead—disappeared.
For now, this moment was theirs.
---
The Morning After
Sunlight streamed through the curtains as Alodia slowly woke, her body deliciously sore from the night before.
Jasper was already awake, propped up on one elbow, watching her.
She stretched, smiling. “What?”
He smirked. “Just admiring my future CEO.”
She rolled her eyes playfully. “I haven’t even proven myself yet.”
“You don’t have to. You already won the moment you walked into that boardroom.”
Warmth spread through her chest. How did he always make her feel like she could conquer the world?
But before she could respond, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Miranda.
Alodia groaned. “Reality’s calling.”
Jasper chuckled, pressing a lingering kiss on her bare shoulder. “Go take over the world, baby. I’ll be right here.”
And as she answered the call, she knew—no matter what battles came next, she wasn’t fighting alone.
- Writer
