Healing the Cold CEO

Chapter Eleven

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The elevator dinged open, revealing the top floor of Haren's New York Headquarters. It was a building I knew like the back of my hand. Some of my childhood was spent within my father's office, which was right at the end of the wide hallway that was a beeline of activity due to the board meeting happening through the door to my immediate left. The thought of entering through the black double doors into a space that also once belonged to my grandfather was a daunting thought.

I wouldn't be able to handle the barrage of emotions that would definitely hit me the moment I entered that very space. A space in which, two days ago, had beheld their presence. To have that all ripped away in the blink of an eye was terrifying to dwell on. I knew I was not handling my emotions well. One more crack and the mirror I was using to reflect my emotions away from me would break. I would shatter - something I could not dare to do.

Somer's briefing of the events of that night had been harrowing, leaving me feeling helpless and even more devastated that I had not come sooner. It had also added a new element and problem to my growing list. Someone had attacked this very building and, inadvertently, declared war on our family. It was an enemy I suspected my father and grandfather knew about. They were meticulous to a fault in protecting our family and our legacy.

But they're both...they can't help me...I'll have to find a way to figure it out. Hopefully, they were able to leave me something, anything to point me in the right direction...

Security had been elevated with suit clad men patrolling each floor of Haren HQ, including this very one where a familiar man emerged from the conference room, stopping in his tracks at the sight of me. A small, sad smile graced his lips and a weariness that many of the people involved in managing this whole situation were marked with.

"Miss Haren..."

As a freelancer that had been hand-picked and hired by Maverick Conners, our Head of Security, Sean King had proven himself more than competent to assist him in managing our family's safety. The two of them had been a remarkable team with their friendship seemingly spanning years - though neither of them spoke very openly about their days in the military.

Learning of Maverick Conner's death had cracked the glass that was precariously holding back the flood of emotions I had suppressed. Despite being our Head of Security, he was a friend and a good soul. The accident had taken away a lot from our family, two great men who were close to my heart.

If I felt as broken as I did, I couldn't begin to imagine what Sean was going through. He seemed to be masking his emotions well as he shook my hand firmly.

"I am so sorry, Sean. I've just heard about Maverick.... Please let me know if you need anything at all. I'll be more than happy to help..."

He nodded, releasing a small sigh as he ran a hand through his copper-colored hair, making it even messier than before but the rough look was perfect for him.

"Thank you...I am also really sorry to hear about Mr Sawyer's passing...We are committed to ensuring that what happened to him, Maverick and your father will not happen again. We have beefed up security and are investigating the attack and accident. We should have some answers soon."

"Thank you, Sean. Please keep me updated on that. Also, I need you to liase also with Detective..."

I turned to Somer who scrolled his Ipad before speaking up, jogging my memory on the man who had taken up our case. A man who was not a complete stranger to me. The esteemed Detective had handled a particularly complicated case for Gianna and Damian that had resulted in the closing of a cold case as well. He was good, which meant he would get the answers we needed soon.

"Detective Jay Voight..."

"Yes, he has formed a task force to investigate the case as well. Please provide him with whatever he may need as he works to bring us justice. Somer, please send Sean the detective's information... Thank you, Sean."

"Of course. Please excuse me..."

We said our goodbyes after Somer finished tapping away at his Ipad as he carried out my orders no doubt. We stood at the threshold of the double doors that would lead into the boardroom. I knew they had already gathered. It had been deliberate. I needed to not only compose myself after Somer's recounting of the events but to also steel my spine. The people beyond these doors would not go easy on me, especially once I confirmed all their worst fears for some and the best news for others. I needed to keep my cool, no matter what. Grandfather had ruled them with an iron fist whilst Father had reinforced his own power and intimidated them into grudging respect and acceptance.

Its time for me to lay down my own path and legacy... This is the most crucial moment. First impression is everything and will set the tone for the weeks and months to come as I stand at the helm of my family's empire. And I will succeed...

"Let's get this over with..."

I murmured, straightening my spine and taking a deep breath as Somer nodded before opening the doors for us. I walked with my head held high as each and every single board member got to their feet at the sight of me and followed me with their gazes as I made my way towards a seat that put my heart in excruciating pain at the sight of its emptiness.

It wasn't supposed to be mine to sit on so soon and yet...

"Good afternoon, everyone. Please, take your seats."

I spoke up, my voice ringing with more authority than I had anticipated but had really hoped for. I was holding on better than I expected and I thanked my lucky stars as I watched the twelve gathered individuals take their seats despite the whispers that were rife within the room, the sound growing louder as they each watched whilst I leaned into the executive chair at the head of the rounded conference table.

The sound halted only as the doors were opened once again to reveal three individuals that made my heart stutter as my gaze turned to Somer who seemed just as stunned by their entrance. The board members watched me closely, no doubt, and I couldn't blame them.

No soul within the financial world had not heard of the banishment of my Uncle, Travis Haren, who was currently walking towards me with his son- my cousin, Xavier Haren. Unease coursed through me at the sight of them even though I knew better. Family was family and although Uncle Travis had fallen out with my grandfather for a reason I was not privy to and been sent to the Los Angeles HQ where he had stayed for most of his life and raised Xavier, I knew that he was still my grandfather's son. He had loved him in his own way. And I knew to be grateful to have them with me, even if I barely knew them due to the distance wedged between our families.

Family above everything, Elena...Let's hope that their presence will deter whatever plans the Board has against us. We are stronger together...

The Board was also clearly uneasy at the sight of them but no one said a thing and simply chose to watch and wait for any sign. They were on high alert and many had probably already surmised that the reason for the meeting wasn't that great if the prodigal son himself had returned to the very City he had sworn never to come back to after the mess of their fallout. This was one of the few scandals that our private family had been part of, and it had done the most damage within rather than outside.

My gaze settled on the third individual that approached with them, warmth coursing through me at the sight of him. My grandfather, Lincoln Pritchard, had always dotted on me and spoiled me as his only granddaughter. Being the CEO of Pritchard Financial, he had been granted a stake in the company after my parent's marriage by my grandfather who had been a close friend of his. I knew he would bring balance to this meeting and have my back in the event that I needed him.

"Forgive us for being late, my dear niece. We landed barely thirty minutes ago when we received the news..."

Uncle Travis was the first to speak, opening his arms wide for me. The devastation was clear in his gaze despite how much he tried to hide it. The bags under his eyes and the pallor of his skin showcased his exhaustion and grief. He was struggling but hanging in there as best he could, an echo of my own volatile emotions. Something within me suspected that he needed the hug more than I did and I acquiesced despite the fact that I not only did not know him very well but also that we were in an official setting.

"Thank you for coming, Uncle. I wish we had met under better circumstances..."

I murmured, earning a nod from him, the two of us sharing a moment of acceptance of the situation we were currently in before he walked to his seat that was adjacent to my own. Xavier was next but instead of a full hug like his father, he simply offered me a side hug as his green eyes that were so much like my own revealed nothing of his mental state. I had never been able to really, truly read him, and it was a fact that had not changed since the last time we had seen each other.

Three years older than me, Xavier and I had met occasionally over the years, and it seemed that he had matured more in that time. He was taller, standing at around 6ft with a lean muscular build and a demeanor that always seemed somewhat detached despite his smiles that never quite reached his eyes.

"Little cousin...good to see you."

Even though the words were spoken with a small smile, something felt off about it as it always did when it came to him. And so I chose instead to return his small smile as I pulled away from his stiff embrace. I felt horrible for judging him, knowing full well he probably wasn't the most expressive kind of guy but caution ruled out, especially as he eyed the chair I had just vacated for a second longer than was usual before he walked off to take his seat beside his father. It was a weirdly specific detail to note, but I chalked it up to exhaustion even as I accepted my grandfather's warm hug.

"My dear granddaughter, Everything is going to be okay. I am right here for you..."

Thanking him as well, I watched as he took his seat beside Xavier. Soon, all eyes were on me as I settled back into my chair and straightened my spine, readying myself to deliver news I knew some of them already suspected.

"I know each of you is privy to the rumors that have been circulating as to the attack on this very building two days ago as well as an accident that is said to have been fatal..."

My gaze held each of those present, shifting with every word I spoke as I gathered my courage to speak the words I had been running from. Words I knew would make everything real for me. Words that needed to be spoken even as anticipation filled the room.

"I am here to confirm that the rumors are, indeed, true. Two days ago, an attack on this HQ resulted in a fatal accident that took the life of my grandfather....Sawyer Haren is dead. He passed away at the scene of the crash. My Father is at the hospital. He's in critical condition but is stable for the moment. My mother, Raven Pritchard Haren, was injured in the accident but she has been discharged and is now sedated at home as she rests and recuperates...."

Chaos erupted in the boardroom as gasps and voices rose at the tragic news. Although some seemed to have anticipated the news, it seemed to sink in only when it was voiced, as it did for me as I clenched my fists under the table to keep my own pain at bay. I let them air their shock and surprise before the barrage of questions began.

"So what's going to happen to the company now?"

"Could it be that Sawyer had already named his successor? You know he always had a soft spot for his granddaughter..."

"That's ridiculous. She's an artist! There is no way she knows anything about running a billion dollar empire..."

Eye twitch.

"Is that why Travis and his son are back? Do they intend to take over? I mean, it would make sense..."

"They have more experience, so they're the best option for us right now..."

"But weren't they banished, never to step foot here again?"

"Sawyer must have had a will. His successor is probably specified there..."

"But it was probably Tristan who is in the ICU now. Do you think the old man anticipated such a situation?"

Hand tremble.

"All I know is if I had to pick, I would go for the financial prodigy rather than a young girl who has had no experience in the financial world. How could an Artist ever know anything about running a Bank?"

Jaw clenched.

"Can we talk about the funeral? Who will take care of it? Sawyer deserves a great send off..."

"Of course the men of the household would be better suited. It would be good for them both to get used to their responsibilities as the new heads of the Haren family...."

Hand clenched.

"Poor girl...she probably has no idea what to do. I am glad that Travis and Xavier are here..."

"I'd like to ask you all to calm down. My father and I will take time to answer all your questions as we resolve to find a way forward- together."

Xavier was the first to break the silence, his words silencing all the Board members who seemed to pay even more attention to him. Gone were the skeptical gazes and unease that they felt at their arrival. Now, there was only instant respect due to their own personal preferences.

They probably want him to take over the Bank now that Uncle Travis would probably stand as the patriarch of the Haren family...well, at least in their delusional minds at least...

To many of them, I was a little girl whose opinion meant nothing to them. They had dismissed me, sorely underestimated me and made their preferences clear. And Uncle Travis and my cousin didn't seem to dispute their clear prejudice.

Well, they're about to get a rude awakening, aren't they?

"Thank you, Xavier. However, all questions concerning the management of the company will be handled after grandfather's will is read and a successor is named. Until then, I would ask you all refrain from making any speculations. We wouldn't want to spread the wrong sort of rumors, would we?"

My last statement was pointed as I held each of their embarrassed gazes before finishing on Xavier whose gaze was unfathomable, but he nodded in agreement.

"What about the funeral, little cousin? I assume you would leave this to us. Father and I would be more than happy to make all the arrangements. We know you must be busy what with Uncle in hospital and Aunt incapacitated. We are family after all..."

Some of the board members nodded vehemently at Xavier's suggestion, his small, unnerving smile making an appearance once again.

"Yes, we are family. However, I have already made the necessary arrangements. A Press statement is being released as we speak. The funeral will be in three days at Haren Manor. We will lay him to rest at the family tomb. Are there any more questions or concerns?"

I spoke boldly despite the slice of pain through my chest at the mention of my grandfather's final resting place. It was getting harder and harder to pretend I was okay and the need to vacate the room was visceral but I kept my cool as I waited with bated breath for anything and sighted inwardly at their silence.

"Okay. Then this meeting is adjourned. We shall reconvene after the funeral. Thank you, everyone..."

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