Chapter3
2094 Words
THE QUEEN'S SEAT
“Thank you for setting up this meeting, Patrice.”
Patrice chuckled as he adjusted his suit.
“You pay me extremely well to do all that, sir.”
“Even then, we appreciate your loyalty,” Moon said firmly.
Patrice smiled.
“Oh, say less, ma'am. The appreciation is mutual.”
“Good,” Crane replied. “Now let's get this meeting started.”
“Sure, sir. Everyone is waiting.”
Patrice stepped toward the boardroom doors.
Crane turned to his wife.
For a brief moment, the playful husband disappeared, and the chairman of a billion-dollar company emerged.
“Remember who you are.”
Moon raised an eyebrow. “Which version of me?”
Crane smiled. “You're Moon Smith.”
He stepped closer. “Walk into that room like you own it.” A faint smile touched his lips. “Because you do.”
Moon straightened her jacket. “You know me, sweetheart.”
Her eyes sparkled with confidence. “I own the whole building.”
Crane laughed. “That's my girl.”
Patrice pushed open the doors. The three of them entered.
Immediately, every eye in the room shifted toward Moon.
She felt the tension.
Some of them didn't even bother hiding their displeasure.
Moon recognised a few faces. Men and women who had built careers around Crane's family business.
People who already believed she didn't belong there. But Moon wasn't about to break under their scrutiny.
She walked confidently to her seat. Crane pulled the chair out for her.
“Thank you, sweetheart.”
She sat down gracefully.
The room remained silent.
Crane cleared his throat.
“I appreciate everyone gathering here on such short notice.”
Nobody responded.
“My condition isn't news to anyone in this room.”
A few heads shifted.
“While I'm doing everything possible to remain effective, it has become clear that my memory issues are worsening.”
“I can no longer ignore that reality.”
Some members exchanged glances. Others sat straighter.
They already knew where this conversation was heading. But they didn't know how far.
“As a result,” Crane continued, “I've decided to step down as CEO.”
The room erupted instantly. Whispers spread around the table. Several people exchanged excited looks.
Moon noticed all of it.
Crane waited patiently.
Finally, Mr Clay spoke.
“I must commend your honesty, Mr Chairman.”
Several heads nodded.
“Your health has concerned us for some time.”
“Thank you,” Crane replied.
Mr Clay folded his hands. “May I ask who you've selected as your successor?”
The room quieted again. Everyone was waiting.
They were expecting one of their own.
Crane glanced toward Patrice.
Patrice immediately distributed several folders.
The board members opened them one by one. Then their expressions changed.
Caroline slammed her folder shut.
“Absolutely not.”
Mr Clay stood. “This is impossible.”
Several voices erupted simultaneously.
“What is this?”
“You can't be serious.”
“This has to be a joke.”
Moon remained calm. Crane didn't move.
“My successor,” Crane said firmly, “is my wife.”
The room exploded again.
“No!”
“This is ridiculous!”
“She isn't qualified!”
“She doesn't belong here!”
Moon listened quietly.
Then Caroline stood. “You cannot hand this company over to an outsider.”
“An outsider?” Crane asked.
“She runs an entirely different company.”
“She is also my wife.”
“That doesn't make her qualified.”
Patrice immediately intervened. “Please remain professional.”
Caroline ignored him. “This company was built by your family.”
“Correct.”
“And your father specifically stated that leadership should remain within the bloodline.”
“Incorrect.”
The room fell silent.
Crane leaned forward. “My father stated that leadership should remain with whoever could protect the company.”
Nobody spoke.
Crane continued. “And I believe that person is Moon.”
Sir Stroke finally joined in. “With respect, Mr Chairman, your judgement may be compromised.”
Moon's eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”
Sir Stroke met her gaze.
“The timing is suspicious.”
“How?”
“Mr Banks dies after meeting with you.”
The room became silent again.
Moon felt dozens of eyes settle on her.
“So that's what this is about.”
Sir Stroke folded his arms. “People are talking.”
“Then perhaps people should mind their business.”
A few board members shifted uncomfortably.
Moon stood confidently. “Since everyone seems eager to discuss me, let's do exactly that.”
Nobody interrupted.
“You think I'm unqualified?”
Her eyes moved across the table.
“Fine.”
She pointed toward Caroline. “How many divisions did your department lose money on last quarter?”
Caroline stilled.
Moon didn't wait. “Three.”
She turned toward another member.
“Your logistics department exceeded its annual budget by twelve percent.”
The man's face tightened.
Moon looked toward Sir Stroke. “Your expansion proposal failed because you ignored market research.”
Dead silence followed.
Moon placed both palms on the table.
“You want to talk qualifications?”
Nobody answered.
“I run a company.” She paused.
“I negotiate contracts worth millions.”
Another pause.
“I employ hundreds of people.”
Her voice hardened. “And unlike some people in this room, I don't hide behind a board seat while criticising those doing actual work.”
Nobody moved.
Moon slowly sat back down.
“If any of you believe you're better suited for this position, you're welcome to compete with me.”
"This isn't about competence," Caroline snapped. "It's about trust. You're asking us to hand over decades of work to someone who has been here for barely a few years."
"No. My husband is asking you to trust his judgement. If you can't trust the man whose family built this company, then perhaps you're sitting at the wrong table."
Crane's smile grew.
Patrice looked impressed.
Even some of the board members seemed stunned.
Caroline clenched her jaw. “This isn't over.”
Moon smiled. “No. It's just beginning.”
Sir Stroke leaned forward. “Then perhaps we should vote.”
Crane finally spoke. “No.”
Every eye turned toward him.
“This is not a democracy.”
The statement landed heavily.
“I own fifty-one percent of this company.”
His gaze swept the room. “My decision is final.”
Nobody challenged him.
“Anyone unwilling to work under my leadership is free to liquidate their shares.”
No one spoke up.
“Meeting adjourned.”
Nobody moved immediately. The tension remained.
Eventually, chairs began scraping against the floor.
One by one, the board members exited. Most avoided Moon entirely. Others glared at her.
Caroline's stare lingered longest. Moon knew exactly what it meant: war. And she was ready for it.
An hour later, Moon and Crane sat inside their car.
Crane smiled proudly. “You were amazing.”
Moon laughed. “Really?”
“You terrified them.”
“Good.”
Crane chuckled. “I think Sir Stroke nearly swallowed his tongue.”
Moon laughed harder. “I wasn't trying to scare anyone.”
“You absolutely were.”
“Maybe a little.”
They shared a smile.
The tension from the meeting slowly faded.
“Still,” Moon admitted, “that office won't be easy.”
“I never promised easy.”
“I know.”
Crane squeezed her hand. “But you're strong enough.”
Moon looked at him. The certainty in his eyes never changed.
“Thank you.”
“Always.”
The restaurant was beautiful.
Soft music drifted through the air. The lighting was warm.
A private table had already been reserved.
Joel opened the door for them.
The couple entered. Several heads turned immediately.
Money had a way of attracting attention.
Food arrived shortly afterwards. For a while, they simply enjoyed each other's company.
Then Moon's expression became serious.
“There's something bothering me.”
Crane put down his fork. “Tell me.”
“Mr Banks"
Crane's smile faded slightly. “What about him?”
Moon hesitated.
“Do you really think it's a coincidence?”
“What?”
“That he visited me.” She paused. “Then died."
Crane leaned back. “I don't know.”
“Someone called me.”
His eyes narrowed immediately. “When?”
“A few days ago.”
“What did they say?”
“They blamed me.”
Crane's expression darkened. “For his death?”
Moon nodded.
The silence stretched.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“I didn't want to worry you.”
“You should have.”
Moon sighed. “I know.”
Crane looked away. His protective instincts were screaming.
“Moon.”
“Hmm?”
“If anyone tries to hurt you”
“Don't.”
“Moon.”
“No.”
She grabbed his hand. “I don't need you killing people for me.”
A faint smile appeared on Crane's face.
“You know I would.”
“I know.”
“Without hesitation.”
Moon rolled her eyes. “That's not romantic.”
“It is to me.”
She laughed. “You're impossible.”
“And yet you love me.”
“Unfortunately.”
Both laughed.
But underneath the laughter, neither forgot the conversation. Something wasn't right, and both of them felt it.
The drive home began peacefully.
Moon sat beside Crane. The city lights blurred past the windows.
Then Joel's eyes shifted toward the mirror.
His expression changed instantly.
"Sir"
Crane looked up. “What is it?”
“We have company.”
Moon frowned. “What do you mean?”
Joel checked the mirror again.
“Black SUV.”
Crane turned slightly. “Are you sure?”
“It followed us from the restaurant.”
His voice remained calm. “But that's not the problem.”
“What is?”
“It has professional spacing.”
Crane immediately understood.
Moon didn't.
“What does that mean?”
"It means they're trained.”
The atmosphere inside the car changed instantly.
Moon's pulse quickened. “Who are they?”
“We don't know yet.”
Crane's expression hardened. “What are our options?”
Joel smiled slightly. “Finding out.”
Ten minutes later, the convoy entered a quieter section of town.
The SUV remained behind them.
Joel deliberately made several unnecessary turns.
The SUV copied every one.
“Confirmed.”
Crane nodded. “They want us.”
“Specifically you.”
Moon's heart dropped. “No.”
Crane turned toward her. “Yes.”
Joel slowed the vehicle.
“Ma'am.”
Moon immediately understood. “No.”
“Moon.”
“No.”
Crane grabbed her hand. “You need to get out.”
“I'm not leaving you.”
“You are.”
“Crane…”
“Listen to me.”
His voice became firm. “If they're targeting me, then you're safer away from this car.”
Moon hated that he was right.
The vehicle stopped briefly near a crowded street.
“Now,” Joel said.
Moon looked at Crane. “Be careful.”
He kissed her forehead.
“Always.”
Moon stepped out. Seconds later, she disappeared into the crowd.
Joel accelerated immediately.
The SUV followed exactly as expected.
Several minutes later, Joel led them toward an abandoned industrial area.
The SUV finally stopped. Four men exited.
Crane and Joel watched from a nearby building.
The men searched the vehicle and found nothing.
One of them cursed. Another kicked the tyre.
“They've realised.”
Joel nodded. “They lost us.”
“Can you identify them?”
“Not yet.”
The men eventually retreated.
Only after the area was clear did Joel finally relax.
Crane's expression remained dark.
“Call Steve.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I want security around my house immediately.”
Joel nodded. “And Moon?”
“She doesn't need to know.”
Back home, Moon stood by the window thinking.
Mr Banks was dead.
The board hated her.
Someone had followed them.
And now armed strangers were appearing out of nowhere.
A chill ran through her body. She couldn't explain it.
But deep inside, she knew something had changed.
The danger was no longer approaching; it had arrived.
And somewhere in the darkness beyond the glass, someone was already watching.
- Writer
