Chapter 15

The tension in Alexander's office was almost suffocating. Though the meeting with the investors had been a success, Olivia knew this battle was far from over. Vivian had tried to sabotage Cross Enterprises' reputation, and while she had failed this time, her persistence made it clear she wasn't going to give up easily.

Olivia sat on one of the leather sofas, a cup of coffee growing cold in her hands. Across from her, Alexander was hunched over his desk, scrolling through transaction reports and financial statements. His jaw was clenched, and his brow furrowed in deep concentration. He looked like a man at war, determined to catch an enemy before they could strike.

The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. Olivia had learned not to interrupt him when he was working, but she couldn't ignore the tension radiating from him.

"What are you looking for?" she finally asked.

Alexander didn't look up. "I'm reviewing our latest transactions. If Vivian has been meeting with investors, I want to see if there's been any movement, money being pulled, or sudden changes in investments. Anything that suggests someone is considering jumping ship."

Olivia placed her cup on the coffee table and stood, walking toward him.

"And? Have you found anything?"

He exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face. "Not yet. But if there's something to find, I'll find it."

Olivia leaned on the edge of his desk, watching him closely. "Alexander, you can't live like this. Constantly anticipating an attack, always looking over your shoulder."

He finally looked up, his blue eyes sharp. "That's exactly what I have to do. This company isn't just a business, Olivia. It's my legacy. I won't let Vivian or anyone else take that from me."

She reached out and took his hand, lacing her fingers through his. "You don't have to do this alone."

Something in his expression softened. He studied her for a long moment before speaking. "Sometimes it's hard for me to believe you're really here."

She gave him a small smile. "I'm here, Alexander. And I'm not going anywhere."

He cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing slow circles against her skin before he leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, lingering kiss.

But just as the moment deepened, the office door swung open.

"Mr. Cross," Claire, his assistant, said urgently. "We have a situation."

Alexander pulled away instantly, his expression hardening. "What is it?"

Claire hesitated, glancing at Olivia before stepping inside and closing the door behind her. "I just received confirmation from one of our sources. Vivian has convinced one of our largest shareholders to present a motion for your removal as CEO."

The words sent a chill down Olivia's spine.

Alexander, however, didn't even flinch. His grip tightened on the desk, but his voice remained eerily calm. "Who?"

Claire hesitated before saying, "Nathaniel Sterling."

At that, Alexander's entire body tensed. His knuckles turned white against the desk. "I knew that bastard would turn the moment he saw an opportunity."

Olivia frowned. "Who is he?"

Alexander exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Nathaniel has been on the board for years. He's a businessman, but more than that, he's an optimist. He doesn't care about loyalty, only power and money."

"And Vivian must have promised him something he couldn't resist," Olivia concluded.

Claire nodded. "Exactly. If Nathaniel convinces enough shareholders to side with him, they could force a vote to remove you as CEO."

A heavy silence settled in the room. Olivia could practically feel the wheels turning in Alexander's mind, calculating every possible move and counter-move.

Finally, he straightened. "They won't win."

Claire nodded. "We need to act fast. You'll need to meet with the key shareholders before the vote to secure their support."

"Set it up," Alexander ordered.

Claire left the office, and Olivia turned to Alexander. "What can I do to help?"

His expression softened slightly. "You don't need to get involved in this."

She shook her head. "Yes, I do. If we're in this together, then let me stand beside you."

His blue eyes searched hers before he finally nodded. "Then I need you with me at that meeting."

Olivia squeezed his hand. "I'll be there."

The days leading up to the board vote were a whirlwind of meetings, negotiations, and strategy sessions. Olivia watched Alexander operate with a level of intensity she had never seen before. He was relentless, methodically securing votes, cutting deals, and ensuring that his position remained untouchable.

She had never fully understood the extent of the power struggles in his world until now. This wasn't just about business; this was about survival.

The night before the vote, Olivia found Alexander in his study, staring out the window with a glass of whiskey in his hand.

"You should get some sleep," she said softly, stepping inside.

He didn't turn around. "I can't afford to."

She walked up behind him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "You've done everything you can. Tomorrow, you'll walk into that room and show them why no one else can lead this company."

He turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "And if they vote against me?"

She held his gaze. "Then we fight back."

Something flickered in his eyes before he set his glass down and pulled her into his arms. "I don't deserve you," he murmured against her hair.

She smiled against his chest. "Probably not."

For the first time in days, he laughed.

The morning of the vote, the boardroom was filled with tension so thick it was almost suffocating. Olivia sat beside Alexander, her hands folded neatly in her lap, but her heart pounded in anticipation.

Across the table, Nathaniel Sterling sat with a smug expression while Vivian, of course, sat beside him, looking victorious.

"This meeting has been called to address a motion brought forth by Mr. Sterling," one of the senior board members announced. "Mr. Sterling, you have the floor."

Nathaniel stood, buttoning his suit jacket. "Ladies and gentlemen, Cross Enterprises is at a crossroads. Under Mr. Cross's leadership, we have seen tremendous success. However, recent controversies have made investors uneasy. We need strong, stable leadership. And I propose that we reconsider whether Alexander Cross is the right man to lead us forward."

Murmurs spread around the table. Olivia gritted her teeth, stealing a glance at Alexander. He was completely composed, his face unreadable.

"Mr. Cross," the board member continued. "You may respond."

Alexander stood slowly, his presence commanding.

"I won't waste time defending my record. The numbers speak for themselves. This company has thrived under my leadership, and it will continue to do so. But let's be clear about what this is: an attempt by Nathaniel and Vivian to take control for their own benefit."

Vivian's smile faltered slightly.

"This company was built on integrity and strength. And I intend to keep it that way."

There was a moment of silence before one of the senior members spoke. "Very well. We will now vote."

One by one, the votes were cast. Olivia held her breath, gripping the edge of her chair.

And then

"The motion has failed," the board member announced. "Alexander Cross will remain as CEO."

A wave of relief crashed over Olivia as she turned to Alexander. He gave her the smallest, almost imperceptible nod before turning to Nathaniel.

"You made a mistake," Alexander said coldly.

Nathaniel's jaw clenched before he stormed out. Vivian hesitated for a fraction of a second before following him.

As the board members began filing out, Alexander turned to Olivia.

"It's over."

She smiled. "For now."

He chuckled, reaching for her hand. "Thank you for standing by me."

She squeezed his fingers. "Always."

And as they walked out of that boardroom together, Olivia knew they had won more than just a vote. They had proven, once and for all, that they were stronger together.