*******Aubrey’s pov*******
I strode into Wolfe Inc., feeling the weight of curious and judgmental eyes on me. It didn’t faze me—I was used to that by now. People had underestimated me before, and here I was, ready to make my mark as the Vice President of one of the biggest corporations in the country.
Ryder was waiting at the front of the conference room, looking as smug as ever. His eyes met mine, and he gave me a tight nod, the kind that said he wasn’t entirely thrilled about this but was doing it anyway.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Ryder began as he turned to face the room full of shareholders and executives. “As you all know, there have been some recent changes in leadership. Today, I want to formally introduce you to Aubrey Brown, who will be stepping in as the new Vice President of Wolfe Inc.”
A murmur of whispers rippled through the room, but Ryder silenced them with a sharp glance.