Chapter 10 - The New CEO
The federal agents handcuffed Vance and marched him out of the boardroom in front of the terrified investors.
I took my seat at the head of the table, folding my hands professionally.
“Now,” I said, looking at the remaining men.
“I believe we have a grocery chain to run.”
The transition of power was swift and completely merciless.
I spent the next month cleaning house, firing every executive who had enabled my brother’s corruption.
I implemented strict financial oversight protocols and completely transparent accounting practices.
The company, which had been bleeding money for years, finally began to stabilize and thrive.
Daniel eventually pleaded guilty to arson, embezzlement, and attempted murder.
He was sentenced to twenty-five years in federal prison.
I did not attend his sentencing, nor did I ever visit him.
He was no longer my brother; he was just a bad memory.
Dad moved into a beautiful assisted living facility near the beach, where he spent his days reading and recovering his strength.
I visited him every Sunday, bringing him fresh fruit from our flagship stores.
As for Briarwood, I did not sell the haunted property.
I hired a demolition crew to tear down the burnt ruins and clear the overgrown brush.
In its place, I funded the construction of a beautiful, modern retreat center for victims of domestic abuse.
I named it after my mother, the woman who had spent her final days ensuring my safety.
I stood on the porch of the new retreat center, watching the sun set over the calm lake.
I had lost a brother and buried a mother, but I had finally found myself.
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I was Claire Romano, the sole CEO of the Romano Grocery Group.
And absolutely nobody would ever fire me again.
