My Husband Chose His Ex I Became His Regret novel Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Aidan

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The conference room is filled to capacity, and I can’t help but stare at Lila as she walks down the aisle at the head of the table, which is technically my place, but I wanted her to sit in my chair to make this presentation to the board. She has a confidence about her that commands the attention of every person in the room. This time last quarter she would have been apologizing, second-guessing herself and looking for reassurance from others around her.

Now she’s a force.

“We will launch our partnership with Lee Corporation next week,” Lila said, while advancing her slides. “Our research indicates we will generate $200 million in revenue over the next 3 years, but I believe we will exceed that by 15% or more by strategically expanding into secondary markets.”

Wilson leaned forward, “What kind of data are you going to use for that?”

“Market analysis of Southeast Asian tech infrastructure needs over a 5-year period,” she explained while immediately putting up an additional slide. “When you combine the manufacturing capabilities of Lee Corporation with our AI, we have a completely unique competitive edge as no other company can provide what we do to this scope.”

She isn’t just confident. She is a commanding presence. She owns that room for no reason other than the fact that she is a brilliant strategist. It is obvious to all, including me.

“And, we have secured two new partnerships this quarter. Tanaka Industries in Japan and Hoffman Technologies in Germany. The total value of these contracts is estimated to be over $350 million over 4 years.”

The entire room went silent. Sarah Martinez gasped!

“How in the world did you do that?” David asked.

“For the last couple of months I have been building relationships with both companies; after the Lee Corporation announcement, Tanaka reached out, while Hoffman was a cold call that became a warm call once they realized what our international portfolio was,” she smiled that confident, knowing smile that makes my chest feel as though it is being squeezed. “Storm Industries has moved beyond just being a domestic player; we are a global player now.”

Wilson gets up and begins clapping.

The rest of the board follows suit with a standing ovation for Lila.

She appears surprised for about 1/2 second, and then collects herself. “Thank you, but this is a combined effort of all of our team Aidan, Marcus, and David.”

Sarah interrupts, “Lila, stop being modest; these deals have only happened because of you with your own strategy and relationships, and your efforts. So you should take full credit.”

Lila and I make eye contact across the boardroom and I nod and tell her to take the credit, she deserves it.

10:21 Wed, May 13

Chapter 67

“Thank you,” she says simply. “I am honored to be part of such a great team.”

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The meeting continues with financial reports and operational updates as it usually does, and I am hardly paying attention, because I am watching Lila answering questions like she has been doing this for months, and watching Lila receive respect from the Board by using data and insight instead of an apology.

Watching her do awesome things.

I am in complete awe of Lila and how far she has come.

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I have known for weeks if not months that I have an enormous amount of love for her, but sitting here watching her present these strategic wins that will affect the future of Storm Industries for years to come, and then seeing how the board members see her as the new future of Storm Industries.

Months ago, she was confined in a hotel room, deceived into thinking Mark Knight had been truthful with his comments about her work. Now, she’s finalizing business agreements worth millions of dollars in different countries, receiving standing ovations from a boardroom full of executive officers who normally devour executive officers.

She absolutely amazes me. More importantly, I want to tell her that. I want to be able to say it out loud instead of merely thinking it. I want to make it official, real, undeniable.

The meeting ends and the boardroom members invade Lila’s space, shaking hands and offering her congratulations, which she graciously receives, accepting the compliments undeviatingly and thanking each, whilst not belittling her own achievement.

“Very impressive presentation,” Wilson commends me under his breath. “She’s the real thing.”

“Yep.”

“You’re fortunate to have her,” Richard says. “On your team, I mean.” He gives me a look that says he knows exactly what he’s implying.

“I am indeed.”

“I think she is good for the company, but more importantly, I believe she is good for you.”

I turn towards him abruptly. “What does that mean?”

“Means you smile more. Work less. Seem….” He pauses, searching for the word. “Human. You seem human again. That’s good. CEOs who forget they’re human make bad decisions.”

He walks away before I can respond.

Marcus appears at my elbow. “He’s not wrong. You do seem more human lately.”

“Is that a compliment or an observation?”

Marcus looks seriously at me. “You’re in love with her.”

“Definitely.”

10:21 Wed, May 13 N

Chapter 67

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The crowd around Lila is finally clearing away from Lila when she looks me in the eyes and it was like I was the only one she is looking at. She gave me a smile that only I get, that makes everything else fade out.

I’m heading directly towards Lila.

Marcus’s phone rings, and he answers and looks really white.

“Aidan, hold on.”

I stop and turn back to Marcus and ask him, “What?”

That was Knight Group’s contact on the board of directors. They are filing bankruptcy today. Mark Knight’s company is done.

This information should have made me feel victorious after 15 years of planning, but now all I feel is exhausted, relieved, and ready to move on from this situation.

All I can say is, “okay.”

“Okay? That’s it, Aidan, we have won! We have destroyed the Knight Group! Mark will lose everything; for 15 years of your life this is what you wanted to accomplish.”

“I know. And I’m glad it’s over. But Marcus….” I look at Lila, still talking to Sarah across the room. “I don’t care about Knight Group anymore. I care about her. About us. About building something instead of destroying something.”

“So you’re just…what? Walking away from the victory?”

“I’m walking toward something better.” I turn back to him. “Knight Group filing bankruptcy is Mark’s consequence for Mark’s choices. I’m done making it my focus. I have better things to focus on now.”

“Not from winning but to better things.” I look back at Marcus. “The bankruptcy of Knight Group will be Mark Knight’s consequence for his actions. I’m done making it my main focus. I have better things to devote my time and energy to now.”

Marcus looks at me as if I have a second head. “Who are you, and what did you do with Aidan Storm?”

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