The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 119

**Chasing Light, Finding Peace – by Rohan Verma**

“A shareholders’ meeting?” Mrs. Lopez repeated, her voice laced with incredulity, as her thoughts raced to comprehend the full implications of Oliver’s bold announcement. She had never anticipated him taking such a significant step, especially after the chaos that had unfolded in recent years.

“Indeed,” Oliver responded, his voice steady and filled with conviction. “Though I no longer hold the title of CEO at the Lopez Group, my stake as a shareholder still affords me considerable influence.”

“And let’s not forget, I was the CEO,” she interjected, a defiant tone creeping into her words. “The old guard knows me well; they respect my expertise and experience.”

As Oliver spoke, he felt a surge of confidence swell within him, transforming his very presence. A renewed fire flickered in his eyes, illuminating his face with an intensity that had long been absent. Just weeks ago, even the mere mention of the Lopez Group would have plunged him into a pit of shame and regret.

He had once been the architect of its decline, the captain of a once-thriving empire that he had recklessly driven to the brink of collapse. Whispers of his failures trailed behind him like a persistent shadow, tarnishing his reputation—people murmured that he lacked the acumen to uphold his family’s legacy, that he was incapable of steering the ship of success.

But now, the landscape had shifted dramatically. The Lopez Group was riding a wave of resurgence, buoyed by the endorsement from the Mistveil Group, which had sent ripples of excitement through the business community. With such a formidable ally, the company was once again a hot topic among influential circles.

Even as Autumn reallocated resources from the Lopez Group to bolster Cloudbreak, that very action had inadvertently illuminated the synergy between the two companies. Trust in Cloudbreak had translated into renewed faith in the Lopez Group, creating a powerful bond that Oliver had not anticipated.

As he watched the stock prices climb steadily, a fierce determination ignited within him. If he could reclaim the CEO position, he was confident that he would experience a renaissance in his career, a second peak that could redefine his legacy.

A fire burned brightly in Oliver’s heart; retirement felt like an unacceptable option at this stage in his life. Previously, he had been forced to sever ties with the Lopez Group, abandoning it as though it were a scalding ember. But now, he was resolutely fighting for his future. Regaining that CEO chair would be akin to a barren tree discovering the warmth of spring, a fresh start blossoming before him.

Mrs. Lopez’s expression darkened as she absorbed the weight of his ambition. She understood men all too well; Oliver’s eyes were ablaze with a desire for power, and a man consumed by ambition was often the most unpredictable.

The moment he tasted success, she knew his ego would swell. He would inevitably repeat the same errors that had plagued countless powerful men before him. This was precisely how she had carved out her own position, and she understood his true nature better than anyone else.

Yet, Mrs. Lopez found herself cornered. “When you handed the company over to Autumn, neither Lydia nor I raised any objections. But now that you’re plotting to reclaim what you believe is rightfully yours, shouldn’t you consider Lydia’s future as well?”

“We both know that her role as Mars’s chief secretary is merely a facade; she can’t be his secretary forever. My daughter and I need some assurances from you,” she pressed, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.

Oliver’s brow furrowed, irritation flickering across his face. He hadn’t even regained control of the company, and already she was maneuvering for her own and Lydia’s benefit. Typical. A woman like her would always prioritize her own interests, blind to the larger picture.

“Alright, fine,” he conceded, masking his annoyance with a forced smile. He wasn’t prepared for an all-out battle with them just yet. Mrs. Lopez had been a loyal ally over the years; there was no need to escalate tensions unless absolutely necessary. “You will get what you deserve.”

“As for Mars, Lydia needs to sort things out. Autumn is beyond my grasp now, and we must secure Mars. If we fail, all this effort will have been in vain.”

“Don’t worry,” Mrs. Lopez reassured him, her tone smooth and confident. “Lydia has Mars wrapped around her little finger. There won’t be any surprises.”

Oliver nodded, but a thought suddenly struck him, and he shot his wife a pointed look. “Ambition is commendable, but you both should remember your place.”

A jolt of alarm surged through Mrs. Lopez. She recognized the implication—he was referring to the CEO of the Bennett Group. Oliver had previously adopted a neutral stance on the matter, neither endorsing nor opposing. Why the sudden warning now? Did he believe Lydia wasn’t worthy of Mr. Bennett?

Anger bubbled within her, but she fought to keep it at bay. In her heart, she believed her daughter deserved the finest man available, and Owen Bennett was the only candidate who fit that bill.

Ultimately, Oliver was merely threatened by Autumn’s ascent, fearful that Lydia might follow in her footsteps. He wanted to clip her wings before she could soar.

Feigning ignorance, Mrs. Lopez simply nodded, lowering her gaze to mask the chill in her eyes. Relying on anyone else was futile. She and her daughter had to carve out their own future.

“Rest assured, once I reclaim the Lopez Group, I will ensure Lydia receives everything she deserves. Even if her situation with Mars doesn’t pan out, I will find her another excellent match for a strategic marriage. Lydia is my daughter too, and I refuse to let her miss out,” he promised, though Mrs. Lopez held little faith in his words.

She put on a performance of being deeply moved, throwing herself into his arms. “You are all we have, Oliver. You must look out for her.”

Men reveled in being the center of a woman’s universe, and her words softened Oliver almost instantly. He gently stroked her back, murmuring, “Don’t worry. Lydia is my precious daughter. I will always look out for her.”

As Mrs. Lopez lowered her eyes, an unsettling thought resurfaced in her mind—she had long since dismissed the worry of illegitimate children, assuming that at their age, such concerns were behind them. But if Oliver reclaimed the Lopez Group, his status would rise dramatically, attracting a flurry of women eager to catch his attention.

What if an illegitimate son suddenly appeared? That would spell trouble. What man wouldn’t desire a son to carry on the family name, especially a man like Oliver, who was inherently selfish?

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