The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 122

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

**Chapter 122**

The atmosphere within the esteemed headquarters of the Lopez Group was electric, charged with an intensity that seemed to vibrate through the very walls. The main conference room, a stunning blend of modern glass and rich mahogany, was filled to capacity with a mix of familiar faces and newcomers, all drawn together for a moment that could irrevocably alter the trajectory of the company.

At the head of the long, polished table sat Oliver Lopez, a man whose very presence radiated authority and ambition. His tailored suit hugged his broad shoulders, accentuating the confident stance he had cultivated over decades of leadership. As he scanned the room, his sharp eyes took in the varied expressions of his colleagues—some were steadfast allies, while others were mere acquaintances. Yet, despite their individual relationships, a shared current of anticipation bound them all in this pivotal moment.

A wave of ambition surged through Oliver, igniting memories of his past victories and the relentless spirit that had propelled him through the peaks and valleys of his career. This was his territory, the very heart of the Lopez Group, and he was resolute in his desire to reclaim his title as CEO. The notion of retirement felt ludicrous; he envisioned himself plunging back into the corporate fray, reclaiming his rightful place, and steering the company back to its former glory.

“Oliver! It seems like ages since we last crossed paths! Why didn’t you give us a heads-up? We could have organized a grand welcome-back celebration!” The voice belonged to a long-time colleague, a face Oliver recognized from the tumultuous days that had tested their resolve.

The warmth of the greeting resonated deeply with Oliver, evoking memories of camaraderie forged in the fires of adversity. A smile spread across his face, reminiscent of a general surveying his troops before a critical battle. “I appreciate the warm welcome! It’s been a while, but I’m back now, ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.”

His inner circle, those who fully grasped the implications of this shareholder meeting, took their seats with calculated precision to his left. Their movements were deliberate, signaling their eagerness to align with him as he prepared to reclaim power.

“I’ve witnessed the hard work each of you has contributed to the Lopez Group over the years, and I am profoundly grateful for your loyalty. Now, let’s address the topic of my daughter…” He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle in the room.

“Ah.” A collective intake of breath echoed, the tension palpable.

Oliver shook his head, a gesture imbued with a mixture of resignation and determination. “You know how it is—a daughter’s loyalties can shift dramatically once she’s married. It’s been a challenging few years for all of you, I recognize that.”

He was acutely aware that while Autumn had not propelled the company into new heights of success, her unwavering commitment during tumultuous times had far exceeded his own efforts in the past. Yet, as her father, he felt it was his duty to tread carefully, to critique her leadership without directly attacking his own flesh and blood in front of the shareholders.

The tension in the room thickened; they were not naïve. They understood the stakes well enough to keep their mouths shut, knowing dissent would be ill-advised.

In the days of the old Lopez Group, such dissent would have been unthinkable.

But the landscape had shifted drastically. The recent partnership with the Mistveil Group had transformed the Lopez Group into a veritable golden goose, and everyone in the room was acutely aware of Autumn’s stringent governance. Her leadership style, characterized by an unwavering adherence to rules, left no room for bending regulations or engaging in underhanded dealings.

When the company had been teetering on the brink of collapse, it was Autumn who had enacted sweeping changes, ruthlessly purging inefficiencies and ensuring the organization survived long enough to witness this remarkable turnaround.

Now, however, her methods were perceived as overly rigid.

The shareholders had felt shackled by her governance for far too long. The prospect of Oliver reclaiming the reins was tantalizing—much more profitable for them, they believed.

“Now that you’re back, Mr. Lopez, we have no complaints. Ultimately, we’re all part of the Lopez Group. We either sink or swim together,” one of them declared, a hint of eagerness lacing his voice.

Oliver felt a swell of gratitude wash over him. “I owe each of you a debt of thanks for your unwavering support over these past years. Rest assured, I’ve returned to right the ship and restore the Lopez Group to its former glory.”

“My daughter has taken on so many responsibilities; it’s been a heavy load for her. And now, with her pregnancy, her husband’s company has already put her on leave to rest. As her father, I cannot allow her to overextend herself. That’s why I intend to reclaim the position of CEO of the Lopez Group.”

“This is a significant shift in leadership, and as shareholders, you all deserve to be informed and involved. This meeting serves to witness this transition and to conduct a vote. I will, of course, respect the outcome.”

“Well, we’re absolutely behind you, Mr. Lopez!” another voice chimed in, their enthusiasm infectious.

“The Lopez Group has been stagnant for far too long. Autumn is married now, and her focus has shifted to Cloudbreak. How could she possibly have the energy for our company? Your return couldn’t come at a better time. You have no idea how long we’ve awaited this moment, Mr. Lopez.”

“Exactly! While one could argue that Autumn hasn’t made any grave errors, she hasn’t exactly excelled either. Her heart doesn’t seem to be in it. Your timing is impeccable, Mr. Lopez.”

A few minority shareholders, who held minimal influence, exchanged glances filled with disdain at the remarks echoing around the room. Their stakes were small, and they lacked the finesse to flatter like the others. They were merely present to fulfill their obligations, silently observing the unfolding drama.

After all, who would heed their opinions? It was wiser to remain silent and avoid unnecessary agitation.

Yet, they were taken aback by how convincingly others could fabricate such praise.

Setting aside all that Autumn had accomplished in previous years, she was the one who had personally secured the deal with the Mistveil Group—a project she could have easily handed over to Cloudbreak.

Wasn’t it fair to recognize her as the MVP in this scenario?

What nonsense were these people spouting?

When the company was floundering, none of these individuals seemed to care. Now that the tide was finally turning, they crawled out of the shadows, eager to claim their share of the spoils. They were quick to cast her aside now that the hard work had been done.

And Oliver, her own father! He had left the nearly bankrupt company in her hands, and now that it stood on the cusp of success, he wanted to swoop in and seize all the accolades. If one were unaware of their familial bond, they might mistake them for bitter adversaries.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify