When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 183: In Charge

Chapter 183: In Charge

Billy grinned sheepishly. "We were trying to figure out how to make the announcement special. Your father’s officially transferring his rights to you. This company’s going to be yours, Samuel."

Daren chuckled softly. "Yeah, and we wanted to make it a surprise. Guess that part didn’t go as planned."

Edward added with a nod, "We meant no harm, Samuel. Everything we did was to support you, even if it didn’t look like it."

Steven rested a hand on Samuel’s shoulder, his voice firm but warm. "Everything they’ve said is true. I trust you, Samuel. That’s why I’m transferring my shares to you. You’ve earned this."

Samuel’s throat felt tight. He shifted in his seat, struggling to process the weight of his father’s words. "You’re... giving me the company? Just like that?"

Steven’s smile was faint but genuine. "You’ve proven that you’re ready. That’s all I needed to see."

Samuel’s gaze dropped to the table. "What about your will? About me needing to be married first?"

Steven leaned back in his chair. "That condition was to make sure you were settled, mature enough to handle the responsibilities of running a company. And you’ve proven that you are—marriage or not. The rest? We’ll figure it out."

The room fell silent for a moment as Samuel absorbed everything. He glanced around the table, at the faces of men who had just hours ago seemed like conspirators but were now revealed as allies.

Samuel leaned back in his chair, the faint tension in his chest easing. Yet, as his gaze shifted between the faces at the table, one unresolved question gnawed at him.

"What about Cain and Revilo’s case?" Samuel asked, his tone low but steady.

The mood in the room shifted. The board exchanged glances, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. Finally, Raver cleared his throat, leaning forward slightly.

"That one," Raver began, his voice measured, "wasn’t part of the plan." He glanced around the table before meeting Samuel’s eyes. "None of us knew about that."

Samuel’s brows furrowed. "You’re saying you weren’t involved?"

Bart shook his head quickly, his expression sincere. "Not at all. We had no idea. That situation came out of nowhere for all of us."

Billy chimed in, "If anything, how you managed that issue made us even more confident in you. You handled it better than anyone could have expected."

Daren nodded, his voice calm. "It wasn’t just about solving the problem, Samuel. The way you stayed composed under pressure, the way you negotiated—it showed us exactly what kind of leader you are."

Edward leaned forward, his tone thoughtful. "The Cain and Revilo case was a curveball. But you turned it into an opportunity to prove yourself. That alone solidified your position as the heir."

Samuel’s lips pressed into a thin line as he absorbed their words. He thought back to the endless meetings, the sleepless nights, and the heated confrontations he’d endured during that ordeal. The weight of it still lingered, but their validation softened the edges of those memories.

Steven spoke up, his tone steady and authoritative. "Samuel, what you did in that case wasn’t just impressive—it was pivotal. You protected the company’s reputation, maintained its integrity, and kept us moving forward. That’s what a leader does."

Samuel shifted in his seat, his gaze dropping to the table. "I just did what I had to do."

Raver smirked faintly. "And that’s exactly why you’re the right man for the job."

Billy added with a grin, "You didn’t just handle it—you owned it. If we had any doubts before, they’re gone now."

Samuel let out a slow breath, the weight of their words sinking in. The validation felt unfamiliar but welcome, like a quiet reassurance that he hadn’t been walking this path alone.

His father placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him in the moment. "You’ve proven yourself in more ways than one, Samuel. The Cain and Revilo case was just the latest challenge. And you rose to it—just like I knew you would."

Samuel looked up, meeting his father’s gaze. There was no doubt, no hesitation in Steven’s expression. For the first time in a long time, Samuel felt the unshakable support of the man who had set such high expectations for him.

He nodded slowly, his voice steady. "Thank you. For trusting me."

Steven’s lips curved into a faint smile. "You earned it, son. And you’ll keep earning it—because I know you won’t settle for anything less."

The board murmured their agreement, the atmosphere in the room shifting from tense to resolute. Samuel glanced around the table, his gaze lingering on each face. These were the people he’d be leading—and the people who believed in him.

"So, you were planning this all along," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. "You knew I would inherit the company eventually, but you had to make sure I was ready."

Raver’s voice was firm, reassuring. "We wouldn’t have done it if we didn’t believe in you. You’ve shown you can handle the pressure. Now it’s time to take your place at the head of the table."

Billy leaned back in his chair, eyes glinting. "We didn’t want to rush it, Samuel. This isn’t just about handing over a business—it’s about handing over a legacy. And that legacy is now yours."

Samuel’s fingers clenched around the edge of the table as a new sense of responsibility washed over him. This was it—the moment he’d been working toward. The board had tested him, and now, they were finally ready to hand over the reins.

But there was one thing still lingering in the back of his mind.

"So what now?" Samuel asked, his voice quiet but firm. "What happens next?"

Steven spoke up. "Now, Samuel, now it’s your time. You’re the one in charge. The board and I are here to support you. But the decisions, the future, it all rests in your hands."

The weight of his father’s words hit him like a hammer. For years, Samuel had worked, struggled, and fought for this moment—and now it was his to claim. But that didn’t make it any easier.

Raver’s eyes softened just a fraction. "Take your time, Samuel. This is a big responsibility. But I have no doubt you’ll make the right calls."

Samuel took a deep breath, letting the reality of it all sink in. He had proven himself, he had earned this moment, but it wasn’t just about the title. It was about what he would do with it now.

The room was quiet for a moment, each person watching him, waiting for him to speak.

And then, finally, Samuel nodded. "Alright. Let’s do this."