Adam had to find a way to fix this, for Anna and for himself. “But I could do it myself, as CEO. The company bylaws leave the nomination to me. I looked it up.”
“Well, sure, son, that’s what I put in place, but you still need the approval of the board of directors. You know that.”
“And that’s what I’ll do. Once things are stable and I have the full confidence of the board, I want to name Anna as CEO. It shouldn’t take longer than a year.” Adam knew full well the responsibility that scenario bore, but he had no choice. It was the only way for everyone to eventually get what they wanted. “I want your blessing to do that. I think Anna and I would both feel better knowing that you were okay with it.”
“Yes,” Anna said. “I need to know that you approve.”
Roger looked back and forth between Adam and his sister for what felt like an excruciatingly long time. Whatever his dad had to say, Adam had the distinct impression that there would be no more discussion. This was it.
“You have my blessing,” Roger said. “With everyone in this room as witness, you have my blessing.”
Anna rushed ahead to hug Roger. Adam followed, embracing them both.
“Speaking of blessings,” Evelyn interjected, “Melanie hasn’t been welcomed properly, darling.”
Melanie smiled sweetly as Evelyn hugged her, Roger watching the exchange. This was the moment Adam had envisioned for the two of them, now that she was going to be his wife and his father was accustomed to the idea.
“I’m sorry if we got off to a rough start this evening,” Roger said as Evelyn took his hand again. “I apologize for that. I always liked you, Ms. Costello. You’re smart and you know your stuff. I admire a woman who knows her stuff.”
“Thank you, sir. I appreciate that.”
“I’d like you to call me Roger, please. You’ve done your job and you’ve done it well, but you’re no longer working for me.”
Adam put his arm around Melanie. What a relief it was to hear his dad say that. No more contract. No more worrying about whether his dad might decide to crush her career.
“Please, call me Melanie.”
Roger glanced at his wife. “Looks like we’re going to get a Langford wedding after all, Evelyn. And as near as I can tell, a hell of a daughter-in-law.”
“I’d say we’re pretty lucky,” Evelyn said, gazing up into Roger’s eyes.
“We are indeed,” Roger said. “And I’d love nothing more than to sit around and talk about it, but I’m afraid that there’s a ballroom full of people waiting for me.”
Adam nodded eagerly. “It’s time.”
They all made their way into the grand space, Adam’s parents leading them, followed by Anna. Melanie and Adam, hand in hand, brought up the rear. Adam hadn’t gotten exactly what he wanted with the LangTel situation, but he did have exactly what he wanted for the rest of his life—Melanie.
Roger took the stairs up to the podium slowly, Evelyn at his side. Melanie and Adam took their places at the head table with Anna. Before a roomful of hundreds of wealthy and powerful New Yorkers and a cavalcade of press, Adam’s father began his speech.
“I want to thank everyone for joining us on what will be an important night in the history of LangTel. I’d like to formally announce that pending the board of directors’ final approval, my son, Adam, will be taking the helm as CEO.”
The crowd clapped enthusiastically.
“This changeover is going to happen as soon as possible,” Roger continued. “Because I also must tell everyone that my doctors have declared my cancer terminal.”
A marked hush fell on the room.
“But tonight is not about proclaiming a death sentence, it’s about setting LangTel on a course for the future,” Roger said, his voice booming in the space. “It is one of my final wishes that the board move Adam into this new role swiftly. Adam has demonstrated that he is an upstanding man and an excellent business leader. I couldn’t be any more proud of him.”
Melanie squeezed Adam’s hand under the table. How different his father’s proclamation would’ve sounded if Melanie hadn’t convinced him to try one more time to change things, if he didn’t have his father’s blessing to let Anna take his place.
“I’d like to invite Adam up to the stage to make his remarks, and I believe he has some very happy news of a personal nature to share with everyone.” Roger stepped away from the podium and embraced Evelyn.
Adam leaned over to Melanie, speaking loudly, so his voice could rise above the audience applause. “You’re coming with me.”