Chapter 198
OLIVIA’S POV
“I went to see a friend of mine,” I said, my voice still shaking, every syllable feeling heavier than the last.
My father didn’t immediately respond. I could see his eyes narrow on the screen, his gaze sharp and probing, and for a moment, I thought he’d call my bluff outright. Then, after what felt like a small eternity, he finally spoke, his tone calm but unreadable. “I see,” he said simply.
The tension in my chest loosened just slightly, but it didn’t last.
“Anyways, before the ceremony, I’ll be coming to New York.” His voice dropped that line so casually, but it crashed into me like a tidal wave.
My brows knitted together, my mind racing to catch up. I glanced up at Clara who stood silently by, her eyes wide but offering no lifeline. “Why do you want to come here… I mean, there?” I corrected myself, cursing the slip the moment it left my lips.
My father noticed. He always did. His brows rose, a quiet signal that he’d caught my mistake, but he didn’t linger on it. “Olivia, this is the 21st century. No one announces a major ceremony through newspapers anymore,” he said. His tone was steady, businesslike, as if the conversation had pivoted fully to strategy now. “The best way to get investors to pay attention–to actually show up–is to announce it through television and major news outlets. And nothing will catch their eye faster than the CEO herself giving the opening speech.”
That last part hit me like ice water. “Wait, what?” I blurted out, my eyes blinking rapidly, unable to mask my shock.
He tilted his head, and I could see a flicker of amusement, like he was watching a child who hadn’t done her homework. “Why are you so surprised, Olivia? It’s a big ceremony. You want me to give the speech?”
I scrambled to find words, my mind a fog of panic and conflicting thoughts. “Well, yes. I mean, you have more experience than I do,” I said quickly, almost desperately.
He let out a quiet chuckle, but his expression didn’t soften. “No,” he said, and that one syllable felt final. “This has nothing to do with experience. I’m no longer the CEO, and I have no right to perform a task like that. That’s your responsibility now.”
My chest tightened, my thoughts swirling around the reality of what this meant.
He continued, each word falling like a gavel. “Before we announce the ceremony, I’ll officially announce to the world that you are not just my daughter but the CEO of Blake Enterprise.”
I tried to swallow the sudden dryness in my mouth. My tongue fet/heavy, my voice stuck somewhere in my throat. This couldn’t be happening now–not after years of planning, of staying in the shadows, of carefully controlling who knew what.
“But why?” I finally managed to ask, my voice quieter, softer, as though I was speaking to him not just as my father, but as the only person who knew the full story of my past.
He paused, and for the first time, I saw the weight in his eyes. The years of protecting me. The years of waiting for me to be ready. “You know the two reasons why we kept it hidden till now,” he said gently. His voice softened just slightly, reminding me of the man who used to read me stories when I couldn’t sleep. “But I’ve watched you since you took over. You’ve become stronger, more confident, and more capable than you even realize. A certain you can handle yourself now.”
Crap. This wasn’t just about business anymore–this was personal. His faith in me should have felt like a blessing, but instead, it twisted in my stomach like guilt.
He couldn’t know that everything I’d planned hinged on being invisible. My enemies still believed I was dead. The element of surprise was my greatest weapon, and if my father made this announcement, I’d lose it all. They’d see my face, they’d know I was alive, and then everything I’d worked for these past five years could crumble.
“I get your point Dad, but this is really serious. If they know who I am and that I’ve taken over, they would try to tear us apart from the inside, from our weakest point.” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, though my chest felt painfully tight.
“And where is that?” my dad asked, his eyebrow raised. That look of quiet challenge in his eyes always made me feel like a child again.
1/3
10:08 Sun, 27 Jul G
Chapter 198
“Charlie, of course,” I replied quickly, leaning a bit closer to the screen. “If you make the announcement, they might try to get him from his school
your last name to his. People don’t know Charlie is a Blake.” I paused, because they’ll know he’s a Blake. That’s why till now I’ve avoided adding) searching his face for any sign that he might bend.
He stayed silent for a moment, his gaze thoughtful, the small wrinkles on his forehead deepening. Then, in his calm, unwavering tone, he said, “You worry too much, Olivia. And I understand. You’re trying to keep your son safe. Your mother went off to New York alone and unprotected because of Julian, so I know how protective mothers can get. But that’s why Charlie has a special forces team with him at school and home. So there’s nothing to worry about.”
I swallowed, feeling my shoulders tense. “Dad, that’s not enough…” I started, but he gently raised a hand to stop me.
“The only thing you should worry about,” he continued, “is giving a good speech.”
My father’s face remained still, but I saw a small, knowing smile tug at the corner of his lips. “Oh, come off it, Olivia,” he said, his voice almost teasing but with that familiar steel beneath it. “How long were you going to hide it from me? I just played dumb, giving you several chances to come out, but you
Verify captcha to read the content
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Goodbye Forever Ex-Husband (by Ammund)