Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1040

His remaining son and his daughter just weren’t cut out to run the Adams Group. Meanwhile, the shareholders from the extended family were getting restless, each one itching for a chance to snatch control.

Lately, every visit to his office felt like an interrogation. They kept dropping hints, sometimes not so subtle, about how old he was getting, asking how much longer he could really keep things together. The pressure to step down was relentless.

Mr. Adams was angry, but he couldn’t really argue. He was old, and there was no getting around it. Sooner or later, he’d have to let go of the Adams Group. But if not to them, then who could he trust?

For the first time, Mr. Adams realized he couldn’t picture a future for the company. The thought left him feeling hollow.

Just then, someone knocked on his office door.

He rubbed his forehead, trying to clear his mind, then called out, “Come in.”

A moment later, an old man walked in, still sharp and full of energy despite his age. He was one of the group’s founding shareholders, about the same age as Mr. Adams, long retired and replaced by his son.

Edwin Warren had once built this business side by side with Mr. Adams. They’d always been close, like brothers. But seeing Edwin now, Mr. Adams couldn’t help but frown. “What, are you here to get your slice too?” he asked dryly.

Edwin stroked his gray beard, letting out a low chuckle. “Come on, you know me better than that. I’ve never been interested in fighting you for control, not when we were young and certainly not now that I’m supposed to be relaxing.”

Mr. Adams’s expression eased a little. “So what brings you here today?”

Edwin sat down heavily on the sofa and sighed. “Honestly, I can’t stand seeing the Adams Group in this mess. It used to be a great company, and now it’s just chaos. I put my whole life’s work into this place. I can’t just sit by and watch it fall apart.”

Mr. Adams glanced at him, voice flat. “So you’ve come up with a solution?”

“I’m here to recommend a new leader,” Edwin replied.

Mr. Adams sat on the sofa, lost in thought for a long time. In the end, it wasn’t clear if he’d come to terms with it all, but his face looked more tired than ever.

“Parr,” he called, “let everyone know. All Adams Group shareholders are to meet in the conference room in half an hour.”

His assistant hurried off to spread the word.

Thirty minutes later, the conference room was full. Every shareholder was there, and it was obvious they all knew what was coming. The whole place buzzed with excitement, everyone waiting for the big announcement.

Mr. Adams didn’t waste time. He stood at the front and spoke plainly. “I think we all know where things stand with the Adams Group. I’m getting old and I can’t keep running this company much longer. My body just can’t take it. Before I’m no longer able to speak for myself, I owe you all an answer.

“I’ve decided the new leader of the Adams Group will be Larry Adams. You’ve all seen for yourselves what he’s capable of. From now on, he’ll be in charge. I trust him to lead this company, and I believe you won’t be disappointed.”