Chapter 233
Chapter 234
Serena was the first to recover from the shock. She forced a smile, even though her mind was racing.
She had planned everything differently:
Get the CEO position without marriage.
Pretend to be in a relationship with Charles for a few weeks. Break up quietly once things stabilise.
But now? Her father had just announced a wedding in two weeks… and tied the CEO position directly to it.
Serena let out a small, strained chuckle.
“Father… don’t you think you’re moving a little fast?” she asked lightly. “We didn’t want to settle yet… Do we p>
She turned to Charles with an exaggerated sweet smile.
Charles, who was still startled, just laughed awkwardly. “Yeah, yeah… we still want time to… uhm… grow our love p>
Collins suddenly chimed in, his voice dripping with bitterness.
“First time you ever said something sensible,” he snapped at Serena. Then he turned to his father. “You are really moving too fast. You want to make her CEO p>
Allison added immediately, glaring at Charles.
“And this man..this man we barely even know, but you want to make her your assistant? Father, that’s unfair p>
Serena raised her hands a little.
“Uhm…I’m not talking about the CEO thing. Father, you can give me that anytime you want. Even now. But the wedding, let’s postpone it p>
Collins nearly jumped to his feet.
“What?! You want the CEO now? What makes you and your stupid fiancé worthy of it p>
“Collins!” Mr. Moretti snapped, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.
“This is exactly why I’m giving Serena the position p>
The whole room went silent.
Mr. Moretti stood, pointing at Collins with disappointment all over his face.
“Look at you. You can’t even control yourself in front of everyone. How will you handle a company?” he said.
“I can’t risk my legacy like this. I can’t trust you to deal with allies, partners, or even the simplest strategy”, He then faced Allison.
“You aren’t serious with your life. You are not smart enough to handle business p>
Allison’s jaw dropped.
Collins clenched his teeth so hard a vein popped at his forehead.
Mr. Moretti continued firmly,
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“Serena is the only one here capable of leading. She knows the company. She understands everything. She can Keep it running. You all need to support her. And yes, I will give both of you big positions too p>
Collins scoffed loudly.
“I’m the older brother… and you want to put my sister above me p>
He slammed his fist on the table.
“So I should worship her p>
Mr. Moretti slammed his palm lightly on the table.
“This isn’t about worshiping anyone,” he snapped. “She is the only one who can do it. And this is my final say. Serena will become the CEO p>
His voice echoed through the entire grand room-loud enough to make everyone fall silent instantly.
Then he turned to Serena.
“But,” he added, “I can only give you the position if you finish your marriage and wedding with your fiancé p>
Serena blinked fast. “Why, Father p>
Mr. Moretti exhaled, looking straight into her eyes.
“For a fact, I like Mr. Charles. And he is exactly the man you need beside you for that position p>
Serena froze. Charles glanced at her from the corner of his eye.
Mr. Moretti continued calmly,
“I always thought you would marry some rich heir… someone wealthy like us. Someone who could support your rise to CEO p>
He pointed at Charles.
“But this man proved me wrong. He is the kind of man a leader needs p>
Serena swallowed hard.
“And Serena,” he added, “there is no way the board will accept you as CEO without a man by your side. They are old-fashioned vultures. They will cause unnecessary headaches p>
He smiled proudly at the idea.
“So after the wedding which will be two weeks from now-it will be big, loud, and prestigious. And right there at the ceremony, the CEO position will be announced p>
Serena forced a weak smile.
“Okay, Father… I understand p>
“Good.” Mr. Moretti nodded with satisfaction. “So be quick with your decisions p>
He clapped his hands loudly.
“Bring us dinner! My awesome son-in-law needs to fill his stomach after all those troubled days p>
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After everything finally settled and the tense family meeting ended, Charles stepped outside p>
Serena walked him out. Neither of them spoke at first. The silence between them stretched uncomfortably long.
Then Serena finally said,
“About what my father said…” she murmured. “I’m sorry for inconveniencing you. It seems I’ll have to look for another way to secure the position p>
Charles nodded quietly. “Serena p>
She turned slightly. “Hm p>
“Why don’t you want to marry me?” he asked.
Serena stopped walking.
She looked at him, eyes wide, clearly startled.
“Uhn… uhm p>
Charles raised his hands a little. “I don’t mean it like that. I’m just saying-we can keep faking this even after the wedding. Maybe months later, we file for divorce. so you could secure the position
Serena stared at him, surprised at how casually he said it.
“Won’t your girlfriend be angry?” she asked.
Charles frowned. “My girlfriend p>
Serena lifted her brow. “Yeah. Lizzypie… or maybe Natasha p>
Charles stared at her, confused, “They are my friends, best friends, I’m not dating any of them p>
Serena found his reaction amusing.
How could they just be friends p>
Especially Lizzypie-who always hovered around Charles like he was her personal magnet. But Serena didn’t say any of that. She only gave him a soft smile.
“You think that arrangement will be okay?” she asked quietly. “If you are fine with it… let’s do that. And I promise i will pay you handsomely p>
Charles scoffed lightly. “Okay. Then let’s do that p>
Serena nodded. “I’m very grateful p>
Charles shook his head. “It’s nothing compared to how you helped me. You believed in me during the trial. You stood by me p>
She scoffed, but her eyes warmed a little.
They said their farewells, and Serena watched as he got into a taxi and drove away
Inside the cab, Charles leaned back and sighed.
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“How would she think I’m dating Lizzypie?” he muttered. “Ridiculous p>
He scoffed at himself, just Then his phone vibrated.
He checked the screen.
A message from Lizzypie:
Where are you? Godfather has dropped the next mission.
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Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.