I’m The Champion

The meeting stretched on for what felt like an eternity, each moment fraught with tension as shareholders and I navigated through a minefield of complex issues and conflicting interests. Deliberations ranged from approving financial statements to voting on resolutions and amending the company's articles of association, with every decision carrying the weight of the company's future on its shoulders.

Egos clashed and tempers flared as stakeholders attempted to trip me up at every turn, employing underhanded tactics and attempting to pass policies crafted by my father that could potentially land us in hot water. However, I remained vigilant, carefully scrutinizing every detail and refusing to let anything slip through the cracks.

By the time the meeting drew to a close, exhaustion weighed heavily upon me, but there was also a sense of satisfaction in knowing that I had successfully navigated the treacherous waters of corporate politics. Despite the challenges and obstacles we had faced, I had managed to convey my vision for the company and garner at least some degree of support from the shareholders.

I extended an invitation to all the shareholders for a complimentary dinner at Lombardi's, a gesture of goodwill and appreciation for their time and participation. Despite the contentious nature of the meeting, I wanted to foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among us, recognizing the importance of building strong relationships and fostering mutual trust.

An exclusive restaurant was the best way to do that.

As Jasper and I stepped out of the towering edifice that housed the Todd Corporation headquarters, the atmosphere around us crackled with energy and anticipation. The sidewalks teemed with a lot of activity, as paparazzi jostled for the perfect shot, and news reporters clamored for a soundbite. Flashbulbs illuminated the scene, casting a dazzling array of light that danced across the faces of the gathered crowd.

The old men, accustomed to the corridors of power and corporate intrigue, looked on with a mixture of surprise and intrigue as the chaos unfolded before them. It was a carefully orchestrated spectacle, designed to captivate their attention and solidify my standing as a force to be reckoned with in the world of business.

No doubt they'd be intrigued by me now.

Travis, ever the media mastermind behind the scenes, had meticulously crafted an expose and an interview that painted me in the most favorable light possible. Through his words, I was portrayed as a visionary leader driven by a desire to honor my family's legacy and usher in a new era of redemption and prosperity for the company. The revelation of my ownership of Lombardi's, accompanied by viral video evidence, sent shockwaves through the media landscape, igniting a firestorm of speculation and interest.

But this was no mere stroke of luck; it was the culmination of days of careful planning and strategic maneuvering. Travis had strategically planted the story on his popular gossip page, ensuring that it would gain traction and capture the public's imagination. And now, as the chaos unfolded around us, I knew that the time had come to seize the moment and make my mark on the world.

As we finally reached Jasper's waiting car, I was engulfed once again by a sea of microphones and flashing cameras. But amidst the chaos, I found my voice, clear and resolute, as I made the bold declaration: "I am Alexander Todd, the owner of Lombardi's and the new chairman of Todd Corporation."

The words hung in the air, a proclamation of my newfound authority and determination. And as we got into the car, I felt a sense of exhilaration coursing through my veins.

I hoped I looked really cool!

For a moment, we sat in comfortable silence, the only sound the hum of the car engine and the faint murmur of voices from outside. It was a rare moment of stillness amidst the chaos, and I found myself savoring it, basking in the glow of our shared triumph.

"I did it!" I laughed shakily as the weight of what had just transpired finally sunk in, a rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins.

"I can't believe so many reporters really came," Jasper remarked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Of course, after those scandals, a new mysterious boss is the best news story," I replied with a heavy sigh, the tension of the moment beginning to ebb away. "A transition of power is always newsworthy. Didn't you know?"

"Promise you'll request me to protect you if needed," Jasper said, his concern evident in his tone. "Those guys are all snakes, I can tell."

"I probably won't need it, it's nothing I'm not used to," I reassured him, a sense of confidence creeping back into my voice. "Pressure is where I thrive, and being bold is the only way for a quick turnaround."

"Your dad and your sister.....are you okay about them?" Jasper asked tentatively, delicately broaching the subject of the dramatic scene we had just left behind.

"They got what they deserved," I said, my voice firm and unwavering. "And I made sure of it."

The paparazzi outside of Lombardi's clamored for attention, their cameras flashing incessantly as they captured every moment of our arrival. I offered a polite smile to the cameras, my demeanor calm and collected despite the whirlwind of activity surrounding us. Once inside, the noise from the outside world seemed to fade away, replaced by the subdued ambiance of the restaurant.

Lollipop greeted us with a warm smile, his flamboyant personality adding a touch of flair to the evening. He quickly ushered Rose to our table to take our drink order, her presence drawing curious glances from the shareholders. As she approached, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride knowing that she was playing a crucial role in our plan.

The men's reactions to Rose's appearance were very telling, their concern evident as they took in her bruised cheek and black eye. It was a testament to Travis's skillful makeup work that they appeared so realistic as Rose didn't have any bruises from my dad. As Rose took her role as a waitress extra seriously, I shot her a subtle nod of approval, silently thanking her for playing her part in our scheme. Mr. Carter, in particular, seemed personally offended by my father's actions toward Rose and offered her a generous tip as a gesture of sympathy.

By the time the entrees arrived, the mood had shifted dramatically. The men seemed genuinely interested in my plans for the company, their earlier skepticism replaced by a newfound sense of trust. It was a promising start to what I hoped would be a fruitful partnership, and as I surveyed the room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that our plan was unfolding exactly as we had hoped.

Amidst the nostalgia, they didn't hesitate to voice their frustrations with my father's mismanagement of the company. They recounted the numerous attempts they had made to oust him from his position, only to be thwarted at every turn. It was clear that my arrival on the scene had been a welcome development for them, offering a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.

As they shared their experiences, I listened intently, absorbing every detail. Their stories provided valuable insights into the inner workings of the company and the challenges it faced. It was clear that there was a consensus among them that change was long overdue, and they saw me as the catalyst for that change as they praised my takedown of my father.

It was gratifying to know that my efforts had not gone unnoticed, and that I had somewhat earned their respect and admiration.

Mario rushed from the kitchen as soon as they left to check if the meal was ok and I informed him of the good things to come. His eyes shimmered with excitement as he absorbed Mr. Thompson's proposal, contemplating the potential for his culinary career to soar to new heights. The prospect of being featured on cooking channels and becoming the face of Lombardi's in promotional content filled him with a sense of pride and determination. With a wide grin, Mario eagerly accepted the opportunity, his mind already racing with ideas for tantalizing dishes and engaging cooking demonstrations.

Meanwhile, Rose's heart danced with joy as she counted the generous tips she had received from the appreciative shareholders. With a grateful smile, Rose bid farewell to her colleagues and skipped out of the restaurant, her spirits lifted by the large wad of money.

Turning my attention to Lollipop, I could see the glimmer of excitement in his eyes as I mentioned financing his dream of opening a boutique. His passion for fashion and design had always been evident, and now, with the opportunity to turn his vision into reality, he was filled with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. With a warm embrace, Lollipop expressed his gratitude, his mouth already buzzing with ideas for his future venture.

Personally, I didn't understand his love for retail.

As Jasper's strong hands kneaded my tense muscles, I couldn't help but lean into his touch, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

Despite the success of the evening, I couldn't shake the fatigue that settled in my bones, a reminder of the intense mental and emotional strain I had endured throughout the night. It had been a long time since I had been in such a high-stakes environment, and the constant need to keep my guard up had taken its toll.

As I closed my eyes and allowed myself to relax under Jasper's soothing touch, my mind drifted to the challenges that lay ahead. The pressure to prove myself to the shareholders loomed large, and I knew that the next month would be crucial in solidifying my position as CEO within the company.

But for now, in this quiet moment with Jasper by my side, I allowed myself to bask in the satisfaction of a job well done.