Chapter 272
The board member cast a glance at Brinley and continued. “Mrs. Moore, it’s not a matter of lacking faith in you. We simply feel more comfortable exercising discretion in this matter. For this month, step back from Shaw Group’s main operations and focus on steering VantagePath Realty toward remarkable outcomes. If you achieve exceptional results, we’ll be persuaded and fully embrace you as our CEO.”
Though the words were delivered with diplomacy, the implication was clear: the board still harbored reservations about Brinley, suspecting her position stemmed from family ties rather than merit.
To earn their genuine support, she would need to produce undeniable accomplishments.
The other board members nodded in approval of the plan.
Brinley listened calmly, her face betraying no shock. She had expected doubt from those who had dedicated decades to Shaw Group and naturally questioned her abrupt rise.
She lifted the glass of water from the table, took a sip, and set it down before responding evenly, “Very well.”
Her straightforward agreement caught the board off guard. They had braced for pushback, not such swift acceptance.
Noticing their surprised looks, Brinley offered a confident smile and said, “I’ll take on the one-month evaluation. I will make sure VantagePath Realty produces results that will earn your trust.”
Her eyes gleamed with assurance, as though victory was already hers. To her, this wasn’t a hurdle—it was an opportunity to prove her worth.
With VantagePath’s potential and her own expertise, she was certain she could deliver impressive results within the month.
Her calm acceptance eased the tension in the room, and the meeting proceeded smoothly, delving into the specific details of the merger.
Corbin, standing behind Brinley, watched her handle the board’s questions with poise and clarity, his respect for her deepening. He was confident her talent would guide VantagePath Realty toward a brighter future in the weeks to come.
Once the meeting concluded, Brinley didn’t linger. She headed straight to the Shaw Group CEO’s office with Corbin.
It was the same office her father, Brandon, had once occupied.
The door at the end of the corridor was slightly open, and as Brinley stepped inside, a comforting, familiar scent enveloped her. The office was spotless, with sunlight pouring through expansive windows and spilling across the floor.
Every detail reflected Brandon’s presence.
In the corner, a vintage bookshelf stood neatly arranged with volumes Brandon had often enjoyed.
On the wall hung a painting—an expensive piece Brandon had acquired long ago.
The sofa cushions, handcrafted with care by her late mother, retained their vivid hues despite their age.
Brinley’s eyes drifted to the broad desk, orderly except for a computer and a striking photo frame at its center.
She stepped forward and lifted the frame.
The image captured Brandon in the center, his smile warm and kind. Grown-up Brennen stood tall to his left, his arm draped around young Felix, while Brinley rested in Brandon’s embrace, her twin braids framing a radiant, untroubled smile.
The family portrait, taken years earlier, was the most cherished memory Brinley held.
As the Shaw family’s only daughter, she had been adored by her father and brothers after her mother’s early passing from illness.
They indulged her every wish and swiftly resolved any trouble she faced, fostering her belief that she would forever remain their sheltered princess.
Yet two years earlier, she had shattered their trust over an unworthy man, nearly destroying herself in the process.
Her fingers grazed Brandon’s kind features in the photo as she inhaled deeply, forcing back the flood of emotion.
The past was gone. She stood here now to carry forward Brandon’s legacy, safeguarding the Shaw family and its company.
With care, she set the frame back in place.
“Brinley, shall I bring VantagePath Realty’s files here?” Corbin’s soft voice came from the doorway.
Brinley turned, her face restored to its usual composure, as if the moment of vulnerability had never occurred.
“Yes, bring them all.” She strode to the desk, pulled out the chair, and sat. “From today on, this will be my office.”
Corbin nodded and departed.
As the door shut, Brinley pulled out her phone, took a photo of the expansive windows, and sent it to Brandon with a message: “Dad, watch your daughter elevate Shaw Group to new peaks!”
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