Chapter 9 - THE BOARDROOM SURPRISE
Two years after the canceled wedding, Adrian walked into the Highline Systems boardroom. The executives sat at attention, ready for the quarterly earnings report. Adrian looked sharper, healthier, and more relaxed than he had in his entire career.
"Gentlemen, ladies," Adrian started, projecting his presentation onto the massive screen. "Revenues are up twenty-two percent. Our new cybersecurity division, inspired by past... personal events... has secured three government contracts."
The room applauded.
"However," Adrian continued, a wide smile breaking across his face. "I will be taking a brief leave of absence starting next month."
The board murmured in confusion. The CEO never took vacations.
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"I'm adopting a little girl," Adrian announced, his voice thick with pride. "And I'm marrying her mother."
The room erupted into genuine cheers. There were no whispers of gold-digging, no suspicious side-eyes. Everyone who knew Adrian knew how much Isabel and Mia had changed him. He was a better leader, a better man, because of them.
