Some of the employees at Ravencrest stared at me in shock, recognition registering in their eyes. But I didn’t have time, nor did I care about any of that. When the elevator doors opened, I made my way to the conference room, familiar with the ins and outs of the building.
The conference room doors were closed, but I could hear voices inside. Multiple voices. Dimitri’s deep timbre stood out above the rest.
I didn’t knock. I shoved the doors open with enough force that they slammed against the walls, and every head in the room turned to stare at me.
The conference room was full. At least ten people sat around the massive table—executives in expensive suits, several people I recognized as Ravencrest’s board members, and three other men I couldn’t recognize who had to be the lawyers Edmund had mentioned.
Edmund sat to Dimitri’s right, his weathered face registering surprise at my dramatic entrance. And Dimitri—Dimitri sat at the head of the table. His eyes widened when he saw me, his expression shifting from surprise to something that might have been concern.
“Isabella?”
“What the hell is this?” I snapped.
He stood. “It’s good that you’re here. I was just about to make the announcement.”
His gaze shifted from me to the board members, commanding the room’s attention.
“Four years ago, I became a father. I didn’t know it at the time—a failure I regret more than I can express. But recently, I discovered I have a daughter.” His voice softened when he said the word “daughter”, filled with such genuine warmth that my anger faltered. “Her name is Adele. She’s four years old, and she is brilliant, beautiful, and everything I never knew I was missing.”
My heart was still hammering in my chest. What was he doing?
“As a Ravencrest, Adele is entitled to her inheritance,” Dimitri continued. “Which is why I’ve called you all here today. The lawyers have prepared the necessary documentation to transfer fifteen percent of my personal shares in Ravencrest Global to Adele.”
Fifteen percent?
My mind reeled. Ravencrest Global was worth billions. Fifteen percent would make Adele one of the largest shareholders. Would give her—would give me, as her guardian—a voice on the board. That was power. Power I was sure that even Maia Ravencrestdidn’t have.
“However,” Dimitri went on, “Adele is only four years old. She can’t exactly attend board meetings or make decisions about corporate strategy.” A few nervous laughs rippled through the room. “So, her shares will be held in trust and voted by proxy until she comes of age.”
He paused, his eyes finding mine across the room. “To that end, Isabella Garrett, as her mother, will act as Adele’s representative on this board. She will have full voting rights for Adele’s shares and will be granted a seat at this table as a member of the Ravencrest Global Board of Directors.” And then he smiled at me. “Welcome to Ravencrest Global, Isabella.“
Chapter Fifteen
Isabella’s POV
I could have sworn I heard the sound of a pin drop.
The silence in the conference room was so thick it was suffocating. Every single board member sat frozen, their expressions ranging from shock to outrage to something that looked suspiciously like fear. A few exchanged glances, clearly trying to gauge whether anyone else was brave enough to speak first.
I was just as stunned as they were.
Edmund appeared at my elbow, his hand gentle but firm on my arm as he steered me toward an empty chair, right beside Dimitri. I moved on autopilot, my mind still trying to process what had just happened.
Fifteen percent. A seat on the board. Voting rights.
Dimitri had just handed me power on a silver platter.
I sank into the leather chair that was right in front of Selene. The look she was giving me could have stripped paint off walls. Her perfectly manicured hands were clenched on the table, knuckles white, and her eyes—God, her eyes were practically shooting daggers at me.
“This is ridiculous!” Of course she would be the first to speak. “You can’t seriously expect us to accept this.”
Dimitri’s jaw tightened. “The decision has been made, Selene.”
“Made without consultation,” she shot back, standing now. Her chair scraped loudly against the floor. “Without proper discussion or a vote. You’re asking this board to welcome someone who,” she threw me a disgusted look, “who has no business being here.”
I met her eyes steadily, refusing to look away.
“Adele is a Ravencrest,” Dimitri said, his voice taking on that Alpha tone that brooked no argument. “She is entitled to her inheritance. Isabella is her mother and legal guardian. This isn’t up for debate.”