Chapter 44: Ariana Reclaims Her Position
The air inside the camelo corporation meeting room was so thick, almost enough to shoke someone with a weak heart, With a faint smell of pinewood and tension. The windows in the meeting room was reaching the ceiling which allows the sunlight to spread across the conference table, reflecting the seated board members, the old men and women who always listened and say yes to everything her father said but now they barely even acknowledge Ariana's presence.
Ariana sat down at the far end of the table, calmed, with her back straight. She wore a tailored navy blue suit that that showcase her figure but it didn't make her look vulgar but more elegant. She placed her finger on a portfolio which has the Cameloe family crest on it.
It has been years since Ariana last entered the meeting room with good intent. Back then in her past life when she was still young, she would accompanied her father to board meetings and ok observe quietly. But now she returned not as an observer or a daughter but the rightful heir.
"Before we proceed with today's agenda," Mr Liang, one of the senior board members began, "I believe it's important we address the recent news going around the Cameloe family."
People started murmuring in the boardroom. Everybody's eyes move towards Ariana, some with a calculated smile especially those who worked for Anthony.
Ariana met Their gazes without feeling scared. "Are You referring to the announcement of my marriage?"
"Yes" one of the board member replied, adjusting his glasses. "While personal matters are not really of the board concern, the public perception of the company is deeply related with the family's image. Investors are curious and some are concerned."
"I understand," Ariana said, her voice was calm not showing any fear or weakness. " which is precisely why I'm here today. It's time we stop avoiding the truth of who I am to this company."
A few of the board member brows was lifted. One of them, a woman in her fifties named Ms chang lifted her head with interest.
"I am Ariana Camelo," she continued. "My Blood runs through the veins of this company. I hold 25% shares of the company, inherited from my late grandfather, yet my name has noticeably been absent from decisions made for the company in the last few years."
"Ariana," her father's voice cut in from the CEO seat. He looked weary, as if every words weighed in his bones. "You stepped back from business. You were too young—"
"I was misguided," she corrected gently but firmly. "I let people influence my judgement. But I'm not that girl anymore, father. I'm here to reclaim my seat at this table, not has a favor but has my right."
A flicker of emotion passed through her father's eyes. Pride? Regret? Or maybe both.
Mr. Gao, one of the new board members aligned with Anthony's side, smirked. "And what exactly do you bring to the table, Ms. Camelo aside from an inherited surname?"
Ariana smiled, tapping her portfolio. "For starters, a Three phase plan to stabilize our current investor doubt following the scandal. Second, a new partnership proposal with international company that would increase our export capacity by 30% within two years."
She shared a few documents forward. "You will find the the details here, along with the letter s of interest from three prospective firms"
Silence took over the hall as the board members opened the file. Her voice did not break nor did her hands tremble. Inside, her heart beats faster but Ariana had spent sleepless nights preparing, researching and even building her argument until it was bulletproof.
Ms. Chang glanced up. "This... Is solid work."
"It's impressive," another board member murmured.
Even her father's eyes widened slightly as he read through the numbers. "You have been... busy."
"I have always been watching," she said. "I just needed to remember who I was "
Her father leaned back, folding his hands across his chest.
"What exactly are you do you want, Ariana?"
"A permanent return to the board," she answered. "An active executive role in the company operations. And also, I won't be a silent shareholder."
Mr Gao chuckled dryly. "You think it's that easy?"
"I don't expect anything to come easy," she said, her tone lace with confidence. "But the bylaws allows for shareholder intervention when confidence in leadership is shaken. And given the recent leak of Anthony's and Rachel scandal and the ripple it's caused among our business partners , I would say the confidence is crumbling."
Murmuring return to the room.
Ms chang Interjected. "She's right. If Ariana truly leaked the Anthony and scandal video to force a strategic pivot, it may have been risky... But effective. We needed distance from them. The damage control started the moment their scandal broke."
Mr Liang looked towards Ariana with a new mindset. "Did you..?"
She neither confirmed nor denied it. "Let's just say I acted in the Company's best interest."
Her father rubbed him temples. "This wasn't the way I wanted you involved again."
"I know," Ariana said softly. "But you taught me never to stand idle when our reputation is at stake."
There was a pause. Then Ms. Chang clapped her hands once.
"Well, I vote we reinstate her to the board. We need someone with backbone and foresight."
"I agree," said another board member.
Votes followed quickly. A majority.
Her father's eyes met hers across the table. Tension tugged at the lines on his face. "Fine," he said at last, his voice weary but resigned. "Welcome back, Ariana."
As the meeting adjourned, Ariana collected her documents calmly, but her pulse was racing. She walked out of the boardroom as murmurs followed her. Some skeptical, others curious. All watching.
She knew that regaining her seat wasn't the end, it was the beginning.
In the hallway, her father caught up to her. "Why now?"
She stopped, turning to face him. "Because everything I once trusted is gone. Rachel. Antony. Even… you, for a while. But I'm not here to settle scores. I'm here to make things right. For Camelo Corp. For me."
He sighed. "You remind me of your mother when you speak like that."
Ariana's lips quivered for a moment, caught between surprise and emotion. "Then maybe I'm on the right path."
As she stepped into the elevator, Ariana felt the weight of the company settle on her shoulders but this time, it wasn't a burden.
It was a crown.