Chapter 24 The Takeover
Gwen’s Pov
I had waited for this day. I had pictured it a thousand times.
And now… it was real.
The doors of Velcro Corp swung open as I walked in, heels clicking against the marble
floor.
I wore a sharp, black suit, the blazer cinched tightly at the waist, hair pulled back, makeup clean and icy. Ryder walked beside me in a charcoal three–piece suit, cool as ever.
The staff paused when they saw us. Their eyes widened, some bowed slightly, others whispered.
John stepped forward with a confident nod. “Board members are all waiting for you upstairs. Some are still scared, but they’ve all signed.”
I smiled faintly. “Let’s not keep them waiting.”
The boardroom hadn’t changed. Same long mahogany table. Same leather chairs. But the tension in the room crackled like static when I entered.
“Gentlemen,” I said smoothly, “Ladies,” I nodded at the only two female executives. “Let’s make this quick.”
No one argued. Some nodded, others looked away. Fear, guilt, and regret. I could smell it in the air like stale perfume.
“All shares have now been transferred to Ms. Lyndon,” John announced. “She is officially the new CEO of Velcro Corp.”
Silence followed. One man cleared his throat. “We welcome you back, Ms. Lyndon. Some of us never agreed with how you were treated.”
I gave him a flat look. “Then I expect your full loyalty this time. Because next time–there won’t be a second chance.”
He swallowed hard and nodded.
Ryder placed a hand on my lower back as I turned toward the door. “Your office, love?”
“Yes,” I said. “My office.”
We walked into the CEO’s office. Jack’s nameplate still sat on the desk.
“Trash,” I said to the intern nearby.
He scurried forward and threw it in the bin. Just like that. As it should’ve been years ago.
I walked to the windows and looked out at the city skyline. This empire… It was mine now. Every brick, every desk, every cent.
Jack had taken everything from me once.
And now I had taken it all back–and more.
The Tokonver
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The press conference was already set. Media trucks outside, cameras lined up, reporters buzzing.
Ryder and I walked out hand in hand. He kissed the back of my palm before we reached the podium.
The moment we appeared, camera flashes went wild.
I stepped up to the microphone, my voice clear and calm.
“My name is Gwen Lyndon, and I am the new CEO of Velcro Corp. I returned to rebuild this company on stronger foundations.”
Reporters screamed questions. I pointed at one.
“Ms. Lyndon, how does it feel to take over your ex–husband’s company?”
I smiled. “Jack and I were never meant to last. I was never truly loved–until now.”
I turned and Ryder kissed me gently on the lips, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
One woman yelled, “Is it true you were married to Jack Velcro in secret?”
“Yes,” I said. “And I’m not ashamed of that chapter. But I’m glad he ruined everything- because it forced me to wake up. It forced me to become who I am today.”
The crowd erupted in applause.
Ryder whispered in my ear, “You’re flawless.”
T
Back in my office, I sat behind my desk when the secretary buzzed in.
“There’s someone here to see you… says it’s urgent.”
“Who?” I asked, already dreading the answer.
“She says… she’s Jack’s mother.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Send her up.”
When she walked in, she looked thinner. Her eyes puffy, her steps unsure.
“Gwen,” she said softly, voice trembling.
I said nothing. Just stared.
“I know I don’t deserve to be here,” she began. “But my son… Jack… he’s not okay. He’s losing his mind. He drinks. He sees things. He talks to himself.”
I sat still, unmoved.
“I came here to beg you,” she said, stepping closer. “Please. Help him. Give him something -anything. A job. A visit. A call. He’s going mad.”
I raised a brow. “He pushed me out of a plane. He made me sterile. He suffocated my child. And you want me to what–save him?”
Tears pooled in her eyes. “I didn’t know. I swear I didn’t know what they did to you. If I had known-”
“You would’ve helped hold the pillow,” I cut her off coldly.
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She dropped to her knees.
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“Please,” she cried. “Forgive him. Even if you can’t love him. Just don’t let him die like this.”
I stood slowly, walked over, and looked down at her.
“Do you know how many nights I begged?” I said. “Do you know how many times I wished someone–anyone–would save me? And you… you cheered while I was dying.”
“I was wrong,” she whispered. “I’m sorry.”
“I don’t care,” I replied.
She sobbed harder. “If you don’t forgive him, I’ll kill myself. Right here. I’ll do it.”
I knelt, inches from her face.
“You could die right now,” I whispered, “and I still wouldn’t care.”
She stared at me, broken.
I stood, straightened my jacket, and walked back to my desk.
“Get out,” I said. “And don’t come back.”
