Chapter 281

LUCAS POV

After I hung up the phone with Edwin, a heavy sense of responsibility settled over me.

Despite my reservations, I couldn't ignore the fact that my father's business empire was now in jeopardy, and I couldn't stand by while it crumbled.

With a deep breath, I tried to prepare myself for the challenges ahead.

It wasn't just about preserving my father's legacy, there was more to it.

It was also about honoring the hard work and dedication of the countless employees who depended on this company for their livelihoods. Without a leader, their jobs were at risk.

I made my way to the company headquarters immediately.

Leaving my father's side made me a little uncomfortable, but I knew that the doctors would be here for him. There was nothing else that I could do for him.

As I drove, my mind raced with thoughts of what needed to be done. I couldn't afford to waste any time.

Shana sat beside me, wanting to offer her own support. It meant a lot to me that she was here.

I was just worried about what we were walking into.

The weight of responsibility settled heavily on my shoulders as I stood in my father's office, surrounded by scattered documents that seemed to mock me.

Edwin wasn't even here when I arrived. He must've left the moment I told him I was on my way. Coward. I didn't expect anything less from him. He was completely unequipped for this type of life.

Meanwhile, this is what my father has been preparing me for.

"I can't believe I'm doing this," I muttered to myself, a mix of determination and trepidation swirling within me.

Shana watched me from the doorway, her concern visible from the furrow of her brow. "Are you sure about this, Lucas? It's a lot to take on, especially with everything going on."

I turned to face her, trying to muster a confident smile despite the doubts gnawing at my resolve. "I don't have much of a choice, Shana. This is my family's legacy, and I can't let it crumble because of Edwin's reckless actions."

Her hand found mine, offering silent support. "I know. I just hope you don't burn yourself out. These past few days have been a lot of ups and downs."

"I won't let it consume me."

"I know you won't," she said softly, her gaze searching mine for any sign of doubt or hesitation. "But promise me you'll take care of yourself too. We're in this together, remember?"

Her words were a lifeline in the sea of uncertainty, grounding me in the midst of turmoil. "I promise," I vowed, meaning every word.

With a nod, she offered me a small smile, her trust unwavering despite the challenges we faced. "Good. Because I don't know what I'd do without you, Lucas."

The sincerity in her voice touched me deeply, filling me with a sense of gratitude for her unwavering support. "I feel the same way."

With a deep breath, I turned back to the paperwork, determined to navigate the labyrinth of challenges that lay before me.

Hours later, seated in the boardroom with Victoria by my side, I faced a panel of skeptical executives, their doubts casting a shadow over the room.

Shana had left for the day after I told her I would be fine. There was a lot of work that needed to be done and I didn't want her to sit here while I was distracted with other things.

As much as I loved Shana, she didn't know this world as much as me. She could help me with her support, but otherwise, there wasn't much else she could do.

I decided to call Victoria to help me carry the load a bit. She understood how businesses like this operated, and if I needed any advice or help, she'd know the right thing to do.

Sitting at the head of the table, I squared my shoulders and met the gaze of each executive in turn, steeling myself for the challenge ahead.

"Thank you all for joining me today," I began, my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my stomach. "I understand that the recent events involving my father have raised concerns about the future of Busch Enterprises. But I want to assure you that I am fully committed to leading this company through this very difficult time."

A murmur of uncertainty rippled through the room, and I could sense the skepticism in their eyes.

"You're too young for this," one board member remarked, their skepticism evident in their tone.

Victoria leaned in, her presence a comforting anchor amidst the uncertainty.

"Lucas has a plan in place to address the immediate challenges facing the company," she added, her tone confident and reassuring. "Lucas has been an integral part of Busch Enterprises for years, and surely, his father would not find him too young for an undertaking like this. He has worked for this for most of his life. Just as his father is, you should be confident that he can navigate these challenges."

The board members exchanged wary glances, but I could see a flicker of interest in their eyes.

Perhaps they were beginning to see that I wasn't just a young man thrust into an unfamiliar role, but someone who was prepared to rise to the occasion and lead with conviction.

"We understand that there will be questions and concerns," I continued, addressing the room with a sense of determination. "But I am here to listen to your feedback and address any issues you may have. Together, we can ensure that Busch Enterprises emerges from this stronger than ever."

Launching into my presentation, I articulated my vision for the company's future with a clarity and conviction that seemed to sway even the most hardened skeptics in the room.

As I spoke, I could feel the tide of doubt shifting, replaced by a growing sense of respect.

By the time I concluded my presentation, the atmosphere in the room had shifted palpably. Where there had once been doubt, there was now a renewed sense of optimism.

"We have a lot of work ahead of us," I acknowledged, meeting the gaze of each person in the room. "But I am confident that, with your expertise and dedication, we can overcome any challenges that come our way."

The board members exchanged nods of agreement, their earlier reservations seemingly forgotten in the wake of our compelling vision for the future.

As the meeting adjourned, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and satisfaction.

Leaving the boardroom, I was relieved. I couldn't believe I had just done that.

Victoria caught up with me in the hallway, her expression reflecting the same mixture of emotions I was feeling. "You did great in there, Lucas," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "I knew you had it in you."

I offered her a grateful smile, appreciating her unwavering support. "Thanks for having my back in there."

Together, we made our way back to my office, where a stack of paperwork awaited us.

As I settled in to tackle the tasks ahead, I couldn't shake the nagging thought of my father.

What would he say if he could see me now, stepping up to take charge of the family business in his absence?

Would he be proud of the decisions I was making, or would he doubt my ability to fill his shoes?