Chapter 131

“Whatever Alex wants to discuss, it must be urgent. “ Victor said.

“Do you know what your mother wants to talk about?” I asked. “It must be important too.”

“I have no idea,” Victor replied. “I’ll take you home and talk to Alex. You should text my mother and ask her to meet you at the mansion in a few hours. Maybe you could talk over dinner.”

“Good idea,” I agreed and sent Lana a text.

After locking my office, we returned to the parking garage, and Victor drove us to my home.

I was pleased to see Alex was in his home office again, but the look in his eyes told me he was upset about something.

“Come in and sit down, both of you,” he said.

Victor and I took seats before the desk and waited for him to speak.

“It has come to my attention that John Cameron has not given up on stealing the company from Daisy,” he said. “I was told he is now attempting to smear her reputation.”

Victor nodded. “He has spies watching her every move. One of them tipped off the tabloids about Daisy, studying with William in the school cafeteria, and they made much more of it than there was.”

Alex’s eyes narrowed. “Did you do damage control?”

“Yes. I spoke to the reporters myself and made a point to be publicly affectionate and supportive.”

Alex nodded. “Good. But I fear he is not going to give up.”

“I don’t believe so either,” Victor agreed. “John always wants what does not belong to him.”

“That is true,” Alex agreed. “I believe we must take preventive measures. He may have his sights upon more than the company.”

Victor sat up straighter in the chair. “Do you think he will go after the association leadership?”

“I would if I were him,” Alex replied. “If he or someone he can control has the position, he would be able to double his wealth in no time.”

“Being in control of the laws and rules would give someone like him too much power,” Victor said.

“We cannot let that happen.” Alex handed Victor a file. “In this file are the papers declaring you the new leader of The United Association of Alphas.”

Victor was stunned. He held the file gingerly in one hand and stared open-mouthed at Alex.

Alex gave him a sideways look. “Don’t be surprised, Victor. You knew this day was coming since you were a child.”

“But …but you seem so much better,” Victor sputtered. “Are you sure you’re ready to give it up now?”

“I believe I must. It will ensure John or one of his ilk do not steal it from you,” Alex insisted. “I am doing better, but I am not strong enough to fight him for much longer.”

I gasped. “What are you saying?”

Was Alex trying to tell us he felt his death was near? It couldn’t be when he seemed much better.

Alex’s expression softened. “I’m not saying I’m on death’s door, sweetheart. But if I were to die soon, Victor would be in a better position to help you if he was the association's leader.”

“And it would stop any chances of the position falling to John,” he added. “That’s very important for everyone. If you think the lower classes have it bad now, John will make their lives much worse.”

I had no doubt my father was right. Yet I wasn’t ready for it to happen. It would mean the end of my engagement to Victor.

There had to be another way to keep the position from falling into John’s hands.

I was surprised when Victor seemed to feel the same way.

“I haven’t kept up with the association’s issues over the last year,” he said. “Why don’t you mentor me like I have been Daisy for a while before I take over.”

“How long do you think it would take you to get up to speed?” Alex asked.

“Not long, Victor replied. “If there are any signs that John is coming after the leadership role, I will immediately accept the position.”

“We would need to keep our eyes and ears open,” Alex said. “Don’t underestimate John’s greed and determination.”

I checked the time and saw I should prepare for Lana’s arrival. After excusing myself, I went to my room.

On my way through the foyer, I told Benson we were having company for dinner. He promised to tell the cook, and I went upstairs to my room.

I took a shower and brushed my teeth before putting on clean clothes and freshening my makeup.

Lana arrived a moment after I went downstairs.

“Daisy, dear, it’s wonderful to see you,” she said and wrapped her arm around my shoulders. You look lovely.”

“So do you,” I said and asked her to sit in the drawing room to talk until the meal was ready.

“You look more lovely every day,” Lana told me.

“Thanks, I said. Even though Lana was sincere, sometimes compliments still made me blush.

What did you want to talk about?” I asked.

“We need to plan the auction and ball,” she replied. “Do you have any ideas for the venues you want to use?”

“I’m sure Alex wouldn’t mind if we use the ballroom here,” I replied. “But I don’t know where we should hold the auction.”

“Then I’ll work on it,” Lana said with a smile.

I could tell this was what Lana enjoyed doing. She was born to plan and arrange things like balls and auctions. She enjoyed it.

“We’ll have formal planning meetings this week,” she said. “I’ll have ideas for the auction venue by then.”

“Great,” I said. “Is there anything I should be doing now?”

“I think you have enough on your plate, especially with what I heard today,” she replied

“What did you hear?” I was coming to hate gossip worse than before. Didn’t people have anything else to do besides talk about me?

Lana looked at me expectantly, and before I knew it, I was spilling everything about John Cameron to her, including Alex’s plan to hand over the association's leadership to Victor.

“That’s not a bad idea,” she said. “Don’t underestimate John. He’ll do anything to get what he wants.”

“I don’t know what to do,” I sighed. “He has people watching me constantly. They told the tabloids a ridiculous lie, and I had reporters after me again when I came out of the school today.”

“John will burn himself out,” Lana said. “Cheaters and liars always do. You must remain calm, guard your reputation, and learn every aspect of being a CEO.”

She patted my hand. “John Cameron is not well-liked in the Alpha community. You should reach out to the other board members and the executives in your office.”

“Be considerate of their feelings,” she continued. “It’s difficult to get used to a new boss even when they don’t remind you of your daughter. But don’t take any crap, either. Show them you are as strong and stubborn as your father.”

I listened to every word of Lana’s advice. She was a wise woman and knew the Alpha society much better than me.

“Your advice is very timely,” I told her. “Victor suggested I schedule a meeting with my executives. The meeting is tomorrow afternoon at three.”

“I can see some wisdom in his suggestion,” Lana agreed. “However, you must be in control of the meeting. Do not let any of those men stand over you while they speak. That is a position of dominance.”

I thought about it and realized she was correct. “Any other advice?”

“Do not let any of them talk over you, but don’t scream at them,” she said. “Screaming means you have lost control of the situation.”

She bit her lip and took a moment to think. “And concentrate your efforts on winning over those who look you in the eye. They want to know what the future holds for them with you in control.”

Benson entered the room to announce dinner would soon be served. I thanked him and told him we would be right there.

Lana and I stood, and we linked arms as we left the room.

“Remember, don’t take any crap,” she repeated. “Victor may not agree with this, but you must fire anyone who doesn’t show you proper respect.”

My stomach did a flip when I thought about firing one of those stern-looking men who worked at the company.

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” I said.

But I knew Lana was right. I would do what I had to do.