“And that’s going to change,” Ajay said. He motioned to his family. “My legacy has been the most important thing in my life, which is why I’ve been focused internally. After this article about the company we plan on acquiring, I’m going to make major adjustments in the way the Singhs show up. Starting now.”

He fixed his tie and the buttons on his suit jacket. “You may have called this meeting out of concern for the decisions I’m making for Bharat. But whether you’re family or you’re a general board member, I have the same message for you. I’m going to be the CEO of this company. I’ll fight all of you for it, because I know I deserve this position. If you don’t like it, then get the fuck out. Are we clear?”

There were nodding heads from Bhram, Hem, and his father. The board looked like they’d been hit in the solar plexus.

“Bhai, do you love her?”

The question came from Zail at the far end of the table. He watched Ajay expectantly, as if the other people in the room didn’t matter.

“Zail, what does that have—”

“Do you love her? Answer the question.”

Ajay let out a breath. “I do. She’s a hell of a businesswoman, and a lady.”

Zail nodded. He looked down at his fingernails, then back at him again. “I’m sorry I misjudged you. You have my support.”

Frankie gasped. The old bastard let out a wheezing cough before he said, “What do you think you’re doing, Zail?”

“I’m supporting my family, Frankie,” he replied. “I made a mistake in bringing you into what should’ve remained family business.”

Ajay wanted to hug his brother, to slap him on the back and say that he loved him and he appreciated Zail’s support.

Ajay turned to the man at his right who’d taken his seat again. “Frankie, it looks like the family is voting unanimously. The question is, are you going to continue to be a pain in my ass?”

A knock on the door interrupted Ajay’s next thought. Rafael entered and motioned for him to check his phone.

“Excuse me,” he said, and pulled out his cell from his pocket.

RAFAEL: Raj is hosting a press conference in an hour. Emailing you the livestream link. We need to get everyone out of here so we can watch it.

Holy hell, Ajay thought. He had no idea what she was up to, but there was no way he was going to miss it. He looked up at the expectant faces. Some were whispering with each other again, and others had blank looks of shock.

“We’re going to have to cut this short.”

“Hey, future CEO,” Bhram called out. “What gives?”

Ajay threw all discretion out the window as he headed toward the exit. “My girlfriend is having a press conference.”.