The ballots were counted in real time, projected onto the massive screen at the front of the hall.
Elena stood beside Alexander, her hand lightly resting on his arm. The tension in the room was suffocating.
Marcus paced in front of the stage, exuding confidence, though his eyes betrayed irritation. Every flicker of doubt in the investors' faces made his jaw tighten.
The legal representative cleared his throat. "We will announce the preliminary results in five-minute intervals to ensure transparency."
Elena's stomach churned. Every second felt like an eternity.
First interval:
Votes against Alexander — three.
Votes for Alexander — four.
Undecided — two.
A murmur ran through the hall. Marcus's eyes narrowed.
"Check again," he barked.
The representative shook his head. "Confirmed."
Alexander didn't flinch.
Elena whispered, "We're ahead, but only just."
"Yes," he replied quietly. "But he's panicking."
Second interval:
Votes against — three.
Votes for — five.
Undecided — zero.
The hall erupted in whispers. Marcus froze, staring at the screen.
"This… this isn't possible," he muttered.
Catherine, standing beside the stage, remained calm, watching the chaos with an almost imperceptible smirk.
Elena's heart raced. The heir clause had worked perfectly. Marcus had no legal leverage. Every investor who had doubted the stability of Alexander's leadership had reconsidered.
Third interval:
Votes against — three.
Votes for — five.
Alexander leaned slightly toward Elena. "It's over," he said softly.
Elena squeezed his hand, unable to hide her relief.
Marcus slammed his hand on the table, turning to the remaining investors. "You can't just ignore my stake!"
"They didn't ignore it," Alexander said, finally speaking to the room. "They recognized the legitimate heir and followed the law. You overestimated your control."
Marcus's face twisted with fury. "This isn't the end!"
"It is," Catherine said, stepping forward. "For you, Marcus. For the company, we continue."
Elena felt the weight of the victory settle in. The board was unified again, the hostile takeover attempt crushed before it could even take root.
Alexander looked at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "We survived the storm."
Elena breathed deeply, placing her hand on her stomach. "And the heir saved the company."
Catherine's eyes met Elena's briefly. "Yes," she said softly, almost approvingly. "Sometimes, the youngest blood carries the heaviest responsibility."
Marcus stormed out of the hall, flanked by a few of his remaining allies, his empire-building ambitions in ruins.
Elena watched him leave, then turned to Alexander.
"What now?" she asked.
He pulled her into a quiet embrace. "Now… we rebuild. Together."
Outside, the storm had cleared. Sunlight began to pierce through the clouds, casting a golden glow over the Hale estate.
For the first time in weeks, Elena allowed herself a small, genuine smile.
The empire was safe. The family was stronger. And the future—her child's future—was secured.
For now, at least.