Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 230

Chapter 230: Neither proved worthy Chapter 230: Neither proved worthy “My grandson.” The moment Alekis said that Roderick and his mother were on cloud nine.

However, their happiness was short-lived as Alekis spoke further.

“My grandson isn’t capable yet to manage such a big company yet.

I don’t want to put on the line of the future of the company that way,” he said in a heavy tone.

“Grandpa, you can’t do that to me,” Roderick said, his voice was audible only to a few, including Layla and Lucius.

Was his grandfather planning to make Lucius the next Chairman?

He wouldn’t let it happen.

He was ready to reveal Lucius’s origin to the world, if necessary.

Alekis, unbothered by the whispers spreading like wildfire among the guests, pressed on.

“My son has indeed done a commendable job as the company’s director.

However, I am fully aware of the resistance among the board members against Lucius taking over.

After careful consideration, I have made my decision regarding the future of the De Salvo Group.” Alekis then took a brief pause as he lowered his eyes for a moment.

“I have decided to appoint my daughter-in-law, Layla De Salvo, as the next chairwoman of the De Salvo Group.” The announcement hit like a thunderclap.

Gasps echoed through the garden, and hushed conversations broke out among the guests.

Layla stood frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief.

She looked at Alekis as though she hadn’t heard him correctly.

Fiona felt as though the ground had been ripped out from under her.

Her son’s carefully laid future was crumbling before her eyes, but she couldn’t react-couldn’t utter a single word in protest in front of the gathered crowd.

Her fists clenched tightly, her nails digging into her palms.

Why had Alekis chosen Layla?

She lacked the experience her son had worked tirelessly to gain.

And what of the promises Alekis had made to her over the years?

Promises of ensuring Roderick’s rightful place at the helm?

Were her sacrifices for this family worth nothing?

She forced a brittle smile as the chatter around her grew louder, masking the storm of betrayal brewing within her.

Lucius, on the other hand, couldn’t contain the joy lighting up his heart.

Seeing Layla finally get the recognition she deserved filled him with immense pride.

She had worked tirelessly, even if her journey with her father’s company had started only recently.

Her dedication and accomplishments spoke volumes, far outweighing years of superficial titles.

Still, the decision was surprising to him.

Alekis had always been firm about honoring his promise to pass the company to Roderick.

What had changed?

Lucius couldn’t help but wonder, but any lingering doubts were overshadowed by his happiness.

He would support this decision wholeheartedly-especially since it involved Layla.

“Congratulations, wife,” Lucius whispered into her ear, his voice brimming with pride.

His bright smile was infectious, and though she was still in shock, she found herself softening at his words.

“Layla, come here to the stage,” Alekis called out in his warm voice.

Layla’s mind was still in disbelief.

She hadn’t even begun to process the gravity of the announcement, yet her body moved instinctively.

She stepped forward, stopping just short of her father-in-law.

Alekis gestured for her to take her place at the microphone, stepping aside to let her stand under the spotlight.

The moment felt surreal.

Camera flashes erupted as photographers rushed to capture her, the newly appointed chairwoman of the De Salvo Group.

Hundreds of eyes were on her now, their gazes expectant and curious.

Her hands trembled as she reached for the microphone, her breaths shallow.

This wasn’t even her dream.

She had never aspired to stand here, in this position of immense power and responsibility.

But now, it was her reality.

Taking a steadying breath, she gripped the microphone and began to speak.

“Thank you, Father,” she started, “for putting your faith in me for such a prestigious position.

This is something I have never even desired.” She paused, her voice wavering as she searched for the right words.

“I have fought for my identity for a long time in my own house,” she continued, her gaze sweeping over the crowd to meet her father’s and mother’s gaze but only for a brief moment.

“If there is someone to whom I owe this moment, it is my husband, Lucius De Salvo.” Her eyes found Lucius in the crowd, his gaze locked on her with unbridled pride.

He was recording her with his phone with his smile radiant.

When her eyes lingered on him, he playfully sent her a flying kiss, making her heart flutter.

“When I was alone,” she said, her voice growing steadier, “you were the only one who believed in me.

You showed me what I was capable of, even when I doubted myself.

I promise to live up to this position and never let my father-in-law or my husband down.

Thank you.” As her final words echoed across the garden, a thunderous round of applause erupted.

Cheers reverberated through the air, a wave of approval and admiration washing over her.

Layla stepped back from the microphone, her heart pounding, and turned to Alekis, who nodded at her with a proud smile.

~~~~ After the party concluded, the De Salvo family gathered in the grand living room.

“Grandpa, why did you choose Layla?” Roderick’s voice was sharp, his tone teetering between anger and disbelief.

“Did you make fake promises to me all these years?

Was it all just a lie?” Fiona stepped forward, her expression a mask of restrained fury.

“Father, I never asked anything from you for myself.

This was about my son’s future-his rightful place in this family.

How could you overlook him and choose Layla to be the next chairwoman?

Roderick carries your blood in his veins!” Alekis remained seated on the couch.

“Roderick, I wish you had lived up to your position,” he began.

“Over the past year, I have scrutinized your work, and it was clear that if not for your uncle’s intervention, the company would have suffered significant losses.

When I urged you to seek guidance from your uncle, you refused, letting arrogance guide your choices.

This decision was not made lightly.

I have thought deeply about it, and I stand by it.

Whoever opposes this is not worthy of being called a De Salvo.” Roderick’s face flushed with humiliation and anger, but before he could retort, Lucius stepped forward.

“Roderick, don’t worry,” Lucius said, his tone laced with irony.

“Layla will teach you how to work with honesty and integrity.

Maybe this is exactly the lesson you need.

Don’t ruin your grandfather’s day with your complaints.

You should have worked harder when you had the chance, instead of…” He paused deliberately, biting back harsher words to maintain the family’s dignity.

Alekis nodded, acknowledging Lucius’s words before addressing the room once more.

“Some of my closest investors are also investors in the Rosenzweig Group.

Their trust in Layla’s capabilities only strengthened my decision.

I have no doubt in her ability to lead this company to greater heights.

Between Roderick and Lucius, neither proved worthy of the chairman title.” He turned his gaze to Roderick.

“Indeed, I made promises to you, my grandson, but promises alone do not build a legacy.

When the time came to show your worth, you fell short.

This position cannot be given as a birthright-it must be earned.” Roderick clenched his fists, his anger simmering, while Fiona looked away, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Roderick glanced at Layla, and then walked out of the house in anger.