novelraw Chapter 150: Before You Were, I Was
Chapter 150: Before You Were, I Was
Chapter 150: Before You Were, I Was
The atmosphere at the headquarters of the Van Doren Group of companies was electric. Whispers rippled through the office, spreading like wildfire: Levi Van Doren was back. After weeks of unexplained absence, he had returned, arriving early, his presence instantly reasserting itself. The news sent a shockwave through the company, disrupting the uneasy calm that had settled in his absence.
Levi walked through the familiar halls, his footsteps echoing in the early morning quiet. He had returned with a renewed sense of purpose, a steely resolve etched on his face. He had a company to reclaim, a family to protect, and a score to settle.
He entered his office, the spacious room that had always been his domain. He paused, his eyes scanning the space, taking in the subtle but noticeable changes that had been made during his absence. Brandon had wasted no time in putting his own stamp on the place, replacing some of the artwork, rearranging the furniture, and generally attempting to create an atmosphere that reflected his own tastes.
A flicker of irritation ignited within Levi, but he quickly suppressed it. He was not about to waste his energy on petty grievances. He had bigger fish to fry. He called Ethan in and they began to methodically returning the office to its original state, putting the artwork back in its rightful place and removing the new ones, then rearranging the furniture to its familiar configuration. He wanted to erase any trace of Brandon’s brief reign, to reassert his own control over the space, and by extension, the company.
An hour later, the office was almost back to normal. Levi sat behind his desk, reviewing some urgent documents, when the door swung open and Brandon strode in, his expression a mixture of surprise and annoyance. He was an hour late, a habit he had clearly developed during his time as interim CEO.
"What the hell are you doing here in my seat?" Brandon demanded, his voice laced with indignation. "This is my office and you are not allowed in here."
Levi looked up, his gaze meeting Brandon’s. He remained calm, his voice steady and controlled. "Before you , I was. This is my office, Brandon," he corrected him. "Your stay here was only temporary."
Brandon’s brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice rising. "I am the CEO."
"You were the interim CEO," Levi clarified, emphasizing the word. "I am back now to take back my position, so your services are no longer required."
Brandon scoffed. "You can’t just waltz back in here after disappearing for weeks and expect to take over again," he protested. "Things have changed. I have made changes."
"So I noticed," Levi replied dryly, gesturing to the rearranged furniture. "I’m currently in the process of rectifying them, I hope those changes as like these ones. As for my absence, that is a personal matter. What is important is that I’m back. And you are no longer in charge."
Brandon’s face flushed with anger. "I am not going anywhere, you can’t just elbow me out." he said, his voice laced with defiance. "I am not giving up this so easily."
"You can do whatever you want, Brandon," Levi said, his voice calm and dismissive. "But you are no longer the CEO. That is not up for debate. Now get out.."
Brandon glared at Levi with hate, his mind racing. As he stormed out of the office, he knew that he could not win this argument with Levi directly. He needed to call in forreinforcements. He pulled out his phone and quickly dialed a number.
"Grandmother," he said, his voice laced with urgency. "Levi is back. He is currently in my office and trying to kick me out, saying he is taking over again. You need to come down here."
After many minutes of waiting, Lily Van Doren arrived, her expression a mixture of surprise and concern. She had been informed of Levi’s return to the office, but she had not expected him to immediately resume his position.
She entered Levi’s office, her eyes scanning the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. She looked at Levi, then at Brandon, her expression softening as she saw her son.
"Levi," she said, her voice filled with relief. "You are back."
Levi nodded, standing up to greet her. "Yes, Mother," he said. "I have come back."
Lily turned to Brandon, her expression turning serious. "Brandon, my dear." she said, her voice firm, "I understand there has been some confusion. But Levi is back now. He will be resuming his role as CEO."
Brandon’s face flushed with anger. "But Grandmother," he protested, "I have been doing a great job. The company is beginning to thrive under my leadership."
"Indeed, you have done well, Brandon," Lily acknowledged. "But your father is the rightful CEO. He has always been. And he will continue to be."
She paused, her expression softening slightly. "However," she continued, "I appreciate all of your efforts in helping us in such desperate times. And I want to offer you a position within the company. You can head up a new department, focusing on..." she paused, thinking for a moment, "...international expansion. It’s a significant role, with a lot of potential for growth."
Brandon stared at her, his mind reeling. He had expected support from his grandmother, not this. He had been so close to having it all, and now, it was being snatched away from him.
"And," Lily added, reaching into her purse, "I also want to give you these." She handed him a small envelope. "These are some shares in the company. It is a way of recognizing your contributions and ensuring you that you belong here with family."
Brandon took the envelope, his hand trembling slightly. He opened it and glanced at the contents. His eyes widened slightly as he saw the number of shares listed. It wasn’t the majority stake he had been hoping for, but it was still a significant amount.
He looked at his grandmother, then at Levi. He could see the determination in their eyes, the united front they presented. He knew he could not win this battle.
He frowned and squared his shoulders, "and if I say no?" he asked, his voice laced with resentment. "If I insist on staying as CEO, what then?"
Levi took a threatening step forward, "Then you leave without a single thing." He said.
Brandon sneered. "You forget that I am a member of the Van Doren family, I can get a lawyer who will fight for me." He snapped defiantly.
"Go then." Levi answered cooly. "Go on and try it, see if i don’t have you made a mockery of."
"Alright boys, that is enough." Lily stepped between the two men and dousing the tense moment. She looked between her son and her grandson and sighed.
"Levi, what don’t you let me deal with this?" She asked.
Levi looked hesitantly at Brandon and caged the urge to throw him out and he walked out of the office. Ethan followed behind him.
"Do you think he is going to accept to leave, sir?" He asked.
"He has no other choice." Levi uttered shortly and continued to walk.
Meanwhile, in the office, Lily held Brandon’s hand and led him to sit.
"I am sure that you are feeling some resentment towards your father, but he was very young when your mother had him." She said softly.
She had surmised correctly that Brandon was not throwing a tantrum because he wanted the company, he was upset because he was not getting attention from his father.
"He had all those years to make it right." Brandon gritted his teeth. "He never tried to get to know me and he took my woman."
Lily sighed and patted Brandon’s hand sympathetically. She did not know what else to tell the young man who was obviously hurting.
"I will take the shares grandma." Brandon said at last. "I will also take the position you have offered."
Lily nodded, her expression softening. "I am glad to hear that, Brandon," she said. "I know you will do well."
Brandon turned and walked out of the office, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He had been outmaneuvered, outplayed but Brett had already warned him that this would happen. He would not forget this. He would find a way to get even, even if it meant going against his own family.
Once Brandon was gone, Lily called Levi and when he returned, she looked at him with relief. "I am so glad you’re back, Levi," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "We’ve missed you."
Levi smiled, his heart touched by her words. "I am glad to be back, Mother," he said. "I have a lot to take care of."
"I need to speak to you about Brandon." She said.
He looked out the window, his gaze fixed on the city skyline. He did not want to have that conversation with his mother, he knew it was coming but he was not ready to deal with it.