Chapter 111: Chapter 111
Kyra’s POV
I was dressed in black business attire, staring at my own reflection in the mirror. This was the day I would take back everything. After the meeting with the shareholders, I had a scheduled interview with the media.
Kieran’s face was plastered across every news outlet. The werewolf dark web was filled with sensational headlines: "Rogue Alpha and Heir to Monroe Empire Wanted for Murder." As his stepsister, my name was inevitably dragged through the mud.
The human media had sensationalized everything: "CEO’s Daughter in Power Struggle," "Monroe Empire Heir Accused of Patricide," "Corporate Takeover Turns Deadly." They had no idea about our wolf world, but the scandal was juicy enough without it. With Amanda still in prison for my father’s murder, the only way to clear my name and save the company was to tell the truth to the public—at least, the version of it they could understand.
The door swung open, and my daughter, wearing a pink dress and bunny hairband, entered. Behind her was Emily, chewing gum with an air of casual indifference that only she could pull off.
"You know, you should get yourself a car. I’m not your driver," she said, leaning against the doorframe.
I faced her and smiled. "Thanks, Emily."
She rolled her eyes and looked at my daughter. "Love, your mommy has a meeting today, so you’re coming with me. Is that okay?"
I looked at Emily worriedly. "Emily, Kieran is still out there..." My wolf Sylvia stirred uneasily at the mention of his name, still sensing danger.
She smiled, instantly reassuring me. "It’s better she’s with me while you deal with your problems. Don’t worry, I have plenty of bodyguards. The Alpha Council has been monitoring all rogue activity since the incident."
I took a deep breath and walked toward them. I squatted in front of Snow and caressed her cheek. "Do you mind going with Aunt Em for a while, sweetie?"
She smiled sweetly. "Aunt Em is very nice, mommy. She helped me doll up and I like her style!"
I chuckled and looked at Emily. She was smirking arrogantly, as if silently saying "I told you so."
"Alright!" I stood straight and looked at Emily. "Though you still have to send me to the company."
"Whatever! Come on, love. I’m excited to shop with you."
Emily held Snow’s hand as they walked away together, and I watched them go. I didn’t know the full story behind Emily’s rage toward Kieran, but I suspected it was related to Kieran’s twin brother. The world was truly so small. We were all connected in some way, especially within the wolf community.
When I entered the company headquarters, everyone’s eyes were on me, both human employees and those with the familiar wolf aura. The human staff whispered behind their hands, while my wolf senses picked up murmurs from the pack members. It had been so long since I received this much attention, and it made me uncomfortable. I lifted my chin and walked straight to the conference room. The shareholders and other important executives were already waiting for me. Emily had briefed them about my return, so they were expecting me.
I stood at the head of the table and looked at every one of them. They were a mix of powerful wolves and influential humans who had no idea they were doing business with our kind. "Good morning. I’m Kyra Monroe and I believe you already know me?"
One of the male shareholders, a gray-haired wolf with an imposing presence, lifted his hand. "You were the vice president of ADE Company before, am I right?"
I nodded. "Yes."
"Then, we have no objection to you taking over the highest position. However, I’m afraid your stepbrother’s criminal charges and your stepmother’s imprisonment will ruin both your reputation and the company’s. The media is having a field day with this ’corporate family feud turned murderous.’"
"I have a press conference after this," I said confidently. "I will reveal the truth and clear my name. The police station is also preparing an official statement regarding Kieran’s crime."
A female shareholder lifted her arm. "I learned about how you handled your position as the previous VP of ADE Company, Miss Monroe. But this company is already falling. Can you really save it with the scandal surrounding your family?"
I took a flash drive from my bag and handed it to the technical officer sitting in front, operating the laptop and TV.
"This is why I’ve thought of an effective way to save this company."
I grabbed the remote and began my presentation.
"Rebranding?"
I nodded as I looked at them. I pushed my hand into the pocket of my pants and stood confidently in front of them. "The company is falling, as you said. Rebranding would be the best solution. Building a strong relationship with the target market, envisioning the future, and investing in a new brand identity—"
I pressed the remote again, showing the name, mission, vision, goals, and objectives of the new identity as I slowly looked at the shareholders again. "This company will rise from its current position in the industry and shed the negative associations with recent events."
"How can you guarantee that this will work, Miss Monroe? And rebranding will cost a lot. We need a new model, launch new products, everything."
"The cost of rebranding is nothing compared to how much we are losing. We have a budget for our expenses, and instead of launching more products to get our target market’s attention, we will relaunch the products that top the sales...with a new brand identity."
"I will never lose my father’s hard work," I added and clenched my jaw. Sylvia growled in agreement within me, protective of my family’s legacy.
It had been so long since I stood in front of important people in a company, and I admitted I was nervous. I had only thought of this idea last night, and I knew it lacked refinement. However, I prayed they would agree with me, because if not, I would have to think of another way to save my father’s company from both human scandal and the shadow of Kieran’s rogue activities.
I swallowed hard as the shareholders answered me with a deafening silence. I thought I was going to fail, so I was shocked when they started clapping.
The oldest shareholder, a respected Elder in our wolf community, laughed happily as he clapped. "What can I expect from a Monroe? Your father was a monster in business, Miss Monroe. I’m glad you want to continue his legacy despite these... unfortunate circumstances."
I smiled as I was able to breathe properly. Their smiles filled me with happiness. My eyes were almost tearing up as I lifted my chin and shook their hands.
The female shareholder smiled at me as she shook my hand. "I’m not really convinced by your idea, Miss Monroe. However, it’s your conviction that convinced me. Believing in the company and in your abilities is a true leader’s good trait."
I nodded. "Thank you, madame."
See that, Dad? I know you’re proud of me. I can make you even more proud. Just wait...
After the meeting, I went to the press conference and answered the questions that were thrown at me. I did not hide anything except the secrets of the wolf world and the fact that I had a relationship with Kieran. Revealing either would create catastrophic problems, and that was the last thing I needed while redeeming my name and my father’s hard work. The Alpha Council would handle the wolf community’s knowledge of Kieran’s crimes, while I would manage the human world’s perception of our family drama.
