He let out a soft sigh. “You’re not alone, you know. Will you believe me if I were to tell you that all those strategic investments I made were to help you become CEO?”
I sat up straight in my seat, startled.
“Hey, now that the goal’s achieved, you think pulling at my heartstrings will make me back down?”
“Hmm.” Graham rubbed his nose, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Looks like I’ve been caught.”
The day I officially became co–CEO of the Harlow Corporation, the board approved a dual–CEO structure.
Under the agreement, major decisions required the signatures of both CEOS.
But I might have underestimated Graham’s ambitions–or rather, his lack of them.
His enthusiasm for the CEO role was far less than it appeared.
First, he cited his health as a reason to recommend my father for the role of Chief Operating Officer, effectively handing over day-
1/2
Chapter 13
to–day operations to him.
+15 Bonus
Later, he went a step further and transferred half of the decision–making authority to me, giving me full control over the
company’s executive power.
I found that I actually enjoyed discussing acquisition strategies with Graham.
Conversations with someone so sharp were always invigorating.
Six months later, I discovered I was pregnant.
Graham began stepping back from company affairs, spending nearly all his time by my side.
When asked about it, he’d simply say, “With your father handling things, the company’s running smoothly.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. I’d thought he was a workaholic.
I encouraged him to focus more on his career, but Graham refused outright.
“I don’t have the energy,” he said casually.
He didn’t have the energy? The same man who couldn’t sit still even when he was recovering from surgery? And now he wanted
me to believe he was too weak to work?
His health only seemed to improve with each passing day.
Nine months into my pregnancy, Graham surprised me by taking me to watch the sunrise over the ocean.
As the first rays of light broke through the clouds, the world seemed to fall into a serene, breathtaking stillness.
Leaning into Graham’s embrace, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace.
For the first time in a long while, life felt calm and beautiful.
