I am the Heir

Gone

I walked into an expansive room. A long, oval table made of black marble dominated the center. Around it, twelve middle-aged men and women sat in expensive suits. These were the board of directors and commissioners who had been running my father’s empire in his absence.

The moment I stepped inside, the room—which had been buzzing with whispers—fell into a tomb-like silence. Every eye was on me. I could see flashes of doubt, curiosity, and a hint of condescension in the eyes of a few senior directors. They likely expected a spoiled brat who knew nothing about the complexities of global logistics.

I didn't smile. I walked straight to the head of the table—the seat that had remained vacant since Dad passed. I pulled it out and sat down, relaxed yet poised.

"Good afternoon, everyone," I said firmly. My voice echoed in the soundproof room. "My name is Dominic Haughland. As of today, I am the CEO and majority shareholder of this company."

A man with thick glasses sitting to my right, whose nameplate read Mr. Henderson – COO, cleared his throat. He adjusted his posture and gave me an evaluating look.

"Welcome, Mr. Haughland. We’ve heard a great deal about you from Mr. Sterling," Henderson said. "However, you should be aware that this industry is incredibly complex. We are currently managing a five-hundred-container shipment to Europe next month. There are technical nuances you may not yet grasp."

I leaned back in my plush chair. I locked eyes with Henderson until he was the one to look away.

"I know exactly what you’re talking about, Henderson," I replied bluntly. "I spent the last ten years as a mechanic. But for your information, my late father spent that time teaching me more than you realize. I know how the engines in those containers work better than you know how to tie your own tie."

Henderson froze. The other directors traded shocked glances. They hadn't expected me to have that kind of grit or technical depth.

"And for the rest of you," I said, scanning the room. "I’m a fast learner. I will ensure my father’s legacy remains the powerhouse of this industry."

A middle-aged woman, the CFO, was the first to stand. She bowed her head deeply in recognition of my new authority.

"We understand, Mr. Haughland. We are ready to work under your leadership," she said with genuine respect.

One by one, the other directors followed suit. Henderson, who had just been looking down on me, was now the quickest to stand, his face slightly pale. They lined up along the table and bowed in unison.

"We look forward to your leadership, Mr. CEO!" they called out together.

I took in the sight with a calm sense of resolve. "Meeting adjourned. Get back to work," I commanded. After all, this first meeting was just a formal introduction.

...

The solid teak doors of the CEO’s office clicked shut. Sterling stood beside me, then gestured toward a large mahogany desk in the corner. Standing there was a woman with a perfectly poised silhouette. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun, leaving a few strands to frame an oval, flawless face.

"Meet Clarissa," Sterling said flatly. "She is the private secretary handpicked by the board of commissioners upon your father’s recommendation. She graduated top of her class in Business Law and has served here for three years as a senior assistant."

I went quiet for a few seconds, scanning her from head to toe. She was stunning—polished, sharp, and possessed an effortless, sophisticated allure.

Why is it that the moment I strike it rich, every beautiful woman in the city seems to gravitate to the same spot?

"Good afternoon, Mr. Haughland. I’m Clarissa. I’ll be handling your administrative needs and daily schedule starting today," she said. She gave a slight bow, a gesture of respect that made me clear my throat awkwardly.

Sterling patted my shoulder. "I’ll take my leave, Dominic. I have business at the notary regarding some other property assets. Clarissa will walk you through the paperwork that needs your signature this afternoon. Enjoy your new office."

Sterling walked out, leaving me alone with Clarissa in an office the size of a luxury apartment. I walked over to the heavy chair behind the marble desk. It felt incredibly solid.

"Mr. Haughland, there are several urgent documents regarding a logistics shipment to Singapore that need your approval before 5:00 PM," Clarissa said, stepping closer. She placed several folders in front of me. A hint of her expensive perfume filled the air around me.

She began explaining the workflow, the active contracts, and the list of perks I received as CEO—including a fleet of backup luxury cars and access to an elite club downtown.

"Have you worked for my father for long?" I asked, trying to break the ice.

"I work for the company, sir. But your father, Albert, was an incredible mentor to me. He always said that one day, I would serve the right person in this chair," Clarissa answered, looking me straight in the eye.

Seeing her beauty made me suddenly remember Luna.

"Clarissa, I have to go. Right now. I have a very urgent personal matter!" I said the moment I finished signing.

"But sir, there's still a brief meeting with the warehouse managers—"

"Postpone it until tomorrow! This is a matter of life and death!" I barked.

I ran out of the office, ignoring the confused stares of the staff in the open-plan workspace. Once outside, I hailed a ride and sped toward the hotel where I had left Luna.

I arrived at The Obsidian Inn at exactly 4:45 PM. I sprinted to the front desk, my breath coming in heavy gasps.

"Room 402! Under the name Luna Montgomery! Is she still in there?" I demanded, my chest heaving.

The receptionist checked the system, looking bewildered by my frantic appearance. "I’m sorry, sir. The guest from Room 402, Ms. Montgomery, checked out about an hour ago."

My heart felt like it stopped.

"Checked out? To where? Was she alone?" I pressed.

"She left alone, sir. She only left a message in case a man named Dominic came looking for her. She said to tell you that 'time is up,'" the clerk replied apologetically.

I stood frozen in the middle of the cold lobby. My breath was still erratic, my chest tightening with exhaustion and a crushing sense of dread. I stared blankly at the exit. Time is up. The words felt like a death knell.

"Damn it!" I swore loudly, not caring about the people starting to stare.