The CEO's Kryptonite ⚣ ✓

56

"Why is Christian wearing your suit jacket?" Anna asked Brad.

I felt myself seize to breathe entirely as I glanced over at Brad. I couldn't help but wonder what he was going to tell her.

"I accidentally spilt wine on his." Brad replied. Anna looked irritated by that explanation, but said nothing else as Christian made it to the stage. I made a mental note to thank Brad for that one later.

Before Christian could start out on his introduction, my mother leant over towards me. She had been seated at the other side of Christian. "He's a very handsome man." She whispered. I ignored her.

"I want to thank you all for coming out tonight in support of Ivanov Corp, my family, and the firm foundations we are building here with each and every one of you. While Ivanov Corp has held these celebrations for many years now, tonight, I have the special pleasure of introducing one of the co-founders of this company. I know there are many here tonight that will recognize this familiar face. He has since stepped down from the CEO position within the company, to bestow that responsibility upon myself. While he continues research abroad, my father managed to carve some time out in hopes of attending tonight's Gala.

"Of course, he has tasked me with the strenuous work of introducing him tonight. But for those of you that know how great this man is, you know there isn't much of anything I can say up here tonight that will do him justice. This is why I would like to welcome my father, Bohuslav Dmytro-Ivanov, up on this stage to talk to all our current and new investors. He was always better with words, anyways." Christian finished.

Everyone stood from their seats to applaud the introduction. There were a few laughs that rang through the center from Christian's words. I, too, couldn't help but laugh. The energy that Christian and Slav brought when they were up on stage together, was unmatchable. Christian really did look like his fathers son.

"I'm just going to head to the bathroom to freshen up." My mother whispered before Slav could start his speech. I glanced over at her in acknowledgment, but said nothing as she left.

"Good evening ladies and gentleman. I am honored to be here tonight, and to see so many familiar faces. It has been such a blessing to witness the growth and love that is blatantly evident here in this room. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have continuously received support from some of my very first investors. Imagine, it's been this long, my friends. Tonight, we honor and appreciate each and every one of you that has built this company from the ground up, with me and my beautiful wife. We have gathered here to honor both old and new investors.

"I wish to specifically highlight our recent collaboration with Mavericks Corp, and the work my son has done to establish that relationship. Tonight is a celebration of what we've done. I ask that if you haven't yet, you find me before tonight's end so I can specifically thank you for all that you have done for my company, and my family. My continued goal is to make you all feel as appreciated as you deserve. I may not be steering this boat anymore, but it brings me nothing but joy to pass this success onto my son, Christian Ivanov. So please: eat, drink, celebrate." Slav finished.

Everyone stood to their feet for an even louder round of applauses. I was surprised by how much thought Slav had put into that speech. When I looked around, I noticed a table that stood out from the rest. Instead of white tablecloth that the other tables had, this one was gold. There was a group of men and woman seated there that each stood give Slav a hug as he stepped down from the stage.

As if Brad could read my thoughts, he leant over and whispered "Those are Ivanov Corp's original investors."

I made a small o shape with my mouth while I watched the investors interact with Slav.