Indebted: Part Three (Series Finale): The Virgin & The Bad-Boy Billionaire (A BWWM Billionaire Romance) by Sadie Black Read Free Book Online Page A

this event is very dear to my heart. Thank you all for coming out over the years to show your support. Tonight, I’m surrounded by familiar faces,” my heart whooshes in my ears. Does he mean me? “Many of you have been with Zervion Communications since I first took my position as CEO thirteen years ago. Because I’m surrounded by so many friends and family tonight, I would like to share my announcement with the very people who’ve stood by my side for over a decade and helped Zervion flourish. Tonight, I’m announcing my retirement from the position. I’ll be stepping down as CEO and Bradley Sheppard will be taking my place. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Mr. Sheppard, let me assure you there is no man better suited for the job than him.”
     
    A murmur ripples through the crowd as Bradley and Matthew shake hands. The small mob of reporters elbow each other in a petty attempt to find the best camera angle to splash on the front of their newspapers.
     
    “Mr. Blackwell, what has prompted your resignation from the company?” A faceless reporter yells abruptly.
     
    “I won’t be answering any questions tonight. The evenings focus should remain on the charity and the art. Within the next week, Zervion will be holding an official press conference where I will officially step down. I will say that I’ve enjoyed my time as CEO, but now I’m ready to see what other challenges life holds for me.”
     
    The crowd’s murmurs grow louder with speculation as the reporters continue to blind the men with their camera flashes. Bradley and Matthew look completely unfazed by the reaction. My thoughts escape to when I first stepped off the helicopter with Matthew, in the Hamptons. I remember how sensitive my eyes were to the onslaught of bright explosions as reporters surrounded us like they’re surrounding Bradley and Matthew now. When you live such a public life, this probably becomes second nature.
     
    “I’ll turn the microphone over to Mr. Sheppard now, and let him say a few words before we get back to our evening.” Matthew steps back from the podium, making Bradley the focus of the photography and the crowd.
     
    “Don’t worry folks, I’ll keep this short. I would like to thank Mr. Blackwell for his service with Zervion. Let’s give him a round of applause, folks.” Soft clapping and jewelry dinging against the side of wine glasses fill the room. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be taking over a business that’s been under the Blackwell name for two generations. Mr. Blackwell, I’d like to wish you the best on your future endeavors, whatever they should be. And I would like to take this opportunity to assure the shareholders and employees of Zervion Communications that I’m ready to hit the ground running. Thank you, enjoy the auction and please, as Mr. Blackwell already said, donate generously. After all folks, it’s for a great cause.”
     
    Bradley and Matthew shuffle their way through the reporters, and the crowd starts to disperse back to their corners of the room where they can no doubt gossip about the announcement.
     
    “I’m going to go talk to him,” I tell Brianna.
     
    “I’ll be here if you need me, good luck.”
     
    I wade through the people toward the podium, but can’t see him anywhere. Panic rises in my throat. Did he leave that quickly? Was he only here to make his retirement speech? I feel like a bobble head doll on a dashboard with my face swiveling and bouncing around as I search the crowd for Matthew again.
     
    There he is! I spot him near the back of the room talking to a statuesque blond woman. My heart sinks as I watch her touch his arm and laugh. Her creamy, peach skin flushes as she giggles at whatever Matthew just said. I look over my shoulder to Brianna, but she’s already engaged in another conversation with Bradley. I will not jump to conclusions. I’ve made enough impulsive decisions, now it’s time to be an adult. Even if they are together,