CHAPTER 54: CHAPTER 54: TENSIONS AND THREATS

I froze. "What?"

"I’ll be there," I replied quickly before ending the call.

Zayn’s brows knitted. "What happened?"

"My father is here," I said.

"What?" His eyes widened, and a flicker of panic crossed his face.

I couldn’t help but smile at his expression.

He stared at me, clearly unimpressed. "What’s funny? We’re talking about your father. Rogan Draeven. There’s nothing funny about that, Evric."

"Relax," I told him calmly. "This is my house. He won’t step beyond the living room, I know him. He’s never going to pass that point."

I gestured toward the stairs. "Come on, I’ll get changed first, then I’ll go see him."

Zayn nodded slowly. "Okay..."

I rested a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You have nothing to worry about. Just stay in my room until I’m done. Then I’ll come back to you, alright?"

We headed upstairs together. I took a quick shower, changed into fresh clothes, and stepped out to see Zayn also getting dressed.

"Babe," I called softly.

He glanced at me. "Yes?"

"I’ll be back, okay?"

He nodded, and I reached the door, but stopped halfway, turned back, and crossed the room to press a quick kiss to his lips. Then I left, heading for the staircase that led down to the living room.

As I descended, I saw Rogan seated comfortably, his assistant standing stiffly at his side. Nuala was perched close to him, speaking in a low, almost cheerful tone. I knew immediately she was stalling for me, buying me time.

The moment Rogan’s gaze found me, just as I expected, he spoke in that sharp, authoritative voice. "What took you so long, Evric?"

"I was busy with some work upstairs," I replied evenly.

He gave no response, no sign of whether he believed me or not.

I didn’t bother with small talk. "Why are you here? We agreed I’d come to you."

Rogan leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable. "I had some business in the area, so I decided to stop by."

Then his gaze locked on mine, sharp and deliberate. "I’ll go straight to the point."

"You’ve been CEO for a month now," Rogan said, his tone firm but calm. "I’ve heard you keep rejecting interviews and turning down the media. As CEO, Evric, you should know you’re also the voice of Draeven Holdings. So tell me, why do you keep silencing that voice?"

I met his gaze without flinching. "I thought I made this clear before taking the position. I would appear on television once, for the official announcement that I’m the new CEO, and after that, no more interviews or media appearances. We discussed this before, Father."

Rogan leaned back in his seat, fingers drumming lightly on the armrest. "We discussed it," he agreed, his voice even, "but I didn’t take it to mean you’d shut yourself away from the public eye entirely. The company needs a face, not just a name on paper."

I folded my arms. "And I told you the company already has a face. Draeven Holdings is bigger than one man, its reputation doesn’t need mine plastered all over the news."

His eyes narrowed slightly, the only sign of his irritation. "You may think you’re protecting yourself, Evric, but to the board, it looks like avoidance. Weakness."

I let out a short, sharp laugh, void of any humor. "Who cares, Father? If the board thinks avoiding the press is a sign of weakness, then they’re simply looking for faults. Since I stepped into this position, I’ve doubled the company’s growth. Draeven Holdings has never lost under me, only gained. If they need my face for some other benefit, I’m not interested. No. I will not speak to the public again. As long as nothing is lost, don’t expect anything more from me."

Rogan’s eyes narrowed, his fingers tapping the armrest of his chair. "Evric, you may be delivering results, but leadership is not just about numbers. A CEO must also be the public face of the company. Stakeholders, investors, the media, they all need to see you, hear you, and trust your vision."

I met his gaze evenly, unflinching. "I understand that, Father. But I lead in a way that suits me and benefits the company. If my results speak louder than appearances, then that should be enough. I am committed to Draeven Holdings’ growth, and that is my priority, not fulfilling a public image for others’ comfort."

He leaned forward slightly, the tension in the room thickening. "You may think this suffices internally, but you must understand the optics. The public needs reassurance, and your absence from the spotlight raises questions. Questions the board is already asking."

I straightened my posture, my words deliberate and confident. "Then let them ask. My presence will be earned where it matters most, through results, not appearances. I will not compromise my approach for empty recognition. Draeven Holdings’ success speaks for itself."

Rogan stared at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable, before he finally spoke. "I’m not here to argue with you today, Evric, but you are being stubborn. And things have been peaceful lately only because your mother begged me. I don’t understand what’s so difficult about you being the public voice of the company you lead."

I met his gaze evenly, my tone calm but firm. "Father, I am the CEO. Whether I appear in public or not is my decision, not the board’s, and certainly not yours. If the company needs a spokesperson, let Chrisly handle it. He’s still your son."

Rogan said, "Chrisly isn’t the CEO, so how do you expect him to speak for you? Tell me, Evric, why are you hiding from the media? Is it because you’re not living a ’normal’ life as a man? Is that why you avoid the public eye, so people won’t have anything to talk about? Since it’s only men you chase after, shame won’t allow you to go public."

I looked at him and said, "Father, we are not doing this again. We are not talking about this. Enough. I will not show myself, and that’s final." My performance is needed not my appearance in the media. I was already preparing to stand up when his voice cut through me.

He leaned forward, eyes hard, voice low and sharp. "If you won’t do as I say willingly, I will take it by force. And since you insist on being stubborn, don’t be surprised if I make an attempt to separate you from that so-called chef boyfriend of yours."

"What?"