The boardroom was quiet, breathless with anticipation.
Mason stood at the head of the long table, beside his grandfather's now-vacated seat. His eyes scanned the faces of every board member.
They were the same faces that in recent months had once doubted him, ignored his ideas, and labeled him "too idealistic." But now, they were all looking up at him, waiting for his first words as chairman.
He took a deep breath, his voice calm but commanding.
"Thank you all," Mason began, "for believing in what this company stands for.
Harrington Tech didn't grow because we took shortcuts or because we bowed to pressure. We got here because of vision, integrity, and unity."
The board members nodded in agreement. Some smiled. Others just listened.
"I know many of you were not expecting this, my return, my position, this moment. But I've spent the last year learning, watching, and preparing. And I've come back, not to take over, but to take responsibility."
His voice grew firmer.
