Chapter: Liam — A New Era Begins
Liam's POV
The towering glass of Blackwood Industries reflected the golden morning sun like a beacon. From the top floor, Liam Blackwood stood with his hands in his pockets, staring out over the city skyline. The view hadn't changed, but everything else had.
He was no longer the heir. He was the CEO now.
The title still felt surreal, even though he'd been preparing for it most of his life. His father, Damon Blackwood, had officially stepped down six months ago, assuming the role of Chairman. And now, the empire he built was in Liam's hands.
A gentle knock came on the office door. His new assistant peeked in.
"Mr. Blackwood, the board is ready for you."
Liam turned and gave a small nod. "Tell them I'll be there in a moment."
"Of course."
Once alone again, Liam straightened his jacket and glanced briefly at the framed photo on his desk. It was from his college graduation. His parents stood on either side of him—Damon proud and strong in his sharp suit, Arya glowing as ever, and beside them, Hope, barely sixteen then, squeezing into the photo like the bratty sister she always was.
He smiled faintly and picked up the photo for a second. His mother was still very much alive—and still the quiet force behind them all. When Damon was the hammer, Arya was the hand that guided it. Liam often wondered how much of his father's empire had survived because of her calm wisdom and patient loyalty.
He put the frame down, drew a deep breath, and stepped into the boardroom.
Twelve pairs of eyes turned toward him as he entered. The same board members who had followed his father's lead for years were now waiting for his. Some skeptical, others curious. A few already convinced.
"Gentlemen," Liam began, voice calm and firm, "we're standing at the edge of a new era for Blackwood Industries. We've built an empire with legacy, but it's time we become a name not just known for power, but for innovation."
He paced slowly, confident. "We're investing in renewable energy sectors, expanding our tech division, and backing startups with real potential. We won't just keep up—we'll lead."
There was silence. Then a nod. Then another.
By the time the meeting ended, Liam knew he had made the right impression. Not because they clapped or congratulated him—they didn't. But because none of them questioned him. That was enough.
Back in his office, he allowed himself to loosen his tie slightly. Just as he reached for his coffee, his phone rang.
Dad.
He smiled and answered. "Hey, Dad."
"You didn't burn the company down yet, right?"
Liam laughed. "Still standing. Meeting went well."
"I watched from the board monitor. You held your own."
Liam leaned back in his chair. "They were waiting for me to screw up. But I didn't."
"Of course not," Damon said. "You're a Blackwood. You were born for this."
There was a pause, and then Damon added in a softer tone, "Your mother called me right after. She said you looked just like me when I took over my father's position."
"She's watching from home?"
"Of course. You know your mother. She won't rest until she reads every word of your speech and gives feedback."
Liam chuckled. "Tell her I didn't use a script."
"I'll let her know. She'll love that."
He looked out the window again, then said, "Hope texted me this morning. She said she's coming home soon."
"Yeah, she told your mom the same thing," Damon replied. "I think she wants to talk to me about something."
Liam raised an eyebrow. "She didn't tell you what?"
"No. Just said she wanted to speak in person. But your sister doesn't usually travel home without a reason."
Liam could only imagine. Hope was twenty -two now, chasing dreams with the same stubborn fire Damon had. She could be wild and unpredictable—but she was smart. Maybe she was finally ready to take her own path seriously.
"Whatever it is," Liam said, "we'll support her."
"You sound more like me every day," Damon said quietly, then chuckled. "But I think your mom likes you better."
"Only because she knows you'd never let her redecorate this office."
"She'd fill it with plants."
"She already tried."
They both laughed, and for a moment, Liam felt lighter.
"Anyway," Damon added, "I'm proud of you, Liam. Watching you today… it felt right."
Liam didn't reply right away. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Thanks, Dad. I mean that."
When the call ended, he looked around the office—the same one his father had ruled from for years. It felt different now, not just because it was his. But because he finally understood what it meant to carry a name.
Blackwood wasn't just wealth. It wasn't just power.
It was responsibility. Legacy. Family.
As he turned back toward his computer to continue working, a quiet knock came at the door again.
"Sir," his assistant said, "your sister is here. Miss Hope Blackwood."
He blinked. "Already?"
"She's waiting outside. Says it's important."
Liam stood up, adjusting his jacket once again. "Send her in."
Hope had arrived.
And whatever she came to say, it would change everything.
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