Cassian's POV
Virelux Headquarters – Press Room
Thursday, 11:00 AM
Cassian adjusted his cufflinks, then his tie. Not out of nerves, but because old habits had their own rhythm.
Behind him: the company seal.
Before him: a forest of microphones and a sea of cameras.
He stepped up to the podium and let the silence settle. One breath. Two.
Then, steady:
"Effective immediately, I am stepping down as Chief Executive Officer of Virelux."
A ripple moved through the room. Reporters straightened, pens scratched, gasps weren't masked.
He let them sit in it for a moment.
Then:
"This is not a retreat. Nor a scandal. This is a decision made with clarity and purpose.
The board and I have agreed that it's time for a new chapter, both for the company, and for me."
He paused. Not for dramatics. Just for breath.
"I will be transitioning into a new role: Head of Strategic Ethics and Global Expansion.
It's a division we've long needed. One that thinks beyond profit margins and market share.
One that considers legacy, not just in name, but in the lives we shape through our policies and leadership."
Flashes. Scribbles. Someone asked a question he ignored.
"Virelux remains a company I believe in. I'm proud of what we've built.
And I'm even more proud of what comes next. When we lead with transparency, humanity, and care."
He gave them no scandal. No sound bite soaked in shame.
Only a man choosing to evolve. On record.
"Thank you."
He stepped away before the follow-up storm began.
Because this wasn't for them.
It was for her.
---
Lyra's POV
Her Apartment – Same Time
The feed played quietly on her tablet. She sat on the couch, one hand resting lightly over her belly, fingers splayed like a silent promise.
Cassian's voice filled the room. Calm. Sure. Worn, but not bowed.
She didn't realize she was holding her breath until it released all at once.
He looked taller somehow. Because of the weight he let go of. The image he stopped protecting.
He wasn't clinging to the title.
He was stepping forward into something new, with her shadow in his heart, and their future somewhere ahead of them.
The baby kicked.
She smiled, lips trembling a little. "I know. He sounded like home."
---
Talia's POV
In the Office, Watching From a Conference Room
Talia leaned back, arms crossed, eyes locked on the monitor.
"Damn," she muttered. "The man knows how to exit."
Beside her, Theo just nodded, arms folded.
"He didn't even flinch," he said.
"No," she agreed. "Because he wasn't lying."
They exchanged a look.
"You think this'll stick?" Talia asked. "New role, new rules?"
"I think," Theo said, "he finally picked the right fight."
---
Letizia's POV
Private Suite – Post-Conference
Letizia closed her laptop with a soft, satisfied click.
"Dignified. Measured. So unlike his father."
She poured a drink. Just one.
Then picked up her phone and dialed a number she'd long ignored.
When the voice answered, she simply said:
"Let's talk next steps. You've seen the speech. Now let's show them what legacy really looks like."
---
Lyra's POV
Later That Night – Lyra's Apartment
The day passed in slow waves. Texts. Emails. One knock at the door that turned out to be groceries Cassian had ordered and delivered.
She didn't see him that night.
But his voice came through a message.
> C: I meant every word. But the one I really wanted to say was your name.
She typed back, heart full and quiet:
> L: We heard it.
She pressed her hand again to her stomach.
And whispered softly: "All of us."