Alpha's Twins Chapter 70

"But Dad, I—"

I wanted to tell him I was ready, but he cut me off.

"The timing's right. Next week, you'll take over the company and step into the CEO position."

I couldn't argue with Dad. When he made a decision like this, that was it.

"Your father's right," Mom chimed in. "You've learned enough. You'll pick up the rest once you're in the role."

I nodded and looked over at my brother. He smiled back at me.

He ruffled my hair. "You'll be fine. And if anyone gives my sister grief after this, I'll rip their heads off."

I figured he was talking about Adrian. I wondered how Adrian would react when he found out who I really was. Part of me hoped he'd regret all those accusations. Though knowing him, he'd probably just find some other reason to tear me down.

The days flew by as I jumped back into work at the company. My schedule was absolutely insane that whole week.

The twins kept wanting my attention, but I could barely give them any quality time. I felt terrible about it.

Before I knew it, the day arrived. The day I'd officially inherit the company.

All week, people had been buzzing about the new CEO. Today, they'd finally meet her.

I stood in front of my bedroom mirror, checking my reflection one last time. I'd chosen a sleeveless cream dress with a long black blazer over it. My hair hung loose around my shoulders, and I'd slipped on a pair of heels. Just a touch of makeup to finish the look.

Confidence was everything now. I couldn't be the shy, timid Natalia anymore. I was about to enter the business world, and I couldn't show any weakness. They'd eat me alive if they saw me as just another vulnerable woman.

Two little hands grabbed mine and started tugging. I looked down to see the twins grinning up at me.

"My babies." I crouched down and pulled them both into a hug.

This was my peace. They were my whole world.

"Mommy, we have a surprise for you," Aria announced.

I pulled back and looked at her. "What kind of surprise, sweetheart?"

"First, this is for you." Noah pulled a red rose from behind his back where he'd been hiding it.

I stared at the flower, then looked back at Noah. My eyes started to water.

When had my little boy gotten so grown up? Here he was, giving his mom a rose. My heart was melting.

I took the rose and kissed his forehead. "Thank you, baby."

I kissed Aria too, then hugged them both again, wiping at the corners of my eyes.

That's when I spotted Eric in the doorway.

So he was the mastermind behind Noah's sweet gesture. I smiled at him, and he grinned back, gesturing for me to come out before disappearing down the hall.

I stood up and walked out with the twins. When we reached the living room, I stopped in my tracks.

Everyone was gathered around a gorgeous cake. This must have been Aria's surprise.

"Come on, Mommy! Cut the cake!" Aria pulled me toward it.

Mom, Dad, Jason, and Eric were all beaming at me.

"What's all this?" I asked.

Jason handed me a knife. "Just a little celebration before you officially become CEO."

I cut the cake and fed everyone pieces. I was over the moon. This simple moment completely lifted my spirits.

When it was time to leave, the twins gave me thumbs up as Eric and I headed out. They didn't really understand business yet—they were just kids—but I could see the pride in their eyes, like they knew their mom was about to do something amazing.

"Nervous?" Eric asked as he drove.

I nodded. "A little."

He reached into the glove compartment and handed me a water bottle.

"Drink this."

I grabbed it and downed almost half the bottle.

"Better?" he asked.

I nodded and turned to him. "Thanks, Eric."

"For what?"

"For helping me with the office work. And for giving Noah that idea."

He glanced at me. "How'd you know that was my idea?"

"I know you, Eric."

Something shifted in his expression. He smiled as he asked, "Do you really?"

"Yeah."

"I don't think so. I think you only think you know me."

My mouth fell open. "Why would you say that? We've been friends for years. What makes you think I don't know you?"

He chuckled at my rapid-fire questions as he pulled into the company entrance. We were here.

He got out and came around to open my door, extending his hand. I took it and stepped out.

"I'll tell you someday," he said, answering my earlier questions as we started walking, his hand still holding mine.

I took a deep breath as people around us began to stare.

Eric must have already announced he'd be arriving with the new CEO, because employees started bowing to me.

Some who recognized me from before looked absolutely shocked.

I even heard one woman whisper, "Natalia's our new CEO? How is that even possible?"