Chapter 3 The Billionaire's Problem

The Beaumont Global boardroom was quiet.

The meeting had ended twenty minutes ago, most of the directors filing out with the usual pleasantries and handshakes. Bastien had stayed behind, reviewing the final documents from the Meridian acquisition deal.

His grandfather sat at the head of the table, still in his seat, watching him with those sharp eyes that had never missed anything.

"You handled the acquisition well," Emile Beaumont said.

Bastien looked up. "Thank you."

"The board was impressed. Particularly the way you managed the regulatory complications. Richard said it was the cleanest negotiation he'd seen in years."

Bastien nodded, waiting. There was something else coming. He could feel it.

"However," Emile continued, "the board has begun to reconsider certain assumptions."

Bastien set down his pen. "What assumptions?"

"Assumptions about your succession."

The word hung in the air between them.

Bastien had always been the obvious successor. He'd spent years learning every division of Beaumont Global, building relationships with major stakeholders and proving himself capable of handling the pressure that came with leading the company.

"What about it?"

"Antoine has been attending board meetings and he's made some interesting contributions. Several members are impressed."

Bastien kept his expression neutral.

"Antoine has been attending meetings for three months. I've been running major divisions of this company for ten years."

"Seniority isn't the only consideration." Emile leaned forward. "The board wants to see that you're prepared for the responsibilities that come with leading this family. Not just the business."

Bastien understood.

"Marriage," he said flatly.

"Among other things."

Emile's voice remained calm.

"They want stability. They want to see that you're prepared for the responsibilities that come with being the head of this company."

Bastien leaned back in his chair.

"Since when does my marital status determine whether I can run a company?"

"It doesn't determine it. But the board is entitled to consider the image and stability of the person who will eventually lead Beaumont Global."

"So I'm supposed to get married to reassure a group of executives?"

"You're supposed to put your best foot forward."

Bastien stared at him.

"And how long do I have?"

"Six weeks, if you do not want your cousin at the altar before you."

"Six weeks?"

"Yes. If you fail to make the right step, then the board will begin considering other candidates."

Bastien's jaw clenched.

"This is ridiculous."

"What is ridiculous, Bastien, is how fixated you seem on refusing to build your personal life."

"Well, I've been too busy building this company."

Emile rose, leaning his weight on his cane.

"I built this company, Grandson. And while your contributions are duly acknowledged, the board has made its stance clear. Your cousin has announced his engagement, and he is positioning himself correctly."

Bastien scoffed.

"So is it all about appearances?"

"No. It's about balancing the two aspects of your life. At your age, I was running this company while already married to your grandmother."

Emile walked slowly toward the door, his slight lilt to the left more noticeable now.

"I found the balance then and you must find it now, Bastien."

He left.

Bastien remained in the boardroom, staring daggers into the empty chairs.

He had six weeks to find a wife if he didn't want Antoine in his office.

---

Bastien found Antoine in the hallway outside the executive offices.

His cousin was leaning against the wall, phone in hand, a smile playing at his lips.

"Bastien," Antoine said, pocketing his phone. "Good meeting."

"You were in there for half of it," Bastien muttered.

"I had a prior commitment. But I heard the Meridian deal went well. Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Antoine fell into step beside him as they walked toward the elevators.

"Amelie sends her regards," Antoine said casually. "She's been busy with the wedding arrangements. Apparently, the florist is having a crisis about peonies."

"That sounds difficult."

"It is." Antoine smiled. "But aren't those the kind of problems we want at this point of our lives?"

Bastien gave him a flat look and Antoine laughed. The elevator arrived and they stepped inside.

"We're entering a new phase, Bastien, and things may take a surprising turn for both of us," Antoine said.

Bastien nodded.

"Thankfully, I'm unfazed by surprises."

Antoine laughed and glanced at his phone again.

"We'll see."

"That, we will."

The elevator doors opened on the ground floor and Antoine stepped out first, then turned back.

"I'll see you at the family brunch on Sunday. Hopefully, you'll get to meet Amelie properly."

Bastien gave him a tight smile and nodded.

"Of course."

Antoine walked away, a visible spring in his step.

---

The penthouse was quiet when Bastien arrived home.

He walked through the rooms without turning on the lights. Past the living room, where three Asteria paintings hung on the walls.

He'd just commissioned another a few days ago.

It was a small consolation from the deadline hanging over his head.