𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝑰𝒏 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 42

"Empire on Edge: Vasilios CEO Battles for Life as Family Takes the Helm," one report showed. Whilst another a glimpse of hope, "Vasilios Dynasty Endures: Family Unites as CEO Fights for Recovery"

The days in Greece blurred into a constant rhythm of responsibility and vigilance. Every morning, I would slip out of Nico's hospital room, leave Iris with a trusted caretaker, and head straight to the office. As acting CEO in Nico's absence, Grandpa Vasilios, he and I had to navigate the intense scrutiny and relentless media storm surrounding his condition. The world was watching, and every decision, every move I made, carried consequences for him, for Iris, and for the empire Nico had built.

Xion and I worked side by side, each of us balancing unyielding workloads while waiting on updates from Dr. Drakos. I could see the strain in Xion's face, but his resolve was unbreakable. Every time I felt close to falling apart, he was there with a steady word or a reminder of what we were fighting for.

"Lowie's set to land in the U.S. soon," Xion mentioned one afternoon, glancing at his watch. "Once he's there, he'll start handling our stateside offices. It should ease the load a bit."

I nodded, grateful but feeling the weight of the countless files stacked on my desk. "Thank you, Xion. I don't know how I'd manage without you."

He gave me a small smile. "It's nothing. Besides, Nico would have my head if I didn't keep an eye on you."

The days were an endless parade of meetings, calls, and damage control as the media speculated over Nico's sudden absence. I carefully crafted each press release, ensuring no details would make Nico appear weak. The last thing I wanted was for anyone to think the family business was vulnerable.

Every evening, I'd return to the hospital, slipping out of my blazer and heels in favor of a softer presence for Iris, who had become a permanent fixture by Nico's side. She would run into my arms the moment I entered, clinging to me as if my presence could somehow keep everything from unraveling.

"Mami Sophia, when will Papi wake up?" she'd ask each time, her small voice laced with worry, her little hand reaching to touch Nico's hand gently.

I would kneel beside her, smoothing her hair and willing myself to stay composed. "Soon, my love," I whispered, holding her close. "He's fighting to come back to us. We just need to be strong for him."

In the quieter moments, when Iris had fallen asleep, and the hospital room was dim, I would sit beside Nico, tracing my fingers over his hand, memorizing the feel of his skin, willing him to wake up, to be with us. And in those rare, quiet moments, a fear would claw its way to the surface, but I'd push it down, knowing I didn't have the luxury of breaking. There was too much at stake.

One night, Xion appeared at the doorway as I sat with Nico, his face unreadable. "We need to discuss something, Sophia," he said, his tone softer than usual.

I followed him out into the hallway, closing the door softly behind me. The light from the hallway was harsh, contrasting with the dimness of Nico's room, and it sharpened the look of determination on Xion's face.

"The media storm is worsening," he began, glancing at the tablet in his hand, where headlines flashed in quick succession. "We need to make a statement, something more concrete. They're starting to question why the CEO hasn't been seen, and rumors are building."

I took a breath, bracing myself against the weight of it. "So, we tell them the truth?"

"Partially," Xion said. "We emphasize his strength, his resilience, and make it clear he'll be back soon. You've held the company together remarkably, but people need a sense of stability-and we need to remind them of who Nico is and what he stands for."