Billionaire's Bounty Cost Of Love And Revenge novel Chapter 154

Chapter 154

Asher’s POV

The cameras flashed like lightning, the constant clicks filling the air as journalists jostled for position. A long table stretched before us, microphones lined up, waiting to catch every word. Janine and I sat in the center, facing the crowd, our names and titles displayed on small plaques in front of us. Sterling Industries was no longer Marcus’s. It was mine now.

I adjusted my suit jacket, my fingers tightening around the edge of the table. The murmurs in the room died down as the moderator stepped up to the podium, tapping the mic to test the sound.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming,” he began. “Today, we address the transition of leadership at Sterling Industries following the tragic loss of Marcus Sterling. His younger brother, Asher Sterling, will now take over as CEO, while Janine Sterling will assume leadership at Sterling Winery.”

I felt Janine stiffen beside me. I didn’t look at her, but I knew what she was thinking–this wasn’t supposed to be her role. She had never wanted it.

The moderator turned to me. “Mr. Sterling, you may begin.”

I exhaled slowly and leaned forward.

“Thank you all for being here.” My voice was steady, even as my chest tightened. “Marcus built this company with a vision for the future, and his impact on Sterling Industries, and on the industry as a whole, cannot be overstated. His loss is one we will feel for years to come.

“But his work does not end here. I intend to carry forward his legacy with the same dedication and commitment he showed every single day. Our team remains strong, our goals remain clear, and we will continue to push forward with innovation and excellence.”

A few heads nodded, some journalists scribbling notes. I could already predict the headlines: Asher Sterling Promises to Honor His Brother’s Legacy.

I turned slightly toward Janine. It was her turn to speak.

She cleared her throat, gripping the edge of the table. “Sterling Winery has always been a family business. It was never just about making wine–it was about the land, the history, the people who made it what it is. Marcus knew that better than anyone.” She paused, taking a breath. “I never expected to be in this position, but I will do everything in my power to uphold what he built.”

Her voice was controlled, but I could see the tension in her shoulders.

The moderator nodded. “We’ll now open the floor to questions.”

Immediately, hands shot up.

The first journalist stood. “Asher, many believe you were never involved in the business before Marcus’s passing. How do you plan to gain the trust of investors and employees who saw Marcus as the driving force of this company?”

I expected this question.

“I won’t pretend to be Marcus,” I said. “But I’ve spent years learning from him, watching the way he led this company. I know what’s at stake, and I know that trust isn’t given, it’s earned. My focus now is on proving that I am capable of leading Sterling Industries with the same integrity and vision.

A few nods. They weren’t convinced yet, but that was fine. They would be.

Another journalist stood. “Janine, you were never formally involved in the winery before now. What makes you qualified to lead it?”

Janine hesitated. I saw it,

the flicker of doubt in her eyes…

She glanced at me, and I gave her the slightest nod.

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13:42 Sat, 12

Chapter 154

“I may not have been in an official position before, but Sterling Winery is in my blood,” she said. “I grew up there. I know the land, the workers, the process. My focus isn’t just on maintaining what Marcus built it’s on growing it, ensuring that the winery thrives under my leadership.”

A few more murmurs, a couple of reporters jotting down notes.

Then came the question I had been dreading.

A man in the front row leaned forward, his voice sharp. “There’s been speculation about the nature of Marcus Sterling’s death. Some say there’s more to the story than what’s been reported. Would you like to comment on that?”

The air in the room shifted.

I felt Janine tense beside me. My jaw tightened.

I could see Ivy and Luca standing at the back of the room, their expressions unreadable.

I inhaled slowly, forcing my face to remain neutral, “Marcus’s death was a tragedy. That is all I will say on the matter.”

The journalist opened his mouth again, but the moderator cut in. “Next question.”

The tension lingered, but I didn’t let it show.

The rest of the conference passed in a blur of questions and controlled answers, each one carefully measured, revealing just enough but never too much.

By the time we left the stage, my head was pounding.

As soon as we stepped off, Janine exhaled sharply. “That was awful.”

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