"Life?!!" Miren shrieked in shock. "That's it?!" The human stared at the hologram projection floating above the common space in Devyn's office. The sun had risen and filled the glass-enclosed office with warm light as the golden rays just began to peak through the towering skyscrapers.

"It's because he was declared mentally disabled right after the trial," Devyn explained as he sipped on a cup of black coffee. 

"That doesn't make me feel any better. That bastard deserves so much worse," Miren growled before moving from behind the couch where she had been unconsciously digging her nails into the sofa to sit on the soft cushions. 

"I'm sure he would rather be in hell than go through what he did to become like what he is now," Devyn said in the assurance that Wil was still suffering greatly albeit his sentence was light due to his new condition. 

"He better be grateful that I didn't get my hands on him..." Miren turned her head to look at Denzyl before adding, "Though I'm sure Denzyl instilled the greatest fear into Wil he had ever encountered." Miren's coolness of Denzyl being a demon still astounded Devyn although it was apparent Miren had suspected Denzyl of his true identity for quite some time. With Miren's past trauma, Devyn had braced for the worst, but Miren had been surprisingly understanding and even supportive of Devyn loving a demon. 

"I pray wherever they put him only increases his misery," Miren continued after taking a sip of her cream-only coffee. "You know those asylums in all those horror movies with the monster patients? I hope that's where they stick him."

Devyn smirked in agreement. "That would be quite fitting, wouldn't it?"

"Mm," Miren sounded in response as she swallowed a sip of coffee. "So," the redhead addressed the CEO while reaching to the glass table stationed before the sofa to set down her mug. "Are you ready for the board meeting?"

Devyn's chest rose and fell as he took a deep breath before nodding in confirmation. "I don't think there should be much push-back. The verdict made things quite clear on who the members should invest in. What's left is to see if the mole pokes their head out." Devyn paused for a moment before adding, "I'm just ready to get it over with." For the first time in his life, Devyn did not have to worry about appeasing, avoiding, or resisting his abuser. No matter what the outcome of the upcoming meeting was going to be, Devyn was just relieved that he was free. 

The three rested in Devyn's office for the half hour that remained before the start of the board meeting. A calmness had replaced the anxious atmosphere of the office upon the release of the verdict, so Devyn, Denzyl, and Miren were able to enjoy the time spent together before the chaos of the dreaded meeting ensued. 

Coolly and confidently, Devyn walked into the glass-walled conference room that hosted the twenty or so members of Vaumyr and Co.'s board. The quiet room grew deathly silent as the CEO and his bodyguard made their way to the head of the table. "Thank you for attending at such short notice," Devyn addressed the members in his welcome statement. "The topics of today's meeting will be over what shall be done with Wil Kossen's property as well as his rights to his shares and position of CEO of VIANT."

"As per the contract, should Mr. Kossen become unfit to remain as CEO and owner of VIANT, his position and all his belongings shall be given to his spouse, if applicable, or next of kin," Wil's personal attorney stated as he stood to his feet. "Sentenced to life in an institution due to the guilty charge of abuse, kidnap, and attempted murder, Wil Kossen has been deemed unfit by the state to continue his duties as CEO and owner of VIANT, and thus, all his possessions shall be forwarded to his contracted fiancé, Devyn Vaumyr." 

The attorney bowed to Devyn before continuing, "The files and contracts have been sent to you, Mr. Vaumyr. Please review and sign at your earliest convenience. Once the filework is completed, you shall have access to all of Mr. Kossen's bank, stock, and company information."

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate your prompt response in sending me the documents," Devyn replied with a respectful nod of his head. Once his duties had been completed, the attorney sat back down and crossed his legs expectantly in anticipation of the show that was about to begin. Turning to the board members, Devyn revealed, "I have signed all of the documents regarding my obtaining Kossen's position and possessions. His attorney was gracious enough to send the files to me to review the moment the verdict was announced earlier this morning." Devyn took a moment to pause before revealing the news that would hit the headlines following the trial's verdict. "Upon careful consideration, I have decided to transfer everything I received from Wil Kossen to Miren Mage, current President of VIANT. Miren has been with VIANT for nearly sixty years and is the most fit for the position of CEO."

Murmurs immediately broke out amongst the board members. Miren was the last person the board wanted to inherit the position of CEO as well as Wil's stocks. She was no puppet and was a champion at keeping the members in check. 

"Before you completely disregard my decision, think about the future of VIANT," Devyn said suddenly, drawing each person's attention back to him. "Miren is the reason VIANT is still standing today. While Wil Kossen was partying and playing, Miren was working to keep all your pockets full and happy. Do you really want someone who would throw the company away to parties and drugs?" The members were quiet. They knew Devyn was right. "There's nothing you can do about it anyway. The position was founded as an inheritance. Miren Mage is now CEO of VIANT until her death."

While the members grumbled to themselves quietly in response to Devyn's words, Miren remained frozen with a stunned expression on her face. She had not the slightest idea of Devyn's intentions to make her VIANT's CEO and heir to Wil's possessions. Seeing the shocked woman out of the corner of his eye, Devyn turned to Miren and smiled at her softly before lifting a brow as if to ask if she was alright. Tears filled Miren's eyes as she looked at Devyn fondly. The boy she had known was now a man. He was strong and compassionate. He had undergone hardships and trials unknown to most and had come out of them braver and better than ever.

Ruckus outside the conference room cut off the murmurs that were growing louder. All heads turned toward the large wooden doors when they were flung open and a screaming woman barged into the room. Out of the undecipherable shrieks that spewed out of the woman's mouth, Devyn was able to make out "How dare you!!", "My precious boy!", and "After all he did for you!" as she stormed up to him.

Blocked by a tall man who immediately placed himself between the shrieking woman and Devyn, the intruders stopped short of the CEO as Denzyl glared at them dangerously. Once the woman stopped to catch her breath, Devyn recognized her as Wil's mother. Devyn also recognized the man standing next to her as Wil's father. A smirk appeared on Devyn's lips when he saw the figure lurking behind the father. The mole had made their move.

"Thank you for the unannounced guests, Astrid," Devyn addressed the female standing behind Wil's parents slyly. 

"Hello, Mr. Vaumyr," Astrid began timidly. "I'm sorry, sir. I tried to st-"

"Enough, Astrid," Devyn interjected harshly. He was tired of Astrid's games. He had watched the woman shift from being timid to conniving one too many times. Astrid's face would fall, and her eyes would become sharp as daggers whenever Devyn would turn his back to her. It did not take Devyn long to notice Astrid's changes in demeanor, and he had quickly tired of his secretary's acting. "You may leave. You are hereby fired. A notice of a suit against you for corporate espionage will be sent to you shortly. Good day."

A scoff riffed from Astrid's lips at Devyn's curt words. "Espionage? I was just doing my job!" Flames filled Astrid's eyes as she glared at the CEO standing in front of her.

"You were employed by Vaumyr and Co. and received payment from yours' truly, so any information you passed to VIANT, another company, is espionage. Now, see yourself out before I call for security. You have ten seconds to leave my sight." Devyn cocked his head to the side as he waited for his orders to sink into Astrid. 

Another scoff was Astrid's response as her eyes widened and her mouth hung in disbelief. "You won't get away with this. This is unlawful! You think you can do whatever you want just because you have money!"

Devyn watched with silent satisfaction as Astrid stormed out of the conference room before turning his attention to the remaining two intruders. "Can I help you?" The short address brought Kossen's parents' attention to Devyn as the door to the conference room closed behind his now ex-secretary. 

"How could you do this to my son?!" The mother's tongue was sharp when she lashed out at Devyn. "After all he has done for you, after he has loved you for so long! How could you send him to prison for wanting you to be by his side?!" 

Devyn's brows crinkled when he heard the woman's passionate statements. Wil, love him? How absurd. Disgust filled Devyn at the thought that someone could have ever perceived Wil Kossen as anything more than a cruel abuser and manipulator. He was vile and the most heinous being Devyn ever had the displeasure of encountering. How could someone think so highly of such an abhorrent man?

"I want you to give up your rights to Wil's inheritance!" The father ordered harshly, drowning out the mother's cries. "You're the reason why Wil is in jail for life, so you have no right to touch his money!"

"Your son..." 

The room fell silent at Devyn's shaking breath that followed. Although Devyn's exhale was shaky, his voice was strong and clear. Every ear was tuned into Devyn's every word.

"Is nothing more than a monster." Devyn's statement drew a gasp from Kossen's mother. "Love me? Wil did anything but that. He made my life a living hell." Devyn stared the mother straight into her eyes, never quivering nor faltering. He had grown into someone who could finally protect himself and stand up against his abusers. "Wil Kossen is no better than those who inhabit the deepest crevices of Hades, so don't you dare come to my company and spew shit about me ruining Wil's life." Devyn's words left Wil's mom speechless. "He had it coming."

No one dared utter a word when Devyn retreated back to silence. Keen to his love, Denzyl noticed that through the deafening silence, Devyn's hands were clenched and turning white, so the demon was quick to put the parents' hysterical show to an end. Denzyl let the silence fill the room for a moment longer before addressing the two elders. "You are interrupting a very important meeting, and we must ask you to leave now."

As if snapped out of a charm, the father whipped his head to the demon and bellowed, "Who are you to tell me what to do?!" Upon the father's challenge, Denzyl stepped very closely to the man and said lowly, "I am not one to be messed with. You are disturbing Mr. Vaumyr, so I suggest you leave before I make you regret your decision to stay." Denzyl's voice sent chills down the father's spine, and the man was quick to back away from the steaming demon. Wil's father gulped as Denzyl nodded to the guards, who had arrived, as a signal to bring the man and woman out of the room.

Going to stand next to Devyn, who stood frozen in place, Denzyl took the human's hand in his and began rubbing Devyn's palm gently. The demon made sure Kossen's parents were escorted out of the conference room by several security guards before turning to the board members who had remained still as statues throughout the exchange. "We apologize for the interruptions. We will end the meeting here and will pick up at next month's meeting. For now, please prepare to welcome Miren Mage as your new CEO." Denzyl bowed to the board at the conclusion of his statement before wrapping his arm around Devyn's waist and leading his love out of the room in front of all the gaping mouths and wide eyes of the board.