Chapter 1
The cold metal of the private elevator descended deeper beneath the limestone foundation of our Greenwich estate.
My cut finger throbbed, but the stinging physical pain was entirely overshadowed by a sudden, exhilarating clarity.
For eight long years, I had lowered my voice, diminished my stature, and allowed Julian to play the brilliant titan of industry.
I had watched his arrogant mother, Evelyn, criticize my table manners while drinking wine bought with my private trust money.
I had endured his sister Chloe’s cruel social media posts framing me as a simple thrift-store charity case.
The elevator doors chimed softly, sliding open to reveal a lit marble corridor illuminated by recessed gold sconces.
My chief of staff, Marcus Vance, stood waiting with a crisp linen towel and a silver tray holding a medical kit.
“Good evening, Madam Chairperson,” Marcus said, bowing his head respectfully as he stepped forward to tend to my bleeding hand.
“Your security detail is fully assembled, and the motorcade is waiting in the subterranean garage.”
“Thank you, Marcus,” I said, holding out my hand as he skillfully disinfected the cut and applied a delicate skin adhesive.
“Has the board approved the final acquisition documents for Julian’s firm?”
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“Unanimously,” Marcus replied, handing me a sleek black velvet box containing a multi-carat diamond choker.
“At midnight tonight, Harrison Global Real Estate will officially become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sterling Investment Group.”
