Chapter 2

The penthouse didn’t look like it belonged to someone who’d vanished from the world for three months. Marble floors. Chrome fixtures. Views of the entire city skyline. And the smell—God—the air smelled like wealth. “I’m sorry,” I whispered as I walked in, unsure who I was talking to. My dead grandfather? The girl I used to be? “You don’t have to apologize for taking what’s yours.” The voice came from across the room. Deep. Measured. Male. I turned—and saw him. Black suit. Clean lines. A watch that cost more than my old tuition. And a face that looked like sin with a lawyer’s license. He stepped forward, hand extended. “Luca Ward. Estate attorney. And now... your personal advisor.” “I didn’t ask for one,” I said. “You also didn’t ask to inherit a billion-dollar empire,” he replied smoothly. “But here we are.” Touché. He handed me a slim envelope. “These are the final documents. Your name has been restored. Your ownership stakes—public and silent—are active. And per your grandfather’s wishes... you now sit on the board of Voss International.” I laughed. I actually laughed. Three months ago, I couldn’t even get a student loan extension. Now I owned a company my stepmother had spent twenty years clawing her way into. “You okay?” he asked. “No,” I said. “But I will be.” The first board meeting was a circus. Veronica was there, of course. Dressed like a grieving widow, all black silk and fake humility. She didn’t see me until I sat in the chair at the head of the table. Her eyes widened. Her mouth parted. Then tightened. “Excuse me,” she said slowly, voice sweetened with poison. “This seat is reserved.” I folded my hands. “It is. For the majority shareholder.” Luca placed the official document folder on the table, flipped to the signatures, and looked directly at her. “That would be Miss Voss.” I watched her smile crack. Just a little. But it was enough. “Darling,” she hissed in a whisper no one else could hear. “You have no idea what you’ve stepped into.” “Oh, I do,” I whispered back. “I’ve stepped into your throne. Hope the view from below doesn’t suck.” She stood. Stormed out. But I knew her better than anyone. She wouldn’t go far. She was just gearing up. And I was finally—finally—ready to play. As the meeting ended, Luca leaned in close, lips brushing the shell of my ear. “You made quite an entrance.” I tilted my head. “Stick around. I’m not done yet.” And for the first time in months, I meant it.