Chapter 9 - Rebuilding
Three months passed since the night of the anniversary banquet.
The scandal had dominated the financial news networks for weeks.
Julian was denied bail and was currently sitting in a federal holding cell, awaiting a trial he was guaranteed to lose.
Vanessa had been blacklisted from every major corporation in the country, forced to take a minimum-wage job out of state.
Chloe’s family had completely severed ties with Julian, avoiding the fallout of his financial crimes.
As for me, I finally dropped the disguise I had worn for so long.
I stopped hiding my heritage and stepped into my rightful place within the Sterling empire.
I took over the liquidated remains of Vanguard Investments and rebranded it entirely.
I moved the headquarters to a massive glass skyscraper overlooking the ocean.
Sitting in my new corner office, dressed in a sharp tailored suit, I felt more powerful than I ever had in my life.
I was no longer the quiet, supportive wife waiting in the shadows.
I was Clara Sterling, and the entire corporate world now knew exactly who I was.
There was a soft knock on my office door.
Harrison walked in, carrying two cups of expensive coffee.
“The board just approved your new acquisition strategy,” Harrison smiled, handing me a cup.
“They are terrified of you, Clare.”
“Good,” I replied, taking a sip of the dark coffee.
“Fear is a fantastic motivator.”
May you like
Harrison chuckled, looking out the massive window at the city skyline.
We had burned the past to the ground, and from the ashes, I was building an absolute fortress.
