THE TROJAN HEIRESS

Tiffany Viaje Del Cargador stood before the Alpha Council, her face set like stone. The black cloak hanging to her ankles masked her body but couldn't shield her from the six pairs of cold, predatory eyes sizing her up.

She could see lust, disdain, and contempt as they stared at her. She felt them all, but she refused to flinch. Her father had told her this day would define her future. If she wanted a seat on the council—or to replace him—she had to prove she could stand against these men.

“Gentlemen of the Council,” Don Alejandro, her father, began at the podium. His voice filled the room that was adorned with portraits of past leaders—billionaires turned gods of the syndicate.

“Today marks the 18th birthday of my only child, Tiffany Viaje Del Cargador, who will inherit all I own, including my seat in the Alpha Brotherhood.”

The council erupted at their leader’s announcement. Their overlapping voices tore through Tiffany's ears.

“Impossible! She's a woman!”

“No female has ever led this brotherhood!”

“Agreed! Besides, she’s just a child!”

Tiffany clenched her jaw. She had expected this—a wall of rejection dressed in tradition and greed. These men didn't care about her accomplishments, only their power. Still, she stood tall and unafraid.

Don Alejandro raised a hand, silencing the outrage. “She is my blood. My heir. Written in the council agreement that if she fails her initiation, she will marry a man of the Brotherhood's choosing, and her husband will lead in her place.”

The Don cast her an unsteady look before continuing his speech. “Unfortunately, Tiffany does not want that path. She is here to prove her worth as a leader.”

Another councilman sneered. “Better to marry her off now. Perhaps one of our sons—"

“Or one of us!” someone cackled.

Tiffany’s fury boiled over the men’s nasty comments. “Enough!” She said. Her voice was steady, cutting through the room sharply. “I will not marry until I choose to do so. Besides, I was raised by the Don himself and trained my entire life for this moment. I am a Del Cargador, and our family always rules. Always. Even you, Alpha council, cannot take that from me.”

A tense silence followed her declaration. Tiffany once again felt their intense gazes as she stood before them.

Finally, one councilman leaned forward. “If she wishes to lead, let her prove it.”

“What’s your proposal?” the Don asked.

“She will kill the leader of the Dragon Brotherhood.”