The Heiress Crown of Deception

imposing glass doors. The gleaming skyscraper loomed over the city like a crown jewel, its sharp lines and reflective windows a testa

she was now expected to uphold. She paused for a moment before stepping inside, inhaling deeply. The scent of f

ed her footsteps as she walked toward the private elevator that would take her to the top floor

ightly askew and a clipboard in hand. "You're on time," he said,

egory the satisfaction of see

, nodding approvingly. "You look

had been imported from some distant forest. Celeste placed a hand on one o

steadying her. "You've got this. Do

herself than him, and

y suit perfectly tailored, his silver hair combed back in a way that screamed authority. His eyes narro

sing from his seat. "We're

tone. "I'm glad to be here, Uncle Gregory

he seat at the head of the table-the chair her father had occupied for deca

orward, her manicured nails tapping against the table. "We were just

r briefcase on the table and pulling out a neatl

address the question on everyone's mind." He paused for effect, his gaze sweeping the room. "With Harrison's unfortun

Celeste s

enced leadership. While I have the utmost respect for Celeste's potential, I believe it would be in the com

Celeste said, her tone sharp enough

ure of feigned humility. "I only w

his. "Because it sounds like you're questioning my abili

ppled throu

"This isn't personal, Celeste. The board simpl

his company, and I intend to honor his trust. I may not have spent years in this boardroom, but I've spen

, but confidence alone won't secure the company's future. The stakes a

e high. Which is why we need leadership that prioritizes

d her. Celeste picked it up, her movements de

ges we're facing, including supply chain disruptions and declining market share in Europe. If you hav

he document, his ex

s narrowing slightly. "This is... thorough,"

iously," Celeste said. "My father trusted me with this c

he weight of her words

ugh it didn't reach his eyes. "Well, I suppose the board will ne

e you need. I'll be here when you

filing out of the room with murmured farewells. Grego

said, his tone almost amused. "But fire ca

flinching. "And yet, it

a low, cold sound,

ssion a mix of relief and pride. "You

ote of confidence

t let Gregory steamroll you, and y

ering her papers. "But th

reflection in the mirrored walls, barely recognizing the woman staring back. She looked composed, confident. Bu

u're going to need allies if

w," sh

g. "Have you thought about re

s as impressive as it was dangerous. He had worked with her father on several high-stakes

about it," s

nd

to bring him into this

"Just don't wait too long. Gregory isn't going to play fa

ate, and Celeste stepped out, her min

emory: "Power isn't about readines

as willing. And for now, th