Chapter 1 – The Morning After
By sunrise, the headlines had already begun.
"Grant Holdings Faces Emergency Board Meeting."
Employees whispered in hallways.
Investors called nonstop.
No one understood why the company's banking access had suddenly become restricted.
Julian stormed into headquarters expecting answers.
Instead, his executive keycard flashed red.
ACCESS DENIED.
"This has to be a mistake," he snapped.
The receptionist lowered her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Grant. The board instructed us to wait for legal counsel."
For the first time in years, Julian was forced to wait outside his own office.
Minutes later, the conference room doors opened.
Amelia entered.
Not in mourning.
Not broken.
She wore a navy suit, her hair neatly tied back, and carried a single leather folder.
Every board member stood.
Not for Julian.
For her.
Julian frowned.
"What is this?"
Amelia calmly placed several documents on the table.
"These are the original ownership agreements."
The company's oldest attorney adjusted his glasses.
"According to these filings, Mrs. Grant retained controlling interest through Ashborne Capital from the day Grant Holdings was incorporated."
Silence.
Julian stared.
"No...that's impossible."
"It isn't," Amelia replied.
"You signed every page."
His knees nearly gave way.
He had never bothered reading the documents.
He trusted her.
Now that trust had become his greatest mistake.
Outside the glass walls of the boardroom, Serena watched in disbelief.
She had imagined becoming the wife of one of the country's richest men.
May you like
Instead...
She was watching him lose everything.
