LOGINEdward’s POV 9:14 a.m. I was at my desk when Leo confirmed the meeting room. Executive dining. Ten o’clock. Prepared. Coffee sat cooling by my right hand. The quarterly projections filled my screen. Singapore distribution center project. Warehouse upgrades. Bonuses I’d flagged. Before Alicia'
I signed. Reese closed the folder. “Other assets, the main estate, properties, and remaining shares, are in process. I’ll update you on timelines. If you need anything moved faster, call me directly.” “Thank you, Reese.” He stood. “My pleasure, Ms. Valentine. The driver will wait five minutes if
Alicia's POV I woke on the pull-out couch, springs groaning as I rolled over. The blanket had wrapped itself around my legs during the night. I kicked it free and sat up. Pale light slipped through Elena’s blinds. My phone read 7:15 a.m. Wednesday. I rubbed sleep from my eyes and heard Elena in th
Edward's POV No staff voices drifting from the kitchen, no lights spilling from any room, just the sound of the air system and the subtle scent of lemon from the morning clean. I didn’t turn on the lights. Moved through the foyer by memory. Keys hit the console too loudly. Shoes left where they fe
Alicia’s POV I was already sitting when I noticed the nameplate. Someone had placed it on the corner of the desk. Silver. Flat. Alicia Valentine Majority Shareholder My jacket hung on the back of the chair. The folder from the board meeting sat open in front of me. Zoning variance timeline. Br
"Why?" I asked. She didn't look up. "Because I wanted to understand what you valued more than me." The words were so quiet I almost didn't hear them. But they landed like a physical blow. She didn't wait for me to respond. She just closed her folder. The movement was precise and in charge. S







