Chapter 1

I went to see Vincent Salvi with the shipping route's profit-sharing plan I had spent all night working on.

When I reached the slightly ajar door, I heard Lilith Vance sobbing uncontrollably inside.

"Vincent, I don't want those lousy malls. They're boring. I keep dreaming about Royce covered in blood. I'm so scared!

"I want to manage the western coast shipping route. It's the only way I'll feel safe in the Salvi family."

Vincent's deep voice was full of indulgence and guilt. "Fine. You can have it all. It's just a shipping route. If you want it, take it and have fun with it."

Outside the door, my hand froze in midair. My grip on the documents tightened.

Three years ago, I had risked my life alone in Namoria to rescue a weapons tycoon trapped by three warlords. I had nearly died securing that shipping route.

I had nearly given my life to secure this vital route for the family.

Now, it had become a toy Vincent could hand to a vulnerable woman like Lilith to make her feel safe.

I turned and walked into the adjoining room, then fed the documents into the shredder.

Five years of devoted love had been utterly absurd.

If that was how it was, I wanted neither the shipping route nor Vincent anymore.

An hour later, the Salvi family held its regular meeting.

Vincent sat at the head of the table and made his announcement as if nothing were wrong.

"Effective today, Ms. Vance will manage the western coast shipping route."

The senior members seated along both sides of the table erupted in protest.

Lilith stepped out from behind Vincent and timidly looked at the black onyx ring on my right pinky finger.

"Cecilia, since the shipping route is mine now, shouldn't I have that ring, too? It's a symbol of who's in charge. Otherwise, the people under me won't listen to my orders."

I had always thought that no matter how much Vincent favored her, he'd still understand the importance of this ring.

It represented the family's highest authority and control over all its hidden operations.

But Vincent merely sighed helplessly.

He took my hand in his and lowered his voice. "Cecilia, just let Lilith wear it for a few days. It'll put her mind at ease. Be good."

He watched me, expecting me to swallow my resentment for the greater good, just as I had always done.

Everyone thought I would lose my temper and fight back.

However, I simply leaned back in my chair and watched them all in silence.

Vincent frowned when I remained quiet for a long time.

"Cecilia, you—"

"I agree," I said softly, cutting him off.

As everyone stared in shock, I took off the ring I had worn for five years.

I tossed the ring onto the ebony table, and it rolled to the center with a sharp clink.

"The shipping route is hers," I said. "And so is this ring."

I stood and looked around the room. "From this moment on, I am no longer the Donna of the Salvi family."

Vincent shot to his feet, his expression livid. A flicker of panic crossed his eyes.

He thought I was bluffing to get my way.

"Cecilia, stop throwing a tantrum! Once you walk out that door, don't expect to have any say in the family's affairs ever again!"

I looked at him and chuckled. "Is that so? Then you'd better make sure you hang on tight."

Five days later, the weapons tycoon Nikolai Voskov's fleet would arrive at port right on schedule.

That madman never cared about rings.

He would only work with me.

Without me, that ring of power would be nothing but a death warrant.