MasukThe Grand Elder looked at Veronica.For a moment, he said nothing.Then he shook his head."Veronica," he said, voice steady, "this is not the time for nonsense."The hall remained silent."When your daughter was still President," he continued, "she failed to manage her responsibilities properly."A pause."Several projects were started under her leadership.""But none were completed."His tone hardened slightly."They were initiated… and abandoned halfway."A faint sigh escaped him."If anything," he added, "it would be better for Danica to participate in the challenge.""To refine her abilities.""Because as she is now—"He looked directly at her."She is not fit to lead a corporation of this scale.""She should start small."—Danica's expression stiffened.A flicker of humiliation crossed her face.Her fingers curled slightly at her side.But she said nothing.—Veronica, however—Remained calm.Unmoved."Grand Elder," she said, her voice smooth, "you know very well… my daughter w
The morning sun shone brightly outside, its golden light stretching across the vast grounds of the Valeza Residence. Yet inside the grand villa, the atmosphere burned even hotter—not with heat, but with anticipation.Members of the Valeza family gathered early.Unlike the previous banquet, today felt more restrained, more formal—but still undeniably alive. Conversations flowed in low voices, some seated casually with cups of coffee in hand, others standing in small groups, exchanging glances filled with expectation.There was no need for excessive grandeur.Everyone present belonged to the same bloodline.And today—Was not a celebration.It was a restoration.—At the center of the hall, the main seats had been arranged once again.Darius stood calmly, dressed in a dark suit, his posture straight, his expression steady. Beside him, Elena carried herself with quiet elegance. A few steps away stood Seraphina, composed, her presence naturally drawing attention even without effort.Acros
Seraphina was about to speak—But what Lucien said next made her freeze."…I can't sleep," he said. "I can't eat properly. I can't focus on work."A pause."Because I miss you."Seraphina blinked.Once.Twice."…What?"Then—"LUCIEN!"She almost threw her phone.Her face flushed in disbelief."You made me worry for nothing?!"—On the other end—Lucien laughed.Soft.Amused."What?" he said casually. "It's a serious problem.""Serious?" Seraphina snapped. "You call that serious?!""I thought something happened to you!"Lucien chuckled again."Well, something did happen."A pause."I'm suffering.""Shut up.""You don't understand," he continued, clearly enjoying himself. "The house is too quiet. No one to argue with. No one to—""Lucien.""—look at me like I'm annoying.""Lucien!"He laughed again.This time louder.Seraphina exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of her nose."I was actually worried…" she muttered."Good," Lucien replied lightly. "That means you care.""…You're unbeliev
In the following days, Seraphina stayed within the Valeza Residence.She lived with her parents in the central villa—the largest in the entire compound.The residence that once belonged to Darren's family had been vacated. They were moved back to their original quarters without protest.No one questioned it.No one dared.—With little to do and technically on a short break, Seraphina chose to spend her time differently.She asked her parents—To teach her more about the family.—"The Valeza family…" Darius began one afternoon, seated across from her in the study, "has existed for thousands of years."Elena nodded beside him."And despite everything… the system has never changed."Seraphina listened quietly.Absorbing every word.—They told her how it all began.Where it started.How the family rose.—They spoke of her grandfather—Darius's father.The former Patriarch.A man respected.Feared.Followed without question.—"And then…" Elena's voice softened slightly, "the accident
In truth—Danica had already been briefed.On the day Seraphina and Darius officially took their positions, her mother planned to reveal everything—That a portion of the company's shares was already in the hands of several powerful families in Solene.With their backing—A board meeting would be called.And through voting—They would remove Seraphina from her position.—Even if Seraphina held 51% of the shares—It wouldn't matter.—Because within the Valeza system—Votes outweighed percentages.—No matter how large an individual's shares were—If the majority voted against you—You could still be removed.—This system was established long ago.Because there were no outsiders.Because everyone followed the Patriarch.—But now—That very system—Would be used against her.—Danica lowered her glass.Her smile remained."By the way," she said casually, "I've heard a few things about Aureline Corp."She tilted her head slightly."But to be honest… I don't fully understand it."Her t
The wine was opened.One bottle after another.The rich aroma spread through the hall as glasses were filled and raised. The atmosphere grew warmer, livelier. Conversations overlapped, laughter echoed, and the earlier tension slowly dissolved into celebration.One by one, people approached.Mostly toward Darius."Congratulations, Patriarch.""It's about time you returned.""The family will finally stabilize again."Darius accepted each greeting with calm composure. He nodded, exchanged a few words, and occasionally raised his glass in acknowledgment.Then—They turned to Seraphina."Chairman Seraphina, congratulations.""We look forward to working under your leadership.""You've already proven yourself… the future of the Valeza family is secure."Seraphina paused for a moment.If she was being honest—She hadn't expected this.She had planned to reclaim what was rightfully theirs.But she thought it would take time.Careful steps.Strategy.Not this.Not so… directly.Yet—The decisio







