Chapter 21 – The First Battle Lines

The boardroom of Stone Holdings had never felt colder—or smaller.

May Austin stood at the head of the table, fingers lightly resting on the polished oak surface. Behind her, Damien watched every movement, silent and tense. Across the table, Evelyn Royce leaned back in her chair, the picture of poise and confidence, eyes glinting with challenge.

“This proposal,” Evelyn began, her tone silk wrapped around steel, “is ambitious—but impractical. My team and I recommend a more traditional approach.”

May’s gaze didn’t waver. “Traditional hasn’t worked in five years, Ms. Royce. That’s why we’re innovating.”

A faint smile crossed Evelyn’s lips. “Innovation is only impressive if it succeeds. Otherwise, it’s reckless.”

Damien felt his pulse quicken. He wanted to defend May—but this wasn’t about defending her. This was about watching her fight, and he knew she could.

May’s voice remained calm, deliberate. “Reckless to some, visionary to others. I trust the judgment of my team, and they trust me.”

Evelyn’s smile sharpened. “I see.”

The subtle hostility in her words wasn’t missed by anyone. The executives shifted nervously, some glancing at Damien, some at May. Evelyn had started her first true psychological attack: undermining authority without raising her voice.

Later, Damien received an urgent message from Daxton.

“You must attend. Evelyn’s initiative will be implemented immediately. Observe. Learn.”

The words hit him like a blow. This wasn’t just a corporate game—it was a personal test. Daxton’s message wasn’t a warning—it was a command.

Damien looked at May. “He’s forcing the first play.”

May tilted her head slightly. “Then it’s our move next.”

Damien frowned. “We can’t fight him directly. Not yet.”

May smiled faintly. “Then we fight smart.”

Meanwhile, across town, Sophia Laurent walked briskly out of the hospital doors. Her shift had ended hours ago, but the night was still young.

“Busy as always,” a familiar voice said.

She looked up and froze. Dr. David Bluefield. Hands casually in his pockets, eyes serious, yet softened by something deeper—curiosity, admiration.

“Busy, yes. But productive,” Sophia replied coolly, hiding the flutter she felt every time he looked at her.

David’s lips curved slightly. “I’ve been reviewing some of your recent cases. Exceptional work. Even for someone in your position.”

Sophia raised an eyebrow. “Someone in my position?”

“A woman who refuses to be limited,” he said softly. “That’s dangerous. But I like it.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Dangerous, huh? You should be careful who you admire.”

David smiled faintly. “Admiration is different from interference. I’ll be careful.”

Their conversation lingered in the air—electric, unspoken, and just the beginning of something neither was prepared to admit.

Back at Stone Holdings, May made her first strategic counterplay. She had gathered her closest team in a quiet office.

“This is not just about Evelyn,” she said quietly. “It’s about Daxton. Every move she makes is guided by him. Our response must be calculated, public, and undeniable.”

Her team listened, rapt. May’s confidence radiated, the same aura that had earned her admiration on day one.

“We begin with subtle opposition,” May continued. “We let her underestimate us. We gather allies quietly. And we ensure that the executives see our vision succeed before she can undermine it.”

One of her senior managers, hesitant but loyal, asked, “Do we… do we really think we can beat someone backed by Daxton?”

May’s gaze hardened. “We don’t beat Daxton. We outmaneuver him. And we start with Evelyn.”

That night, Aiden tugged at May’s sleeve again.

“Mum… will Dad get in trouble at work?”

May knelt beside him. “No, sweetheart. He’s careful. He has a plan.”

“But Evelyn… she doesn’t like you,” Aiden whispered, frowning. “She said so.”

May smiled softly, brushing his hair back. “Some people fear what they can’t control. That doesn’t mean you lose—you just have to be smarter.”

Aiden hugged her tightly. “I want to be like you, Mum.”

The words hit May harder than anything Daxton could ever throw at her. Her children weren’t just her inspiration, they were her everything.

That night, May sat alone, reviewing data and observing Evelyn’s moves from the day. She smiled faintly.

“First move,” she whispered. “Expected… but predictable.”

Aria crawled onto her lap. “Mum… you’re very clever,” she said seriously.

May hugged her tightly. “I have to be. For you, and for everyone I love.”

Outside, the city lights sparkled. The storm was only beginning.

Inside, a woman had made her move.

And May Austin was already planning her counter.