THE WOMAN WHO RETURNED

FIVE YEARS LATER

"Dad, don't you think it's time you retired?"

Alexander spoke casually as he sat around the breakfast table with Richard, Bryan, and Linda. Richard slowly lowered his cup and looked at his eldest son.

"I'm turning sixty-five, Alexander, not ninety."

Alexander ignored the remark.

"You're getting older, Dad. I was only thinking that perhaps it's time you announced who your successor will be."

Richard leaned back in his chair.

"Why the sudden interest in my retirement?"

"I'm thinking about the future of Ravencrest Empire."

A faint smile appeared on Richard's lips.

"Anyone could be my successor."

Alexander's expression changed.

"It could be Bryan."

Richard paused deliberately.

"Or Adrian."

Alexander's hand tightened around his fork.

"Adrian?"

Richard nodded.

"Yes. Adrian."

"Why is he even in the race?"

"Because he is my son."

The answer came without hesitation.

Alexander scoffed.

"You amaze me, Dad."

Richard's eyes narrowed.

"And you amaze me, Alexander."

He placed his cup on the table.

"Why are you looking at Adrian as your only competitor? Is Bryan not capable of becoming my successor?"

Alexander glanced at his younger brother.

"Bryan?"

He gave a humorless laugh.

"Bryan would never compete against me."

Richard turned toward Bryan.

"Is that true?"

The question immediately put Bryan on the spot, he sighed and put down his spoon.

"Dad, why can't we have one normal breakfast without turning it into a discussion about Ravencrest Empire?"

Richard chuckled.

"You're right."

He glanced at Alexander.

"We were having a perfectly peaceful breakfast before your elder brother decided to bring business into it."

Bryan smiled faintly.

"Exactly."

But Alexander wasn't amused.

He stared at his father, clearly dissatisfied.

"So you're seriously considering Adrian?"

Richard met his gaze.

"I'm considering whoever I believe is capable of leading this company."

"And you think he is?"

"I haven't made my decision yet."

Alexander's jaw tightened.

"He's barely been part of this family."

"Neither were you when you were born."

The table fell silent.

Linda immediately looked at Alexander.

Her eyes silently warned him not to cause a scene.

Alexander understood, he forced himself to pick up his fork again.

"Fine."

He lowered his gaze to his plate.

"Let's finish breakfast."

But the anger in his eyes remained.

Across the table, Bryan quietly watched his brother.

He knew Alexander, he knew that look. This wasn't over. Not even close.

"Why didn't you answer Father's question?"

Bryan froze as he stepped out of his bathroom and found Alexander standing inside his bedroom.

"Alex?"

Alexander leaned casually against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest.

"You heard him at breakfast."

Bryan sighed.

"I don't want any trouble."

Alexander's expression hardened.

"Then make sure you give the right answer when the succession comes."

Bryan stared at him.

"What exactly is the right answer?"

"You already know."

Alexander stepped closer.

"You're my younger brother. Unlike Adrian, you're a legitimate Ravencrest."

Bryan's expression tightened.

"And?"

"And you should support me."

Alexander's voice became colder.

"You should stand beside me when the time comes, not that bastard's side."

"Alex, he's still our brother."

"Half-brother."

Alexander immediately corrected him.

"Don't forget that."

Bryan remained silent.

Alexander continued.

"This has always been my birthright. I'm the first son of this family. I'm the one Father raised to inherit Ravencrest Empire."

He pointed toward Bryan.

"And as my younger brother, your duty is to support me."

"Even if Dad chooses Adrian?"

Alexander's eyes darkened.

"Father won't choose him."

"But what if he does?"

For a moment, Alexander said nothing.

Then he smiled coldly.

"Then we'll make sure he doesn't get the chance."

Bryan's expression changed.

"Alex..."

"I'm not asking you to fight him."

Alexander moved toward the door.

"I'm telling you where you should stand when the time comes."

He paused at the doorway and glanced back at his brother.

"Choose your side carefully, Bryan."

His voice dropped.

"Because when the succession war begins, there won't be room for anyone standing in the middle."

Alexander walked out.

The door closed behind him.

Bryan remained standing in silence.

For the first time, he realized something he had been trying to ignore.

His brother wasn't afraid of losing the company, he was afraid of losing to Adrian and Bryan wasn't sure whose side he wanted to be on anymore.

The busy airport was filled with the usual sounds of hurried footsteps, rolling suitcases, and overlapping conversations. Among the crowd, a beautiful young woman walked through the arrival hall with her personal assistant, Faye, following closely behind. Both women pulled their luggage behind them as they made their way toward the exit.

"Miss, that's the car I hired."

Faye pointed toward a sleek black Maybach parked near the entrance.

The woman's eyes immediately lit up.

"A Maybach?"

She smiled. "I already love this place, Faye."

Faye laughed softly.

"You haven't even started working yet."

"Give me time."

The woman walked toward the car.

A driver immediately stepped out and opened the door for her, but she shook her head.

"I'll drive."

The man handed her the keys before stepping aside.

She gracefully slipped into the driver's seat while Faye placed their luggage inside the trunk before joining her.

"Where is the meeting?" She asked as she adjusted the mirror.

"Creamy Restaurant. It's about forty minutes from here."

"Perfect."

Shestarted the engine.

"I can get used to this car before we get there."

Faye smiled.

"You're impossible, miss."

"That's why you love working for me."

Twenty-six minutes later, the woman pulled into the parking lot of Creamy Restaurant. She stepped out of the Maybach, adjusted her clothes, and walked into the restaurant with Faye beside her. Inside, Faye approached one of the waitresses and quietly exchanged a few words with her.

"This way, Miss."

The waitress led them through the restaurant and stopped in front of a private dining room. The woman pushed the door open. A man who had been waiting inside immediately stood, his expression brightened when he saw her.

"Miss Nadia."

He extended his hand.

"It's nice to finally meet you."

Nadia looked at him calmly before accepting his handshake.

"Likewise, Mr. Cole."

Five years ago, she had walked away from Country D with nothing but a broken heart. Today, she had returned as a woman no one would dare underestimate. The meeting proceeded over lunch.

Nadia sat across from Noah Cole, the owner of Well-Life Pharmaceuticals, one of the country D's leading pharmaceutical companies. Her cosmetic company, Aveline & Co., was preparing to launch a new line of skincare and beauty products, and Well-Life was the perfect partner to provide the pharmaceutical expertise needed for the project.

"So, Miss Nadia," Noah said after reviewing the final documents, "I've gone through your proposal several times. I have to admit, I'm impressed."

Nadia smiled.

"I don't make proposals I don't believe in."

Noah chuckled.

"I can see that."

He picked up the contract.

"Aveline & Co. has built an impressive reputation in only a few years. Partnering with you could be very beneficial for Well-Life as well."

"That's exactly what I'm hoping for."

Nadia glanced at the contract.

"I want this partnership to benefit both companies. Aveline & Co. will handle the cosmetic development and branding, while Well-Life will provide the pharmaceutical expertise and product formulation."

Noah nodded.

"I agree."

He signed the contract and pushed it across the table. Nadia picked up her pen and signed her name beneath his.

Just like that, the partnership was official.

Faye, who had been quietly observing the meeting, smiled.

"Congratulations, Miss Nadia."

Nadia closed the folder.

"Thank you."

Noah raised his glass.

"To a successful partnership."

Nadia lifted hers.

"To a successful partnership."

Their glasses clinked.

For Nadia, it was more than just another successful business deal.

"I must say, I never expected the owner of Aveline & Co., which is based in Country A, to come all the way here herself just to sign this deal."

Noah smiled as he leaned back in his chair, Nadia smiled politely.

"I simply wanted to meet the owner of Well-Life face-to-face and decide for myself whether he was trustworthy enough to do business with."

Noah laughed.

"I guess I passed the test, considering you signed the contract."

"You're right."

Nadia picked up her glass.

"I'm also here because I want to oversee the beginning of the product development before I return to Country A."

"I've always heard that the CEO of Aveline & Co. is extremely dedicated to her work," Noah said. "But I never imagined you would be this hands-on."

He shook his head in admiration.

"I must say, I'm impressed."

"Thank you, Mr. Cole."

Before Noah could respond, Faye leaned toward Nadia and whispered something into her ear, Nadia's expression immediately softened.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Cole, but I'll have to take my leave now. It was really nice meeting you."

"That's completely fine, Miss Nadia."

Nadia stood and extended her hand.

"I look forward to working with you."

"As do I."

After exchanging their final pleasantries, Nadia left the restaurant with Faye. The moment she stepped into her Maybach, Faye handed her the iPad.

"She's been waiting for you."

Nadia's eyes immediately lit up.

The screen came alive with the face of a beautiful little girl.

"Mommyyy!"

Nadia couldn't help but smile.

"Hey, Jellybean."

"Mommy!"

The little girl grinned brightly.

"I miss you already."

"Mommy misses Jellybean too."

The little girl pouted.

"I still don't understand why you didn't let me come with you. I've been following you to work since I was in your belly."

Nadia laughed softly.

"I know, baby. But Mommy has a lot of work to do here. I'll be back soon."

"Okayyy."

The little girl suddenly pointed at the screen.

"And don't forget that your company has my name on it, so don't work too hard, Mommy."

Nadia laughed.

"I've heard you, Jellybean."

She shook her head affectionately.

"Is Auntie Jade there with you?"

"Yes. She's preparing my lunch. I just came back from school, and I wanted to say hi to you."

"Aww." Nadia's heart melted.

"That's so thoughtful of my beautiful Aveline."

"Thank you, Mommy."

Aveline's smile grew wider.

"I also won the quiz at school again."

The little girl proudly lifted her chin.

"It's like my classmates aren't smart enough."

Nadia immediately gave her a warning look.

"Aveline."

The little girl giggled.

"What has Mommy always told you?"

Aveline sighed dramatically.

"Even if you have a high IQ, you should always respect other people."

"Good girl."

Nadia smiled.

"Now, Mommy has to go." Aveline's lips immediately formed a cute pout.

"But Mommy..."

"I'm sorry, baby."

Nadia softened her voice.

"Say hi to Auntie Jade for me."

"Okay, Mommy."

Aveline waved enthusiastically.

"Bye!"

"Bye, Jellybean."

The call ended.

For a few seconds, Nadia continued staring at the blank screen. A small smile remained on her face. Five years ago, she had left Country D believing she had lost everything, she had been wrong. She had gained something far more precious, her daughter, Aveline and for her, Nadia would fight the entire world if she had to.