Rightful place

The next morning came so fast, but the minute I opened my eyes, I smiled to myself.

My first day at AURELIA.

And there was absolutely no chance in hell that I was going to back out of that. Nope. My mind was made up. Glancing at the bedside clock, I smiled again. I had time to shower, do my hair, and get dressed.

Finally, thirty minutes later, I stared at myself in the mirror, hardly able to recognise myself. Adjusting the buttons of my black blazer, I smoothed out my matching skirt. I chose black heels to complete the outfit and pulled out the diamond necklace my mother had given me for my eighteenth birthday. As I ran my fingers along the pendant, a rush of sadness overwhelmed me.

This necklace wasn't just any necklace, and yes, it cost a hell of a lot of money, but its sentimental value was worth more than that.

My mum had worn it the day she opened AURELIA.

I remembered how she had always told me that one day I would take her place, and I had promised to make her proud.

But I hadn’t done what I promised; I’d walked away from everything that should have mattered more than a guy who pretended to love me for five years.

Never again.

“Good morning, sweetheart. Are you ready for your first day?”

Looking up, I saw my father waiting in the hallway dressed in a charcoal grey suit.

“Good morning to you too, Dad.”

He smiled. “Your mother would have loved that outfit. You look so much like her.”

“She would have definitely complained about my heels.”

“And then bought you a more expensive pair.”

We laughed, but the mention of my Mum left a familiar ache in my chest. Dad gently squeezed my shoulder as if he had read my mind.

“Ready to go back?”

“Oh, Dad, I really do think I’ve been ready for a long time.”

“Then let’s not keep your mother’s board waiting.” He smiled and gestured for me outside, where the car was waiting.

Craig was already waiting for us; he greeted us, then opened the door of the Rolls-Royce.

After several minutes of silence, I turned to my father.

“Did you ever resent me for leaving?” Those words left my lips before I could stop myself.

He didn’t say anything at first, just looked at me as if he were studying my brain.

“Ellena, of course I was hurt, but I never resented you for thinking you were in love. I was afraid Roman would hurt you, and I couldn't understand why you wouldn't listen.”

I lowered my gaze and bit my lip as I remembered that day so clearly.

“I only wish you’d understood that you didn't have to sacrifice yourself to find it.”

My throat tightened, and I nodded. “I thought he loved me, but I see now he never did.”

Dad took my hand. “Love should never require you to become less of yourself.”

“He’s going to regret what he did,” I whispered.

“Perhaps. But don't return to AURELIA to punish Roman. Return because it's yours to lead, and because your mother deserves to have her legacy carried forward the way she wanted it to be.” He raised an eyebrow, and I knew he was right.

“I won't let her down,” I promised.

“I know you won't.”

AURELIA’s headquarters rose above the financial district, its glass exterior glittering in the morning sunlight. The company’s name shone in gorgeous gold lettering above the entrance.

I stared at it, remembering the first time Mum brought me here and I was only sixteen years old, so young and stupid back then. I had been introduced to the people who had helped my mother build up the company.

“A true leader doesn't just protect a business, sweetheart,” she had told me. “She protects the people who believe in it.”

I had never forgotten those words. They were imprinted on my brain.

After my mother had passed away, I was too young to take over the company, so my father acted as the chairman until it would be given to me as my mother had intended.

“I just miss her,” I admitted as Dad opened his door.

As soon as we entered the building, my eyes met the receptionist, Amelia.

“Good morning Mr Vale and oh my Ellena?” She frowned for a moment as if doubting herself. “Is it really you?”

I smiled in amusement; this was going to be an interesting day.

“Yes, it is me. Hello, Amelia. And, how have you been?”

“Oh, my goodness! We didn't know you were coming back. Your father did not tell a soul.” She glanced at my father in disbelief but he said nothing, just smiled.

“Well here I am.”

Amelia's eyes softened, and she nodded her head. “Welcome back.”

As my father led me through the building and towards the executive floor, whispers had already started to follow us.

Arthur Vale’s daughter was back, the sole heiress of the AURELIA company.

“People are certainly surprised that my daughter is back where she belongs.” my father laughed as he pushed open yet another door for me.

Sophia Bennett, my mother's former executive assistant and one of the few people who'd kept in touch with me, was waiting outside the office.

“Now there js a face I’m glad to see finally, at bloody long last. Wow it is so good to see you, girl. Are you okay?” She pulled me into a tight hug, and for a second I could barely even breathe.

Her eyes glistened. “Your mother would be so proud.” she said, holding my shoulders when she finally stepped back.

“Hello Sophia.” I finally breathed. “Yes, that is what I'm hoping.”

Sophia straightened. “of course she would be proud of you, dont you ever forget that.” Then she looked at my father and her expression turned serious. “Mr Vale, the board is assembled. Everyone's waiting.”

I adjusted my blazer as my father gestured for me to take the lead. “okay, then lets get this started shall we?”

“good morning, everyone.” my father said closing the door as we entered the room.

Twelve directors turned towards us and blinked in confusion at the sight of me.

Dad went over and stood at the head of the table. He took a minute to look around the room before clearing his throat.

“For five years, I've had the privilege of overseeing AURELIA and protecting the legacy my late wife built. But I've always known this day would come.”

He turned towards me with a tear in his eye.

“My beloved late wife, Aurelia Vale's greatest wish was for our daughter to carry her work forward. Today, she is ready to take her place. Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce your new chairwoman, my wonderful daughter, Ellena Vale.”

For a moment, the room fell silent.

Then applause erupted.

Fighting back tears, I walked to the head of the table and took my mother's seat.

“Good morning, everyone. I understand my return raises questions, and I'm not here to pretend the past five years didn't happen. I'm here to ensure the next five are even better.”

I looked around the room.

“My mother built AURELIA believing we should never settle for what others think is possible. I intend to honour that belief and take this company into its next chapter.”

Then I opened the folder before me.

“Now, let's talk business.”

For the next hour, I reviewed financial reports, challenged forecasts, rejected a risky acquisition, and requested further analysis of a proposed investment.

By the end of the meeting, the directors were no longer looking at me as the founder's daughter.

They were looking at their chairwoman.

And I intended to prove they could trust me.

“There is one final proposal,” Sophia announced, placing a folder before me. “Cross International wants to discuss a joint venture involving our advanced technology division.”

I scanned the figures. The potential investment was substantial, and access to their international distribution network could open valuable new markets.

“Who's leading the negotiations?”

“Damien Cross himself has requested a meeting.”

I raised an eyebrow and frowned. I knew that name.

Damien Cross was a weatlhy man, he was well known in this business, he was brilliant, and notoriously difficult to outmanoeuvre. He was also Roman Blakewood's biggest rival.

“Okay, arrange a meeting,” I instructed. “I'll hear his proposal personally.”

“Of course, Madam Chairwoman.”

“Oh, and keep my return confidential. No press releases or announcements until I'm ready.”