All Chapters of The Heiress's Revenge : Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

I was at my workstation in the early light when Alexander's call from London came. The city below me was still wiping sleep from its eyelids as I sat in silence in our rooftop study. The framed picture of my mother was on the desk, along with a new envelope sealed with the Reid family crest and Diana Reid's handwritten message, which read, "Proud of you, Sophia." As I removed the letter written in Diana's graceful hand and broke the wax seal, my heart skipped a beat: To Sophia, I would like to extend an invitation to you to attend the Reid Foundation's annual retreat this weekend in light of the recent events and in appreciation of your unwavering character. To discuss our charitable approach and determine your eligibility for a permanent position on the Foundation's board, we will meet at the family's Hamptons country home. We anticipate seeing you on Friday at five o'clock. Diana Reid A test: family politics, business intrigue, and public scrutiny had all been fire trials. Dian

The Reid Industries Boardroom at 8:30 a.m.With a leather portfolio in hand and a confident gait that I had honed during six months of high-stakes meetings, I arrived feeling calm. With CFOs, integration leaders, and legal counsel on each side of him, Alexander was already seated at the head of the long table. As I sat down next to him, he glanced up and gave me a little, comforting grin. Alexander's CFO, Marcus, cleared his throat and went over the agenda, which included approving cross-company leadership appointments, finalizing the operational structures of the combined company, and ratifying the six-month review, which included a discussion of the business implications of the marriage contract. The last thing made me swell; this meeting would mark the conclusion of the personal pact that had started it all as well as the business merger. Professional conversation filled the room as reports were given, including numbers demonstrating cost savings from merged supply chains, highe

Alexander's Office, 11:00 a.m. Alexander turned to me across his large desk and shut the door behind us. Anger and worry were imprinted on his features. "This is sabotage," he muttered. "Someone on that board—someone who did not want you here—leaked confidential information to the Special Counsel." I was crying as I gazed up at him. However, who? Who would act in this way? Eyes burning, he paced the room before stopping. "I am not sure yet. But we will find out. I squeezed my mouth shut. Months of partnerships whizzed across my head. This might have been planned by Ethan's resentful mother using her contacts. Or maybe I was betrayed by a suspicious board member who became uneasy with my increasing power. Alexander walked confidently to his phone. "Marta, please provide me with he list of those who were able to see our draft filings. Give priority to the people who attended Mrs. Carter's supper last night. I gave a numb nod. "Yes." He looked at me and spoke more softly. "I k

I leaned against him and closed my eyes, using his trust to reestablish mine. I came to the realization in the faint lamplight that my breaking point was not weakness but rather the imminence of a change. I was the same woman who had thrown a ring on a stranger's finger in defiance, who had abandoned her own engagement in broken humiliation, who had experienced corporate battle, betrayal, and public scrutiny. In addition to leaving their imprint, each adversity strengthened their resilience.At this turning point, I found myself on the verge of something new the promise of redemption as well as a night of reckoning to come. I would stand before the board tomorrow, I would tell the truth, and the cornerstone of our future together would either be irrevocably strengthened or broken. The hot chocolate filled my veins as I drank it. For the first time in days, I had faith in myself, in us, and in the ability of honesty to heal even the most severe wounds, and Alexander held me close.

All that was visible throughout the taxi trip out of the city was a haze of darkened skyscrapers and taillights. The beach wind seemed like a new beginning as I walked into the Hamptons' Reid country estate's gravel road, but it also held the ache of all I was leaving behind. Uncle Bruce had my overnight luggage waiting at the front entrance. His concern was evident in his kind gaze. I made my shoulders square. "I am grateful, Bruce. Tell Alexander that I am okay and that I will see him tomorrow, please. Despite his hesitation, he nodded. “Of course, Miss Sophia.” His dignity remained unwavering, but I knew he had been faithful to us both no matter what. The quiet of centuries-old wood paneling and subdued pastel wallpaper welcomed me as I entered the entryway. Diana Reid's sanctuary, the home, seemed vast and deserted. Only a single chandelier flickered above it at this late hour, although it had been the scene of soirées and board retreats. Down the corridor, I brought my suitca