Her Empire, His Terms.
"The great Jared Donovan. You've really changed from that weak, pathetic little boy who used to starve for my affection. Remember how you used to stand outside my study door, begging for just a sliver of my validation? Hoping I'd look at you the way I looked at my real sons?"
"I grew up, Gideon," I replied, my voice flat. "And I realized your validation is as worthless as the legitimate sons you're so proud of."
Instantly the humor vanished from my father's face.
"You think because you took my boardroom seat, you're a king?" Gideon took a step closer, his finger stabbing into my chest. "Let me tell you something, boy. No matter how much you achieve, no matter how many billions you make, you