Chapter 15: The Unbreakable Empire
Chapter 15: The Unbreakable Empire
The gala was a massive success.
Millions were raised.
Mariana's reputation as a ruthless businesswoman with a philanthropic heart was cemented.
After the event, she stood on the balcony of her penthouse, looking out over the glittering city.
Her father walked out, handing her a glass of aged whiskey.
"A flawless evening," Arthur said.
"And a fitting end to the Sterling family drama."
Mariana took a sip, the amber liquid burning pleasantly down her throat.
"They were a lesson," she said quietly.
"A reminder to never shrink myself to fit into someone else's fragile ego."
"I built that company. I built that wealth."
"And I let them believe they were the kings."
She looked down at the streets below, where somewhere, Andrew was likely taking a night bus back to a cold apartment.
She felt no guilt.
She felt no lingering sorrow.
She felt exactly what she was.
Free.
"What's the agenda for tomorrow?" Arthur asked, standing proudly beside his daughter.
Mariana smiled.
It was a sharp, dangerous smile that promised absolute dominance.
"Tomorrow, we acquire their biggest competitor."
"And then..."
She raised her glass to the city.
"We conquer the rest of the world."
May you like
She turned and walked back inside, leaving the past exactly where it belonged.
In the dust.
