Chapter 1: The Ceremony of Power
The tallest glass tower in the city glowed beneath the golden sunset. Hundreds of powerful guests filled the grand hall, dressed in black tuxedos and shimmering gowns, their faces lit by crystal chandeliers.
At the center of the stage stood Elena Carter — a young woman in a deep navy suit, preparing to deliver the most important speech of her life.
Tonight, she would officially become the youngest CEO of Carter Holdings after the sudden death of her father three months earlier.
To the world, it was a moment of triumph.
But inside Elena, there was only silence.
Three months ago, her father had left behind a secret letter.
"Trust no one in that room."
She still didn’t understand what he meant.
Until the giant doors at the back of the hall suddenly swung open.
A woman entered.
Golden silk dress. White fur coat. Walking like a queen returning to her throne.
The room froze.
Elena’s breath stopped.
It was Vivian Moreau.
The woman the world believed had died fifteen years ago.
May you like
Her father’s former lover.
And the woman accused of betraying the Carter family.
