Chapter 8

Serena's POV

My jaw nearly hits my knees. Forced? Seriously? That's a curveball I did not see coming. I gulp, then try to steer this conversation onto safer ground. "O-kay, so why'd you two split up, exactly?"

He shrugs, eyes fixed on the road. "She didn't like me."

I roll my eyes. "Wait, so Miss Universe looked at you-Mr. Tall, Dark, and I'm-So-Above-It-All-and just said, 'Eh, I've seen better'? Really?"

His voice doesn't change. "She never wanted a child. After giving birth to Milo and Stella, she planned to abandon him."

I feel sick, fury and sadness mixing in my chest. "That's awful," I manage to say. "You're better off without her."

He says nothing more. The silence is thick, but I sense something complicated in his expression as we reach my building. I open the door and step out. "Thanks," I say, forcing some civility.

Lucas just nods, watching me as I head into the lobby. He doesn't follow, and that's a relief. I don't need him trying to push his way into my private space. I barely exhale when I hear him answer a call-something about Milo and Stella and their grandfather. I don't know the details.

The next morning, a bright sunny day. I put on a sharp blazer and skirt, add a touch of makeup. I see my own reflection in the mirror-Serena Sinclair, ready to reclaim what's hers. I arrive at StarRiver Group, Cassius by my side. In the lobby, I meet Henry Lockwood, a man my mother trusted deeply. He greets me politely, "Miss Sinclair, I have news. Lawrence Sinclair is about to appoint Nina as the company's new general manager. The ceremony's happening right now."

I smile, a cold, practiced smile. "No problem," I say, keeping my voice level.

The moment I walk into StarRiver Group's meeting room, I feel every pair of eyes drilling into me. The place is packed with top employees and executives. The tension is thick and suffocating. I know I'm not exactly welcome, but I don't give a damn.

Nina Sinclair, looking all sweet and poised at the podium, is seconds away from delivering what I assume is her shiny new "I'm the boss now" speech. She sees me and freezes like I just sucker-punched her. For a second, she can't even speak.

My father, Lawrence Sinclair, sits in the front row like the proud king of this stupid kingdom. He notices Nina's weird reaction and turns to look. The second he spots me, his face darkens. Every muscle in his neck strains. The anger in his eyes could burn a hole right through me.

He stands up, and the whole damn room goes quiet. Everyone's looking at us, wide-eyed and curious.

"What the hell are you doing here?" he hisses, stepping closer. His voice is dripping with disgust. "This is none of your business."

I keep my back straight, my voice steady. "Last I checked, this was my mother's company," I say, my words cold as ice. "I think I have every right to be here."

He clenches his jaw. "I'm not arguing with you. Get out. Now. I don't have time for your crap."

I lift my chin, refusing to move. Instead, I push past him into the room. The crowd parts like I've got the plague. Everyone's whispering, nudging each other, expecting some big showdown.

Nina flashes me a fake smile so sweet it's nauseating. "Serena, what a surprise! You came to see my ceremony? I'm so happy you're here." Her voice is all sugar, but her eyes are sharp. She's trying too hard, and I can see right through her.

I ignore her cheerful act. I'm done playing this stupid game. I pull a document out of my bag and hold it up. "Listen up, everyone. I'm Serena Sinclair. Today, I'm here to make something very clear: StarRiver Group belongs to me, per my mother's will. I appreciate whatever management my father's provided while I was away, but I'll be taking over now."

The room erupts in whispers. People gasp, glance at each other, jaws dropping. Nina's standing there clutching her speech, looking like a complete idiot. I can almost see her pride crack and crumble. Her eyes go red, her face twists. She's been humiliated, right here, in front of everyone.

She squeaks out, "S-Serena, are you short on cash or something?" Her voice wobbles. "I-I mean, I heard you were interested insome gigolo guy. Did you need money to impress him or what?"

The employees start mumbling again, eyebrows shooting up. What the hell is she talking about? She's grasping at straws now, trying to paint me as desperate and broke.

Before I can snap back, my father storms forward. "I'll give you four million," he spits, pulling out a checkbook like he's tossing scraps to a stray dog. "Take the money and get lost. Don't ever show your face in StarRiver again. This place isn't yours."

I grab the check he scribbles out and rip it into tiny pieces right in front of his nose, letting them flutter to the floor. The entire room sucks in a breath.

"four million?" I say, voice sharp. "Do you think this is some back-alley deal? StarRiver's net profits run in the tens of millions, and you think a lousy five million is gonna get rid of me? Don't make me laugh."

Lawrence's face contorts, every line of dignity disappearing. He looks like he wants to strangle me right here. Nina's so pale she could pass out. I'm sure they never expected me to just show up and flip the table on their little power game.

I hold their furious gaze, unmoved. "You've got one day. Pack up whatever personal crap you have here and leave. If you stay, I'll make sure you regret it. I'm not playing nice anymore."

I turn on my heel and walk out. Behind me, I hear people whispering, shuffling, not sure what to do now that the Sinclair family drama just exploded in their faces.