The boardroom felt colder than it should have. Anastasia straightened her black blazer, smoothing down a stray strand of hair from her bun, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor as she walked through the corridor that led to the top floor of Laurent Corporation. Her heart thundered—but her face was calm, composed, collected.
She entered the boardroom alone.
Her mother had been too drained to attend. The past weeks had taken their toll on her, and today, her absence was both a sign of weakness and a transfer of power.
Whispers rose like smoke.
"Is that Anastasia Laurent?" "Why is she taking the CEO seat?" "Wasn't she just a student until recently?"
Ignoring the murmurs, Anastasia walked forward, back straight, spine made of iron, and took the seat at the head of the table—the one her father had sat in for decades. She didn't look to either side. She didn't need to. They were all watching her.
Dante entered moments later.
