THIRD POV ;
Evelyn returned to Vinni's house, her face pale and her hands trembling. As soon as she stepped inside, she blurted out the news—Hunter was marrying Sophia. Vinni's expression shifted from shock to anger as she pulled Evelyn into a tight hug. "Let him marry that snake," Vinni said, her voice laced with venom. "He doesn't deserve you, Evelyn. Never did." Evelyn nodded weakly, her eyes brimming with tears. They spent the evening strategizing, deciding to meet a lawyer the next day to discuss reclaiming their company from Hunter's grasp. But even with a plan in place, Evelyn couldn't sleep that night. She lay awake, staring at the ceiling, her mind a whirlwind of painful memories. Her ruined past and present seemed to merge into one unbearable reality. Her mother had always favored Sophia, showering her with affection while Evelyn stood in the shadows. Her father had been her only solace, the one person who genuinely cared for her. But even he had betrayed her in a way she couldn’t forgive. It was her father who had orchestrated her marriage to Hunter, striking a deal she had never been privy to. She had believed in the sanctity of their union, even if it had started on shaky ground. When her father passed away from a heart attack, Hunter had married her immediately. She thought it was an act of compassion, a gesture to protect her during her darkest days. For three years, she clung to the hope that their marriage could grow into something real. But now, the truth crushed her—Hunter had never loved her. Everything she thought they had shared was a lie, a sham built on a deal she hadn’t even known existed. As dawn broke, Evelyn’s heart was heavy, but a spark of determination flickered within her. If she couldn’t reclaim the love she had lost, she would reclaim her life and her company. Evelyn and Vinni stepped into the sleek downtown office, the air smelling faintly of polished wood and fresh coffee. The walls were lined with shelves of thick legal books, and the receptionist guided them into a conference room where a sharp-looking man in a tailored suit awaited. “Ms. Bennett, Ms. Hart,” he greeted them with a polite nod. “I’m Marcus Cole. Please, have a seat.” Evelyn sank into the chair, her nerves raw. Vinni, ever the fierce one, sat beside her, her posture straight and her eyes blazing with determination. “Thank you for meeting us on such short notice,” Evelyn began, her voice trembling. Marcus nodded, opening a leather-bound folder. “I’ve reviewed the documents you sent over, including the company’s transfer records and your late father’s will. I understand you’re hoping to regain control of Bennett Enterprises from Mr. Hunter Caldwell.” “Yes,” Evelyn said, clasping her hands tightly in her lap. “It was my father’s company. Hunter… he took it after we got married. I didn’t understand all the paperwork at the time, but I signed over my shares to him.” Marcus leaned forward, his expression grave. “Unfortunately, that’s the core issue. When you transferred your shares to Mr. Caldwell, the transaction was legally binding. You effectively relinquished your ownership and voting rights in the company.” Evelyn’s face fell. “But… I didn’t know what I was signing. He rushed me into it. I trusted him.” “Did you sign the documents under duress or without understanding their contents?” Marcus asked gently. “I—” Evelyn hesitated. “I didn’t read them carefully. He said it was just a formality to secure the company’s future. I believed him.” Marcus sighed. “Unless we can prove coercion, fraud, or undue influence, the transfer is valid under corporate law. The fact that you willingly signed the papers, even without reading them, makes it very difficult to challenge in court.” “What about her father’s will?” Vinni interjected, her tone sharp. “Didn’t he leave the company to Evelyn?” “Yes,” Marcus said, flipping through the documents. “The will explicitly states that Evelyn was the sole beneficiary of Bennett Enterprises. However, once she inherited the company, she had the legal right to transfer ownership. The courts would see her actions as voluntary, even if they were based on deception.” Evelyn’s chest tightened. “So, there’s nothing I can do?” Marcus hesitated, his eyes softening. “There may be a few avenues to explore, but I want to be realistic with you. Proving fraud or undue influence is extremely challenging, especially when years have passed. Hunter’s position as the legal owner is solid.” Vinni slammed her hand on the table. “This is absurd! He manipulated her! There’s no way we’re letting him get away with this.” Marcus nodded, understanding their frustration. “I empathize, Ms. Hart. But the law is built on evidence. Without solid proof that Hunter acted unlawfully, the court will uphold the agreements you signed.” Evelyn felt tears pricking her eyes. “So, he gets to keep everything? The company… everything my father worked for?” Marcus looked at her with a mixture of sympathy and professionalism. “I’m afraid so, unless we can uncover new evidence or negotiate with him directly.” Vinni leaned back in her chair, fuming. “What about the marriage? Can she at least sue him for emotional damages?” Marcus gave a thin smile. “While you could pursue a divorce and potentially argue for a favorable settlement, that would depend on the terms of any prenuptial agreement and the court’s assessment of your marital assets.” Evelyn buried her face in her hands. “This feels so unfair. He used me. He used my father’s trust.” “I understand,” Marcus said softly. “But the law often prioritizes documented actions over personal intentions. My advice? If you want to proceed, we’d need to dig deeper—look into Hunter’s business practices, his financial records, anything that could point to misconduct.” Vinni leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. “Then that’s what we’ll do. Hunter Caldwell isn’t going to walk away unscathed.” Evelyn looked at Vinni, her despair flickering into something like determination. “If there’s even a chance to fight back, I’ll take it. I owe that to my father.” Marcus nodded. “Then let’s start with gathering everything you have—emails, financial records, anything that might hint at foul play. I’ll do my best to help you.” As they left the office, Evelyn’s steps were heavy, but Vinni’s hand on her shoulder kept her grounded. “We’ll get him,” Vinni said firmly. “One way or another, we’ll make him pay.” Evelyn’s phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts as she and Vinni walked out of the lawyer’s office. She glanced at the screen and saw an unfamiliar number, followed by a cryptic message: *"I’ve always been concerned about you. I need to see you. Come to 415 Maplewood Street, the vintage building. Your grandfather."* Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t heard from her grandfather in years. Her mother had distanced them from the family after her father’s death, and Evelyn had always felt a void where her grandfather’s love should have been. “Vinni, we need to go,” Evelyn said, her voice trembling. She quickly typed back, confirming she was on her way. They arrived at an old, elegant building on Maplewood Street. It had a vintage charm, with ivy climbing up the stone façade and the scent of aged wood drifting through the air. The door creaked open as they entered, revealing a dimly lit lobby. At the far end stood a familiar figure—her grandfather, sitting in a plush chair, his silver hair gleaming under the soft light. “Grandpa…” Evelyn whispered, her voice full of disbelief and emotions she didn’t know how to express. Her grandfather rose slowly, his wrinkled hands extending toward her. “Evelyn,” he said softly, his deep voice filled with warmth but also a hint of sorrow. “I’m so glad to finally see you again.” They embraced, and Evelyn felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. She had neglected her family for so long, blinded by her love for Hunter and the life she had built around him. “I should’ve listened to you,” Evelyn murmured, stepping back to look at him. “I… I was so blind to everything. I’m sorry.” Her grandfather nodded, his gaze kind yet filled with a quiet sadness. “I’ve always been concerned about you. Ever since your father decided to marry you off to Hunter so quickly, I knew something wasn’t right.” He paused, his expression turning serious. “I tried to warn your father, Evelyn. I told him not to rush it. But he insisted. He always said, ‘There’s no better man for her than Hunter.’” Evelyn felt her stomach twist. “He... he always said that. And I believed him.” Her grandfather’s voice softened. “I know. That’s why I’ve waited for this moment—for you to wake up and see the truth for yourself. I couldn’t make you see it when you were too focused on Hunter, but I hoped the day would come when you would open your eyes.” Evelyn’s eyes filled with tears. “I neglected you… and the family. I was so focused on him, on trying to make it work. I’m so sorry, Grandpa.” He placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip steady. “It’s not too late, Evelyn. There’s still time for you to find out what really happened… to find out what your father went through.” She blinked in surprise. “What do you mean?” He sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Three years ago, I discovered something. Proof that your father was involved in something much bigger than anyone knew. The Starlink Company—the one he worked for—had its investments stolen, and the money was siphoned off into hidden accounts. Your father was blamed for it, and he lost everything.” Evelyn’s breath caught in her throat. “No… he couldn’t have.” Her grandfather nodded grimly. “It’s true. Your father was fired, publicly disgraced, and sentenced to jail. But it wasn’t just the company. After he was out of work, your mother and sister disappeared. They fled the country with the stolen money, leaving your father in the wreckage of it all.” Evelyn shook her head, her world tilting. “But everyone said he died of a heart attack.” Her grandfather’s expression hardened. “That’s the story they told. But Evelyn… I’ve been investigating the truth. Your father didn’t die of a heart attack. He took his own life. The despair was too much for him to handle. He was a scapegoat—a pawn in a much bigger game.” Her mind spun as she tried to process the bombshell. “A scapegoat for who?” Her grandfather leaned in, his eyes sharp. “For Chase Walker. The CEO of the Nexaura Company. It was all part of a bigger scheme to cover up Walker’s involvement in the stolen investments. Your father was caught in the middle, and when he refused to take the fall quietly, they destroyed him. They made him the scapegoat.” Evelyn’s heart raced, her chest tightening. “But why didn’t anyone tell me? Why didn’t you?” “I couldn’t. Your mother… she’d already taken the money, and I didn’t want to put you in danger. But now, with Hunter’s betrayal, I see that it’s time for you to know the truth. Your father may have died because of the lies surrounding him, but you don’t have to live in the same darkness.” Evelyn’s mind was reeling, but her grandfather wasn’t done. He handed her a folder, the weight of it sending a shiver down her spine. “This,” he said, “is for you. It’s proof that you are entitled to 50% of the shares in the Starlink Company. The shares were transferred to you upon your father’s death, but they remained hidden. It’s all part of the agreement your father made with certain individuals before he died.” Evelyn stared at the document in disbelief. “How is this possible? How could I have 50% of the company?” Her grandfather’s voice softened. “Your father knew he was being framed. Before everything fell apart, he made sure the company’s future was secured. He transferred half of the shares to you, making you the rightful co-owner in the eyes of the law. The problem is, those shares were buried deep, and no one has ever told you about them.” Evelyn’s mind was in turmoil. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t process the enormity of the revelations. But one thing was clear: she had a mission now. She had to uncover the truth about her father’s death—and about the role Chase Walker played in everything. “I will find out the truth,” Evelyn said, her voice filled with determination. “I’ll make sure everyone knows what really happened. I will avenge my father.” Her grandfather nodded, his eyes filled with pride. “I knew you’d come to this conclusion, Evelyn. Now, it’s time to make things right.” As Evelyn looked down at the document in her hands, the weight of her father’s legacy and the truth ahead of her felt like a heavy mantle. But she was ready. Ready to fight for justice—for her father, for herself, and for the family she had neglected.Evelyn pushed open the door to Vinni’s house, her steps heavy and her heart burdened with the weight of her grandfather’s revelations. She found Vinni lounging on the couch, scrolling through her phone, but the moment she saw Evelyn’s face, she sat up straight. “You look like you’ve been through a war,” Vinni said, concern lacing her voice. Evelyn dropped her bag on the floor and sat beside her. “I think I have.” “What happened?” Vinni asked, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Evelyn recounted everything—her unexpected meeting with her grandfather, the truth about her father’s downfall, the shocking revelation about Chase Walker, and the 50% shares of Starlink Company now in her name. Vinni listened intently, her brows furrowing deeper with each detail. When Evelyn finished, silence hung in the room for a moment before Vinni finally spoke. “That’s… a lot. No wonder you look like a ghost.” Evelyn nodded. “I feel like my entire life has been a lie. My father… he did
The Caldwell villa was unusually quiet, save for the sharp commands Sophia was barking at the servants. "Get rid of that rug," she snapped, pointing to the intricately woven piece in the corner of the living room. "Evelyn always loved sitting there with her books. And that vase—she picked it out. Toss it. Everything that reminds anyone of her goes. Do you understand?" The servants hesitated for a moment, exchanging nervous glances. Evelyn had been kind to them, always asking after their families and treating them like people rather than mere staff. But Sophia's sharp glare left no room for argument, and they reluctantly obeyed. Sophia watched with satisfaction as each item was hauled away, her lips curling into a slight smirk. This was her moment. Finally, Evelyn's presence would be erased from the house—and from Hunter's life. The sound of the front door opening made her pause. Hunter walked in, loosening his tie, his expression weary. But as his gaze swept the room, his tire
The morning sun streamed through the thin curtains of Evelyn's apartment. She sat curled up on the couch, staring blankly at her phone. Her mind was a storm of emotions—confusion, frustration, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. Vinni burst in without knocking, carrying two steaming cups of coffee. “You look like hell,” she announced bluntly, setting the cups on the table. Evelyn groaned. “Thanks for the uplifting observation.”“Don’t start,” Vinni shot back, sitting across from her. “We need to talk. I’ve been thinking about Hunter.”Evelyn stiffened at the mention of his name. “Don’t. I don’t want to deal with him anymore. Let’s just... let it go.”Vinni’s eyes narrowed. “Let it go? Are you serious, Evelyn? He messed up your life. You can’t just let him walk away like that.”“What do you want me to do, Vinni?” Evelyn snapped, exasperation creeping into her voice. “Follow him around and demand an apology? Or better yet, challenge him to a duel?”Vinni leaned forward, her expr
Hunter sat in his sleek, glass-walled office, the skyline of the city stretching out before him. The sound of his pen scratching against paper filled the room as he signed one document after another. His brow was furrowed, his focus razor-sharp—until his phone buzzed on the desk. He glanced at the screen and groaned. It was his best friend, Jake. “Great,” Hunter muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose before reluctantly answering. “What do you want?”Jake’s voice boomed on the other end, loud and unapologetic. “Well, well, if it isn’t the man of the hour! Mr. Divorced and Loving It! How’s it feel to be single again, buddy?”Hunter scowled, leaning back in his chair. “Jake, I’m busy. Do you ever stop talking nonsense?”“Busy? Come on, don’t tell me you’re already signing another prenup! Give it a week, at least,” Jake teased, laughing at his own joke. “Jake, I’m hanging up,” Hunter warned, his voice clipped. “Wait, wait! I’m just saying—think of the possibilities! No nagging, no
Evelyn rushed into the City Hall, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she adjusted her coat. She was running late—again. The late-night drinks with Vinni and Edwin had been worth it, though. For the first time in a long while, she had felt genuinely happy, and the hangover was a small price to pay. When she entered the room, Hunter was already there, sitting stiffly with a scowl on his face. He rose to his feet the moment he saw her, his annoyance evident. “You’re late,” he snapped, crossing his arms. “Do you have any idea how unprofessional this looks?” Evelyn sighed, brushing past him to take her seat. “It’s not like you’ve got a board meeting to attend here.” Her dismissive tone only fueled his anger. “You think this is a joke?” She didn’t bother looking at him, instead flipping through the documents in front of her. “No, I think you’re overreacting. Can we get this over with? You seem desperate to be rid of me.” Hunter’s jaw tightened as he leaned closer
Edwin pulled up outside a lively bar that was already buzzing with energy. The neon lights outside blinked in vibrant reds and blues, casting a playful glow on the street. Evelyn squinted at the sign, reading it aloud. “The Velvet Note? Seriously, Edwin? What is this place?” Edwin grinned as he hopped out of the car and jogged around to open her door. “A surprise. Trust me, you’ll love it. Now, come on.” As they stepped inside, Evelyn’s senses were overwhelmed by the pulse of upbeat music, the sound of laughter, and the smell of craft cocktails mingled with delicious bar food. Her gaze swept across the room and landed on a very familiar face waving wildly at her from a corner booth. “VINNI?!” Evelyn exclaimed, her mouth falling open. Vinni jumped up, rushing over and throwing her arms around Evelyn. “SURPRISE!” she squealed. “Welcome to your official Divorce Freedom Party!” Evelyn laughed, the joy bubbling up unexpectedly. “You two planned this?” “Of course we did!” Vinni
Evelyn’s mind reeled. Sophia had a boyfriend? An aggressive one at that? Which she's trying to dump to get Hunter. Does Hunter know? But that doesn't change the fact that he cheated on her. She shook her head in disbelief. Growing up, Evelyn had known Sophia was wild, always running after excitement and validation, but she had never imagined something like this. Sophia had a habit of jumping from one fling to the next, but that had always seemed like her personal choice. Evelyn had never judged her for it, even though she couldn’t relate. But this? This was something darker. Sophia’s scream echoed in her ears, and Evelyn clenched her fists, trying to push away the pang of guilt that clawed at her. She didn’t step in. She couldn’t.As she tried to steady herself, memories came flooding back, unbidden. Memories of their mother—Vivian—the woman Evelyn had always struggled to understand. Vivian had always favored Sophia, showering her with affection and attention while Evelyn was le
Inside the apartment, Evelyn exhaled heavily as the door clicked shut behind them. The tension from the confrontation outside still lingered in the air, thick and suffocating. She turned to Edwin, her expression calm but firm. “Thank you for stepping in, Edwin,” she said quietly, “but you don’t have to fight for me. Especially not with him.” Edwin frowned, crossing his arms. “Evelyn, I wasn’t about to just stand there and let him treat you like that. He had no right—” “I mean it, Edwin,” she interrupted, her voice sterner this time. “I can handle Hunter on my own.” He held her gaze for a long moment, his brow furrowing as though he was about to argue.Then, with a soft sigh, he looked away. “Fine. But don’t expect me to just stand by if he pulls something like that again.” Evelyn shook her head, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I’m serious, Edwin. I don’t want anyone else getting involved. This is my mess to deal with.” Before the tension could stretch any further, Vinn
Evelyn sat in her office, the proposal from Blackwood Enterprises spread out on her desk. Vinni stood beside her, arms crossed, her sharp eyes scanning the document with a critical gaze. The two women had been poring over the details for hours, dissecting every clause and condition. While the investment offer was substantial, there were several terms that didn’t sit well with them—terms that felt overly controlling or invasive, as if Hunter were trying to insert himself into every aspect of StarLink’s operations.“This is ridiculous,” Vinni said, tapping a finger on one of the clauses. “He wants a seat on the board? And veto power over major decisions? Who does he think he is?”Evelyn sighed, leaning back in her chair. “He’s trying to assert control, Vinni. That’s what Hunter does. He doesn’t just invest—he takes over.”Vinni snorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Yeah, because that worked out so well for him last time. Didn’t he learn his lesson after what happened with your fath
Sophia sat in her lavish house, surrounded by wedding magazines, fabric swatches, and a mountain of invitations. The wedding preparations were in full swing, and she was determined to make it the most extravagant event of the year. Hunter might not be the most affectionate fiancé, but he was wealthy, powerful, and exactly the kind of man she needed to secure her future. She had worked too hard to let anything—or anyone—ruin this for her.As she flipped through a catalog of designer gowns, her phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen, her heart sinking as she saw the name: Jake. Her ex-boyfriend. The man she had tried so hard to leave behind. She hesitated for a moment before picking up the phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she opened the text."Sophia, we need to talk. Meet me at the old warehouse on 5th Street. Bring $50,000 in cash. If you don’t show up, I’ll pay a visit to your new rich boyfriend and tell him all about us. You don’t want that, do you?"Sophia’s s
After the tense encounter with Hunter, Evelyn returned to her office, her mind still reeling from the meeting. She sat down at her desk, her fingers tapping nervously on the polished surface as she tried to gather her thoughts. The weight of her new role as CEO was already heavy, and now, with Hunter’s sudden interest in StarLink, she felt even more overwhelmed. She needed someone she could trust by her side—someone who knew the ins and outs of the business world and could help her navigate the challenges ahead.Her eyes drifted to Vinni, who was sitting across from her, scrolling through her phone with a scowl on her face. Vinni had always been her rock, her confidante, and her fiercest supporter. She was sharp, resourceful, and had a knack for handling difficult situations with ease. If anyone could help Evelyn navigate the treacherous waters of corporate politics, it was Vinni.“Vinni,” Evelyn began, her voice hesitant but determined. “I need to ask you something.”Vinni looked up
The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Evelyn’s office, casting a warm glow over the sleek, modern space. She sat at her desk, her fingers tapping nervously on the polished surface as she reviewed the latest financial reports. The numbers were grim, but she refused to let despair take hold. She had taken on the role of CEO to honor her father’s legacy, and she wasn’t about to let StarLink crumble under her watch.Just as she was about to dive deeper into the reports, her secretary, Lisa, knocked lightly on the door before stepping inside. “Ms. Carter, I have some news.”Evelyn looked up, her expression calm but curious. “What is it, Lisa?”Lisa hesitated for a moment, her tone cautious. “We’ve received word that a major investor is interested in partnering with StarLink. They’re prepared to make a significant investment to help stabilize the company.”Evelyn’s eyes widened, a flicker of hope igniting in her chest. “That’s incredible news! Who is it? Do we ha
Hunter sat in his office, the morning sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a golden glow over the sleek, modern space. He leaned back in his leather chair, scrolling through his phone as he sipped his coffee. His eyes scanned the headlines absently until one caught his attention: "Daughter Takes Over Father’s Legacy: Evelyn Carter Named CEO of StarLink."His coffee cup froze halfway to his lips as he stared at the article. There, right below the headline, was a picture of Evelyn. She looked poised, confident, and radiant in a tailored suit, her hair swept back in a sleek updo. The caption beneath the photo read: Evelyn Carter, daughter of the late Robert Carter, steps into her father’s shoes as the new CEO of StarLink.Hunter’s jaw tightened as he read the article, his mind racing. Evelyn is the CEO of StarLink now? He couldn’t believe it. The Evelyn he knew—the one he had married and then divorced—had always been intelligent and driven, but he had never i
Hunter returned to his house late in the evening, his tie loosened and his expression weary. The weight of the day’s work hung heavily on his shoulders, and all he wanted was a quiet evening to unwind. But as he stepped into the living room, he was met with the sight of Sophia sprawled on the couch, surrounded by shopping bags and dresses laid out like trophies.“Hunter!” Sophia exclaimed, her voice dripping with excitement as she jumped up to greet him. “You’re finally home! Look at all the dresses I bought today. I wanted your opinion on which one I should wear to the gala next week.”Hunter barely glanced at the dresses, his disinterest evident as he walked past her toward the kitchen. “I’m sure whatever you choose will be fine, Sophia. You don’t need my input.”Sophia’s smile faltered, but she quickly recovered, following him with one of the dresses in hand. “But Hunter, this is important. I want to look perfect for you. Don’t you care?”Hunter poured himself a glass of water, his
Hunter slammed his office door shut, the sound echoing through the hallway. His employees exchanged uneasy glances, quickly returning to their work as his heavy footsteps approached. He stormed into the open workspace, his voice sharp and cutting. "Where’s the report I asked for this morning?" he barked at a young intern who was nervously shuffling papers. "Did I hire you to sit around and look busy, or to actually get work done?"The intern stammered, "I-I’m almost done, sir. I just need—""Almost done isn’t good enough," Hunter snapped, cutting him off. "I don’t pay you for almost. Get it on my desk in the next 10 minutes, or don’t bother coming back tomorrow."The intern nodded frantically, his face pale, as Hunter turned on his heel and marched back to his office. The tension in the room was palpable, and no one dared to speak until his door closed behind him.Back in his office, Hunter slumped into his chair, running a hand through his hair in frustration. How dare Evelyn ignore
Evelyn stepped into her new office, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the modern, sleek space. The walls were painted a soft, calming gray, accented with large windows that let in streams of natural light, offering a stunning view of the city skyline. A polished wooden desk sat in the center, adorned with a sleek laptop, a notepad, and a small potted plant—a touch of greenery that added warmth to the room. A comfortable-looking ergonomic chair was tucked neatly behind the desk, and a bookshelf against the wall was already stocked with industry-related books and a few decorative items. The faint scent of fresh coffee lingered in the air, coming from a small coffee station in the corner.As she was taking it all in, a woman with a warm smile and a confident stride entered the room. She extended her hand, her voice friendly and welcoming. "You must be Evelyn. I’m Clara, your new manager. It’s so great to finally have you here!"Evelyn shook her hand, returning the smile. "Thank
Evelyn adjusted her blazer nervously as she stepped out of the car, her heart hammering in her chest. The sleek glass building of Starlink towered above her, its polished exterior gleaming in the morning sun. The sight of it brought a mix of emotions—anxiety, determination, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. This wasn’t just any company; it was her father’s legacy. She inhaled deeply and pushed through the revolving doors. Inside, the lobby buzzed with activity—employees moving with purpose, phones ringing, the faint hum of conversation echoing off the marble walls. The receptionist, a young woman with a warm smile, greeted her. “Ms. Evelyn Carter, right? We already received a call from your grandfather,” the receptionist said, standing up immediately. “The board is expecting you. This way, please.” Evelyn nodded, her palms damp with sweat as she followed the receptionist to the elevator. 'Expecting me?' she thought. 'They barely know me. What exactly am I walking int