Chapter Five

A Shocking Revelation

Valenticia’s POV:

I, Valenticia, the granddaughter of the formidable Rosanna Clawford? The rightful heiress of the Clawford Group? 

It sounded like a plot twist from a story, and not my real life.

“You’ve been so strong.” Madam Rosanna’s voice was gentle, pulling me back to the present. Her hand was warm as she reached over, folding my fingers in hers. 

“Growing up, my aunt told me that I had lost my parents in an accident, and that's why I couldn't recall anything from when I was six. But one day, she opened up to me and told me that she found me bruised by the bank of a river with nothing but a bloodied floral dress and a Jade necklace.” I began. “We both tried our best to find my family. We didn't have enough resources to go further. And when I got married, I decided to forget the past. While you never gave up on me.” 

I leaned forward. “Please forgive me.” 

She gave me a soft smile. “I should have found you sooner. I failed you, but I promise, I’ll make up for lost time.”

Tears pricked at my eyes, and before I knew it, I was in her arms. 

When we pulled apart, Madam Rosanna’s demeanour shifted, taking on a more business-like edge. “Since you’ve returned to your real family, there’s no need for you to continue working at Sledger Inc. Instead, you should undergo training. It’s vital for your future role as the heiress.”

“Training?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “It’ll go on for just two years and it will be rigorous and discreet. You’ll need to learn everything, from managing our enterprises to navigating the elite society.”

I hesitated. “I understand, but... can I go back to Sledger Inc. one last time? I want to end things on my terms. Submit my resignation properly.”

She hesitated for a split second, but she nodded. “One day.” She repeated. “But you’ll move here immediately. This is your home now.”

Before I could respond, the door creaked open, and a tall man stepped into the room. “Gregor.” Madam Rosanna brightened. “Come in, darling.”

He walked over. “Is she the one?” He asked, his voice was warm, but something was unsettling about it.

“Valenticia, this is Gregor Clawford, your older cousin. He’s been helping me manage things around here.”

He extended a hand, and I took it. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Valenticia. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“All good things, I hope,” I replied, matching his smile.

“Of course.” His eyes didn’t quite match the curve of his lips. “Welcome to the family.”

The moment he left, I felt the atmosphere in the room had brightened. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something about him felt... wrong. I made a mental note to stay wary of him.

The next morning, I returned to Sledger Inc. for the last time.. I moved through the corridors with a calmness that surprised even me.

I handled my tasks quickly but carefully, leaving no loose ends. When I finally approached Mr Hansen with my resignation letter, his face twisted with disbelief.

“What’s this, Valenticia? You’re one of our best employees.” He leaned forward, his fingers steepled on his desk. “If this is about the incident with Mrs. Monroe, I assure you, she’s been disciplined. We’re even considering promoting you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Hansen, but my mind is made up.” I kept my voice calm. “I appreciate the opportunity I’ve had here, but it’s time for me to move on.”

His brows knitted together, and for a moment, I thought he’d push further. But he only sighed, accepting the letter. “If you ever change your mind, our doors are open.”

“Thank you.”

As I made my way to the employees’ section to pack my belongings, I could feel the eyes on me. And I could hear their whispers.

“She got fired, didn’t she?”

“Knew she wouldn’t last long.”

“Good riddance.”

I bit back a laugh. Let them talk. In a few years, they’d wish they’d treated me differently.

<<

Two years passed by quickly, my training had come to an end. But, Madam Rosanna was not exaggerating.

The lessons were intense. I learned everything from high-stakes negotiations to the art of reading a room. I trained in self-defence, learned several languages, and even the cues of body language.

And then, the day came.

The ballroom glittered with chandeliers, and Elites from around the world gathered. As Madam Rosanna began. “Today, I present to you, the rightful heiress of the Clawford Group—my granddaughter, Valenticia Clawford!”

I stepped onto the stage, with a silver dress that shimmered under the lights. 

Applause roared around me, but my gaze was on a single figure in the crowd.

Dmitri.

He stood wide-eyed, his hands still resting on the swollen belly of his pregnant wife, Natasha. She clung to his arm, her expression a mix of confusion and jealousy.

Clearing my throat, I read out my speech. "Good evening, everyone.” I started. “I stand before you today not just as Valenticia Clawford, but as the newly appointed heiress of the Clawford Group. This moment is as much a surprise to me as it may be to some of you. However, I accept this responsibility with a grateful heart and a determined spirit. I want to thank my grandmother, Madam Rosanna Clawford, for her unwavering faith in me and for guiding me to where I am today.” 

With a smile, I continued. “And to the Clawford Group family and our esteemed partners, I look forward to building a future filled with innovation, integrity, and excellence. This is not just a new chapter for me but for all of us.

Thank you for your support, and I hope to make each of you proud.”

Everyone applauded once again, as I descended the stage. 

As soon as I stepped down, Dmitri moved toward me, but the crowd enveloped me. Powerful men and women extended hands, offered business cards, and spoke of alliances and ventures. 

He just stood there, silent and shocked.

Soon, the event was over, but I lingered around a bit to converse with potential partners. And after that, I stepped out and slipped into the waiting car.

“Take me home, please,” I murmured.

Silence.

I looked up, and my blood ran cold. The driver was different. His eyes met mine through the rearview mirror, and he smirked.

“What are you doing?” I demanded as the car sped up.

No response. I texted my grandmother: “Something’s wrong, this is not my driver.”

Her reply was immediate: “Get out. Now!”

I lunged forward, grabbing the driver’s hair and yanking hard. The car swerved, as his curses filled the air, but I didn’t stop. My adrenaline surged, and with a final push, I slammed his head against the steering wheel.

Then I shoved the door open, and I stumbled onto the pavement. I ran, my breath hitching as I heard the slam of the car door behind me.

Then, headlights.

A vehicle screeched to a halt, and two men stepped out. Their eyes locked on me. “Hey! Stop right there!”