Chapter 12

**Kate's POV**

A month to prove myself worthy! To be frank, I don’t know much about running a company, but Dylan’s attack on me feels deeply personal. It’s as if the family members have discussed it beforehand, showing only a facade of commitment.

I sigh heavily as I walk out of the building. The cool evening air does little to calm me. Other family members trail out behind, each offering a shallow bow before making their exit. Dylan approaches with a smirk that makes my stomach churn. “Bye, your empress. I wish you good luck for the month,” he says, his dark eyes glinting with something cold and malicious.

His words are a blatant provocation, and his gaze seems to dig under my skin. I loathe the way he looks at me. As he turns to leave, I call out sharply, “Stop.”

He turns back, the smirk never fading. “What is it, your empress?”

“I need you to gather all the files on high-reputation companies nearby and report them to me,” I demand, trying to keep my voice steady.

His eyebrow raises in confusion. “What, me? Should I be the one to do that?” he asks.

“Is there a problem with that? You want to defy my order? Even though I’m on trial, my authority still stands. I can have you demoted from whatever position you hold in the family!” I say, my eyes narrowing into a steely glare.

He bites his lip, a flicker of unease crossing his face as he bows slightly. “I’m sorry, I dare not defy you,” he says, his voice strained. “I’ll have it done by next week.”

“I want it by tomorrow,” I insist, my tone brooking no argument.

He raises his head slowly, his expression a mix of surprise and resignation. “No problem.”

“Good. You can go,” I say, watching him scurry away with a sense of satisfaction. Yeah, he should know that I’m not his plaything.

Charlie, who has been watching from behind, speaks up, his eyes gleaming with admiration. “Wow, I didn’t think you had it in you. Now he won’t dare cross you. I love it.”

I turn to face him, my lips curving into a smile. “Is this how I can control the family?”

“Yeah, anyone who dares to oppose you will learn their lesson. I like how you showed him your strength,” Charlie replies, his smile widening.

I grin and ask, “Are you sure I can control whoever I want?”

“Absolutely, as long as it’s reasonable and not discriminatory. They’ll lick your feet,” he says, his eyes twinkling.

“Okay, then... I want you to take me out for a drink,” I say.

Charlie hesitates, his brow furrowing. “Oh, sister, I’m busy...”

I cut him off, my tone sharp. “You want to defy your queen empress?”

He scoffs, a rueful smile crossing his face. “Alright, Mrs. President!”

I am delighted. Charlie has been avoiding going out with me, but now that I know I can assert my authority, I make it happen.

We head to my newly bought car, with Helena driving. I enjoy being around Charlie; he brings out my playful and girly side. Throughout the drive to the exclusive bar, I tease him incessantly, my laughter ringing out.

At the bar, we order the most expensive wine while Helena keeps her distance. As we settle in, Charlie chats about the family, his face lighting up with enthusiasm as he recounts each member’s name and their characters. I laugh at his little jokes, feeling a genuine warmth.

Suddenly, Charlie’s expression changes. He stops, his gaze fixed on me with an intense focus. “Mmm, brother, are you okay?” I ask, noticing his glazed eyes.

He doesn’t respond immediately, his stare unfocused.

“Brother?”

“You’re beautiful,” he says, slurring slightly.

I chuckle, rolling my eyes affectionately. “I know, brother. I’m sure your girlfriend is even more beautiful.”

“I don’t have a girlfriend,” he says, his words trailing off.

“Oh, but you must have a crush,” I prodded, eager to learn more.

He nods slowly, a dreamy smile spreading across his face. “Yeah, a very beautiful one.”

“Really? Does she know? Have you told her?” I ask, my eyes widening.

He admits, “I don’t know if she knows, and I can’t even tell her. It’s complicated.”

I offer, leaning in with a mischievous glint in my eyes. “How complicated? Tell me, and I’ll convince her for you.”

Charlie chuckles, shaking his head. “You’re clueless. I’ll be right back. I need to... relieve myself!” he announces loudly, his words slightly slurred. I haven’t seen this side of him before; alcohol has clearly loosened his inhibitions. I watch him leave, amused and slightly bemused.

As I sip my wine, contemplating my cousin’s mysterious crush, I feel a sudden urge to visit the washroom.

Getting inside the washroom, I encounter a tall, muscular woman with long hair obscuring her face. Her presence is imposing, yet she seems to cower as if hiding from something.

I pay her little mind as I go about my business and pee, but after I finish, I notice her again. Her rough appearance and the way she struggles to stand catch my attention. She looks terrified, her face hidden behind her hair, and I feel a pang of concern.

“Hey, are you okay?” I ask, trying to keep my voice gentle. I feel like she’s being abused and don’t want to ignore it.

She doesn’t respond, just keeps her head down. “What’s going on? Are you hurt?” I press, my concern growing.

Still, she remains silent, only mumbling softly. “Nothing.”

I can see her body trembling slightly. “Come on, tell me. I want to help. Is this a men thing?” I say, my voice filled with empathy. I know what men can do.

She lifts her head a fraction, her eyes barely visible. “Nothing... still,” she says in a barely audible voice, her tone almost defeated.

I am determined to get through to her. “Please, just tell me. I can’t just walk away if something’s wrong.”

Then her voice turns sharp and somehow thick. “Nothing’s wrong, can’t you just leave me alone?” she says, and I decide to leave.

“Okay, it’s alright... I shouldn’t,” I say as I try to call her back. I stretch my hand to stop her and only manage to touch her hair. Then, the surprise happens. As her hair falls from her head, I realize it’s a wig!

That’s not the problem. The lady suddenly stops, and I know something is wrong. I immediately rush in front of her and hold her tightly.

“What—”

“What is wrong, you bitch!” she says, raising her head. I can’t believe my eyes at what I’m seeing. This is a man! A fucking pervert.

I widen my eyes in shock.

“You!” the pervert states. As I stare at him, I recognize him. It’s that arrogant guy from the car showroom today!