chapter 11

**Kate's POV:**

Today is the day I’m finally introduced to the rest of the family. I’ve met a few members before, but not all of them. I know Charlie, my cousin—easily the most compassionate person I’ve ever known. He has this rare ability to make me believe that maybe, just maybe, there are still good men out there. Kyle, however, definitely isn’t one of them, also was the asshole man I met today.

As I step out of the car, the towering six-story building of the Hera Private Suites looms before me. Most of the family resides here, and my stomach churns with nervous anticipation. The bodyguards stationed at the entrance bow as I approach, adding to the formality of the moment. Just then, Charlie emerges from the doors, his familiar, warm presence bringing an instant sense of relief.

"Wow, my beautiful cousin is looking dazzling today. Seriously, you’re making the rest of the ladies look bad," Charlie remarks with a playful grin.

Charlie is delicate in appearance, almost fragile, with soft, feminine features. He doesn’t say much, but when he does, his dry wit and humor always take me by surprise. It’s one of the many reasons I adore him—his ability to lighten even the heaviest moments with a single line.

I smile and say, "I'm nervous!"

"You shouldn't be, you're the president of the Hera family," he reminds me.

Helena leans in and adds, "Yeah, you should be. It's going to start getting tough." Helena has been telling me this for a while now.

We make our way inside, and Charlie directs me to where the other families are waiting in the grand room. I’m so nervous that I hold his hand tightly as we stand in front of the entrance door.

“Everything will be fine. Remember, you’re the queen of the Hera family!” he says. I gulp and nod. He opens the door for me, and I step in, followed by him, while Helena stays behind.

The room is filled with opulence. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm, golden light over the space, reflecting off the marble floors. High-backed chairs and elegant sofas are arranged in a grand circle, with an ornate fireplace as the room’s centerpiece. The families are seated in a manner that speaks to their status and importance. The head of each family sits in a commanding position, with the other members arranged hierarchically around them.

I look around and see familiar faces. I don’t know how to react or what to do, but they all stand up and bow to me.

“Welcome back, Your Empress, the Hera Queen,” they all chorus, sending goosebumps across my skin. This family is something else. I don’t know what to say, so I murmur, “Sit down.”

But they don’t; they remain on their feet. Then Charlie whispers, “You have to be in your seat first; they don’t dare sit before you.”

Wow, this is something else. I walk to a large sofa in the middle, which I know is meant for me, and sit down gently. Just as Charlie said, they all sit down. Miss Janet is beside me. I look at her as she smiles, then she stands up.

She begins her speech. “As you all know, the Hera Consortium activities were supposed to stop after the death of the former president and his missing daughter. The former president made it clear that his daughter would be his successor after he left. Because of the missing daughter, we couldn’t continue business, so it was put to a halt. Now, his daughter has arrived, the new Hera president, and the Hera Queen, Katherine!”

She motions to me, and they all chant again, “Welcome back, Your Highness!”

This family has some awkward customs, and as I look around the room, I understand why they are the most powerful and dangerous family.

Grandma motions for me to make a speech. I stand up, cough, then begin.

“Thank you all for the warm welcome. It means so much to me to be here with you today. I am honored to take on the role of Hera Queen and to continue the work that my father began. I promise to lead with integrity and dedication, and I look forward to working together to ensure the success of our family and the Hera Consortium. Let’s move forward with strength and unity. Thank you.”

They all clap. Each of them introduces themselves. There are twelve in total, and I can’t even recall anyone’s name. Charlie will help me with that.

Then Ms. Janet adds, “As of tomorrow, she will be announced and take the role!”

“Objection!” one of them calls out and stands up. He’s a young man like Charlie but broader.

Charlie chimes in, “What’s this about?”

“She just returned, and we don’t even know her past. The Hera family is our priority, and we can’t jeopardize it. We can’t put the family’s future in her hands when we’re not sure if she’s capable.”

“Yeah, I support that.”

“Yeah, he’s right.”

Almost everyone murmurs, as if they don’t want me here, but the young man is right. I’m inexperienced.

Ms. Janet then says, “Dylan, you should know she isn’t the only one heading it. She will have support.”

“And I’m for it as well. I’ll help her,” Charlie intervenes.

“Yeah, that will make it easier for me,” I utter, my voice barely above a whisper.

“No, she’s the queen, so she must be capable herself. Even with your support, she would still control you and make decisions you can’t change!” Dylan insists.

“Yeah, that’s true.”

“Dylan’s right.”

“We can’t make her the president!”

It’s obvious now they don’t want me as president; they’re just looking for excuses. I clench my fist and find my voice. I won’t be weak, not anymore. “I am the president of Hera, just as it was stated by the former president. So, what’s your point? What do you want me to do?”

Dylan nods and says, “Trial. You’ll be put on trial to head the company, and we want results in a month. Then we’ll decide if you’re capable of being the president. During this month, you won’t be announced publicly, and you’ll head the company discreetly. After one month, we’ll check the results.”

They all chorus in support.

Ms. Janet growls, “She’s the president; she has nothing to prove.”

Dylan stands his ground. “If she’s not confident enough to take this challenge, then she’s not worthy, and I won’t give her my pledge.”

“Same here.”

“Yeah, we won’t do it.”

They all chorus. Now I know what Helena had been warning me about: it’s going to be tougher than I imagined.

I gulp and state, “I accept your challenge. I’ll prove how worthy I am in a month!”

Dylan smirks, as if he’s been waiting for me to say that.