Bella stood by the black, polished casket, her eyes tracing the lines of her father's face one last time. Around her, the murmur of condolences floated through the air like a distant hum. Everyone in attendance had something to say — "He was a great man," "We'll miss him dearly," "Stay strong, Bella." Words fell on deaf ears. She could see their lips moving, but she heard nothing. Nothing but the deafening roar of silence inside her own head.
Her father, Edward Kingston, had been the heartbeat of Kingston Enterprises, a titan in the world of finance. Now, that heartbeat was gone, replaced by an empty hollow that echoed inside Bella's chest. She was the new CEO, the one meant to carry the weight of the empire, but all she felt was the crushing pressure of uncertainty. Did she even want this?
The skies matched her mood, a dull gray, threatening rain but holding back, as if the heavens, too, were suspended between grief and action. She wanted to cry, but the tears refused to fall. All that filled her was an overwhelming numbness. How was she supposed to move on when the man who had taught her everything — the man who was her world — was suddenly gone?
The crowd shifted, and she caught sight of them: the board members of Kingston Enterprises, standing in a tight cluster. Their eyes glinted with something more than sadness. Calculation. Skepticism. Can she really lead us? Their unspoken question lingered in the air like a noxious cloud. Bella knew what they were thinking. She'd heard the whispers even before her father's body had cooled.
Too young. Too inexperienced. A woman in her late twenties? How could she possibly handle the empire?
Bella clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms as she swallowed the rising wave of frustration. They didn't know her. They didn't understand what she was capable of. And she was determined to prove them all wrong.
The final prayer ended and the mourners began to disperse, Bella caught the eye of Dominic Greyson. He stood at the back of the crowd, his presence impossible to ignore. Tall, handsome, and dripping with confidence, Dominic was everything her father had warned her about. A rival. A shark in a custom-tailored suit. And today, he was circling her, his gaze a predator's lock on its prey.
"Bella," he said, stepping forward. His voice was smooth, like velvet dipped in poison. "I didn't want to disturb you at a time like this, but I thought it best we speak."
Bella lifted her chin, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "Speak about what, Dominic?" Her voice came out sharper than she intended, but she didn't care. She wasn't in the mood for his games.
Dominic smiled, a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I know this must be a difficult time for you, stepping into your father's shoes and all. Kingston Enterprises is a massive responsibility. You must feel... overwhelmed."
Bella's heart pounded. Overwhelmed? Was that how they saw her? Fragile? Weak? She straightened her posture, masking the storm of emotions brewing inside. "Kingston Enterprises is in good hands, Dominic. I assure you."
"Of course," he replied smoothly. "But sometimes, even the strongest leaders need... assistance. I wanted to offer you a partnership. Greyson International and Kingston Enterprises working together — it would be mutually beneficial. We could build something even greater."
Bella stared at him, the audacity of his offer taking her by surprise. "A partnership?" she repeated, her voice laced with disbelief. "You think I need your help?"
Dominic took a step closer, his gaze unwavering. "I think it would be wise. You're young, Bella. There's no shame in accepting guidance, especially from someone with experience."
Her blood boiled. The patronizing tone, the subtle hint of superiority, it all grated against her like nails on a chalkboard. She wasn't some damsel in distress who needed a white knight to save her. She was Bella Kingston, and she had just buried her father. She didn't need Dominic Greyson's pity — or his partnership.
"I'm not interested," Bella said, her voice firm. "Kingston Enterprises is mine to lead. I don't need anyone's guidance, least of all yours."
Dominic's smile faded, his eyes darkening. For a moment, something cold and menacing flickered across his face, a glimpse of the man beneath the charming facade. "You might want to reconsider," he said quietly, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "The business world is ruthless. Without the right alliances, you could find yourself... struggling."
The unspoken threat hung in the air between them. Bella met his gaze, refusing to back down. "I'm not afraid of struggling, Dominic. I'm not afraid of you."
He chuckled softly, the sound low and almost mocking. "You should be."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Bella standing there, her heart racing, her mind spinning. She watched him disappear into the crowd, the weight of his words pressing down on her. She had just made a powerful enemy.
She stood there, the reality of her situation hit her full force. The funeral was over, but the real battle was just beginning. Dominic wouldn't back off. He'd come for her. And the board members, circling like vultures, were already questioning her ability to lead. Every step she took from now on would be watched, scrutinized, criticized.
A sinking feeling settled in her stomach. She had no choice but to fight. For her father's legacy. For herself.
The days following the funeral were a blur of meetings and power plays. Bella spent hours in boardrooms, surrounded by men twice her age who questioned her every move. No matter what she did, it never felt enough. They doubted her decisions, undermined her authority, and whispered behind her back.
One evening, after another exhausting meeting where her leadership was once again put on trial, Bella found herself alone in her office. The city lights twinkled outside the window, mocking her isolation. She stared at the massive desk in front of her — her father's desk. Now, hers. But it didn't feel right. None of this did.
Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. It was a message from Dominic.
Are you sure about your decision? It's not too late to change your mind.
Bella's jaw clenched. She tossed the phone aside, unwilling to engage in his manipulative games. But the truth was, his presence lingered in her thoughts like a shadow she couldn't shake. Dominic was dangerous. He was a threat not just to her company, but to everything she was trying to build.
She had to stay strong, but the cracks were starting to show.
A knock at the door startled her. Bella's assistant poked her head in, her expression cautious. "Miss Kingston, the board is calling an emergency meeting. They're... questioning your leadership again. Something about new developments. They want to see you now."
Bella's stomach dropped. This was it. The beginning of the coup. Dominic's words echoed in her mind. You should be afraid.
With a deep breath, Bella rose from her chair, the weight of the world on her shoulders. She wasn't sure what awaited her in that boardroom, but one thing was clear: the battle for her father's empire was far from over. And this time, the stakes were higher than ever.