Standing next to my grandfather's coffin, I felt as though the entire world was on my shoulders. Though the sun broke through the clouds, my heart was not warmed. Family members muttered around me, their voices quiet and yet piercing enough to get right through my mind.

"Have you heard that Emma is taking over the business?" Aunt Linda spoke in a tone full of doubt. 

"Can she really take it?" With a tone that blended scorn and contempt, Uncle Harold added his voice. "She's only a young lady. What business management expertise does she possess? 

I balled my hands, attempting to drown out their murmurs. In such a moment, how could they utter such things? After my grandfather's death, was I the only thing on their minds? 

"Emma!" My best friend Sophia gave me a gentle prod. "Are you alright?" 

"No, I'm not," I retorted, sounding uneasy. "Everyone is mentioning me as if I'm not even present." 

Sophia cast a quick glance around, frowning. "Disregard them. They have no idea how strong you are. 

My gaze slipped back to the coffin as I groaned, "I wish I could believe that." "Grandpa had faith in me. All I want is for him to be here to help me." 

Sophia put a consoling hand on my shoulder and whispered, "Let's just focus on getting through today." 

I had a mixture of sadness and rage as the service went on. I wanted to pay tribute to my grandfather, but I felt like I was under constant pressure from my family. Would I be able to fill his shoes? I could almost hear them thinking. Would I disappoint my family? 

We got together for a little reception following the service. I tried to avoid my relatives' critical looks as I stood awkwardly near the refreshments. 

"Oh, Emma!" Aunt Linda waved me over when she called. "Join us, please. We had just been talking about your future. 

I walked up and attempted a grin. "How am I going to live?" 

"Oh, I see. In a condescending tone, Aunt Linda spoke. "It's time for you to take charge now that your grandfather has passed away. Soon, you'll be in charge of the business, won't you? 

Naturally, I said, attempting to maintain my composure. "I'm up to the challenge," 

"Are you ready?" Uncle Harold leaned closer and smirked, scowling. Do you believe you can manage it? You're not even capable of running a lemonade stand. 

Anger warmed my cheeks. Uncle Harold, I'm not a child anymore. I've worked in this industry for many years. 

With a sparkle in his eyes, he snapped back, "Years of watching, maybe." "However, operating it? That is a distinct narrative. 

With her hands clenched, Sophia intervened. Harold, please leave her alone. She will disprove your assertions. 

"Is that accurate?" Harold arched an eyebrow, obviously relishing the spat. The question is, "Can she even keep the family together?" 

My heart began to race. "I'll make sure the family stays united. Simply keep an eye on me. 

A few days later, Mr. Thompson, my grandfather's lawyer, was where I sat. My family was seated around a large, shiny table, and tension was palpable. My heart was thumping fiercely in my chest. This was it, the turning point in history. 

With a calm yet solemn tone, Mr. Thompson said, "Thank you all for coming." "We are here to read the will of Mr. Carter." 

I looked at my family, a mixture of expectation and wonder on their expressions. Sitting across from me was Uncle Harold, who had a smug look on his face. I had the unshakeable impression that he was savoring the occasion. 

Mr. Thompson said, "Emma Carter," staring right at me. You have been given the responsibility of running the company since you are the only heir to the Carter family's vast empire. But there are prerequisites. 

My heart fell. "Status?"

Indeed, Mr. Thompson went on. "Within the next two years, you must either marry a wealthy billionaire or have an heir." 

All around the room gasped. My face flushed from shock. How come? That is absurd! 

"Your grandfather wanted to make sure that the family legacy would be upheld," Mr. Thompson murmured softly to Emma. 

"Through union with a billionaire?" I cried out, raising my voice. "That's not how a legacy is formed!" 

A grin stretched across Uncle Harold's face as he sat back in his chair. "Emma, it appears you have a difficult decision to make." 

I glared at him, my annoyance building. Harold, this isn't a game. 

"Maybe not," he calmly answered. But it is undoubtedly difficult. Think you'll be able to locate someone in time? 

My hands were balled up, thoughts rushing. "This will not define who I am. With or without a spouse, I'll figure out a method to protect my future. 

Harold said with a sneer, obviously enjoying my anguish, "Good luck with that." "It will be necessary." 

Mr. Thompson went on to read the will, and as he did so, I was overcome with resolve. I wouldn't live my life in accordance with my family's expectations. I would disprove everyone. 

I turned to Sophia, who had been quietly sitting next to me, after the reading. "This is unbelievable, I can't believe it." 

With her eyes wide, she responded, "I know." Emma, you're powerful, though. You're capable of handling this. 

With a forceful voice, I stated, "I have to find a way to meet those conditions." "Harold won't be able to win," 

With a serious attitude, Sophia said, "Maybe we can brainstorm some ideas." "There must be an escape route from this." 

Indeed, but what? Feeling overwhelmed, I sighed. "I don't want to get married in order to continue running the family business." 

Then refrain from, Sophia stated in a firm voice. Someone who actually cares about you can be found. You are not required to give in. 

Feeling a glimmer of hope, I nodded. "You're accurate. I have to think creatively. 

Uncle Harold appeared, still grinning, and walked over to join us. "So, Emma, what's the plan? Will you now begin dating billionaires? 

I gave him a fierce look. Harold, that's none of your concern. 

"Oh, but it is," he remarked in a scornful manner. "May I simply ask how you intend to safeguard your future? You're in a rather difficult situation. 

"Go away from her," Sophia stepped in between of us. "You're merely attempting to irritate her." 

"Am I right?" Harold pretended not to know. "I'm merely keeping an eye on my beloved niece. Family is everything, isn't it right? 

"Relatives?" I sneered. "You have no regard for your family. All you want is to seize control of the business. 

With a hushed voice, he leaned closer. "Emma, watch your back. You're not as impervious as you believe. 

A shiver went down my spine. "Harold, I'm ready for anything you throw at me." 

With my heart pounding, I turned to face Sophia as he left. I'm not going to let him win. I have to figure out how to safeguard my future. 

Sophia brightened her eyes and added, "Let's brainstorm." "We'll devise a strategy." 

Feeling a wave of determination pass over me, I inhaled deeply. I refused to let Uncle Harold or anybody else to control my destiny. I'd figure out a way to disprove them all. 

And I realized that this was just the start of my adventure as I surveyed the space. Whatever it took, I was prepared to battle for the legacy of my family. 

I turned to look at Uncle Harold as I was leaving the office, and there he was, watching me with that annoying smirk. Though I was aware of the difficulties ahead, I was prepared. I would take control of my destiny, and I would do it how I saw fit.