Richard's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes hard as stone. "I won't give you the CEO position," he said, his voice cold. "But I'll put you on a trial for three months." He paused, watching her closely for her reaction. "If you want this position, you'll need to prove yourself. Break Leone and Evelina's marriage. Do it in a way that won't link back to our family. And while you're at it, try to gain the favor of the Hargraves."
Maya's lips curled into a smile, but it wasn't the smile of a daughter seeking forgiveness. It was the smile of someone who had just found the perfect game piece. 'This isn't exactly what I wanted but there is an opening and I still have a chance.'
"I understand, Father," she said, her voice smooth, almost too calm. The excitement bubbling under her skin was contained behind the ice in her gaze.
