The glass walls of the Chase Enterprises boardroom reflected the dawn's golden light, but the atmosphere inside was far from serene. Evelyn Chase stood at the head of the long mahogany table, her posture straight and commanding, her expression a mask of unyielding determination. The board members, all older men with skeptical gazes and calculating smirks, exchanged glances. They underestimated her—just as she knew they would.
"Let me make this clear," Evelyn began, her voice sharp enough to cut through the tension. "Chase Enterprises will not be bowing to anyone. Our expansion into international markets will proceed as planned. If you can't stomach the risk, there's the door."
Her piercing gaze swept across the room, daring anyone to challenge her. No one moved.
It had been three months since her father's death, and every day felt like a battlefield. The whispers of scandal, the barely veiled doubts about her leadership, the vultures circling for a piece of her family's empire—she had faced it all. But Evelyn wasn't about to crumble. Her father may have built Chase Enterprises, but she was determined to ensure it thrived under her watch.
The meeting ended in murmurs and reluctant nods. Evelyn watched as the board members filed out, leaving her alone in the cavernous room. She exhaled slowly, her fingers brushing over the edge of the table. This wasn't just business to her—it was personal.
"Impressive," a smooth voice broke through her thoughts.
Evelyn turned sharply to see Adrian Black, her newly hired assistant, standing at the door. He held a tablet in one hand and a steaming cup of coffee in the other, his dark eyes alight with amusement.
"Eavesdropping, Mr. Black?" she asked, arching a brow.
"Only enough to know you've got them eating out of the palm of your hand," Adrian replied with a disarming smile. He crossed the room and placed the coffee on the table before her. "Double shot of espresso, just as you like it."
Evelyn studied him for a moment. Adrian had been hired only a week ago, yet he'd already proven himself efficient, perceptive, and maddeningly charming. She didn't trust him—she didn't trust anyone—but he was good at his job.
"Flattery doesn't work on me," she said coolly, taking the coffee.
"Noted," Adrian replied, his tone still light. But as he turned to leave, a flicker of something darker crossed his face—something Evelyn couldn't quite place.
Adrian stepped into the elevator, his easygoing demeanor slipping away the moment the doors closed. He tapped a message into his phone, his jaw tightening.
She's sharper than I expected. But no matter how hard her walls are, they'll crack. I'll find what I need.
For Adrian, this wasn't just a job—it was revenge. His parents had died years ago in what had been called a tragic accident, but whispers of betrayal and greed had led him to one name: Henry Chase. Now, with the man dead and his daughter in control, Adrian had one objective—to uncover the truth and destroy everything Evelyn held dear.
But the woman he'd expected to be a pampered heiress was nothing like he imagined. Evelyn Chase was ruthless, brilliant, and maddeningly captivating. And if he wasn't careful, she could become a distraction he couldn't afford.
Back in her office, Evelyn stared out at the city skyline, her mind racing. Something about Adrian nagged at her, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Her instincts told her he wasn't what he seemed, but for now, she had bigger enemies to worry about.
She clenched her fists. Whoever had killed her father thought they'd silenced the Chase legacy. They were wrong.
Because Evelyn Chase wasn't just playing the game. She was here to win.