Chapter 9 - Reclaiming the Throne
One month later.
Liana stood in the grand foyer of the true Sterling Manor, a sprawling historic estate that had been locked away and decaying since her parents' murder. Today, the massive oak doors were thrown wide open, letting the sunlight pour in.
She wore a flawlessly tailored ivory suit. No fake tiaras. No cheap lockets. Just the Sovereign’s Ruby, resting against her skin as a permanent reminder of her survival.
She had spent the last four weeks liquidating Vivienne’s toxic assets, firing the corrupt board members, and establishing a massive charitable foundation to rebuild the impoverished districts she had grown up in.
The sound of footsteps echoed on the marble. Dominic walked in, looking around the restored grand hall.
"You’ve done incredible work here, Liana," Dominic said, a rare, genuine smile gracing his features. "The market has stabilized. The empire is officially yours."
"I didn't do it alone," Liana said, walking down the steps to meet him. "I couldn't have done it without you, Dominic."
"My contract as your executor is officially complete," he said softly, his voice carrying a sudden, heavy vulnerability. "You don't need my protection anymore. You are the most powerful woman in this city."
May you like
Liana stopped inches from him. She looked up into the dark, fierce eyes of the man who had pulled her out of the fire, the man who had taught her how to fight, how to rule, and how to trust again.
"Maybe I don't need your protection," Liana whispered, reaching up to rest her hand against his cheek. "But what if I want my partner?"
