The diamond before the fall

*In Heiley's shadow*

Friday morning, the aroma of freshly cooked pancakes and scrambled eggs wafted up the stairs as Harris and Sarah made their way down to the dining room. Emily was already seated, sipping a cup of coffee.

Harris scanned the room, frowning slightly. “Where’s my little princess?”

Nancy bustled in from the kitchen. “Miss Heiley is still in her room, sir. Breakfast is ready though.”

Harris nodded, exchanging a knowing look with Sarah. “I’ll go get her.”

He walked up the stairs, calling out to Heiley as he approached her room. “Hey princess, breakfast is ready!”

He rounded the corner into the hallway and spotted her coming out of her room, phone pressed to her ear. “Yeah, I’ll catch up with you later, Zoe. Bye.” Heiley glanced up, saw him, and smiled. “Hey Dad.” Harris smiled back. “Hey sweetie. Breakfast is ready.” She slipped her phone into her pocket and gave Harris a quick hug, and they walked downstairs together.

Heiley greeted the others. “Morning everyone.”

Emily smiled warmly. “Morning Heiley.” Sarah handed her a plate. “Hey dear. Pancakes?” She shook her head, taking a seat. “Biscuits will do, but thanks.”

As she took her seat, she called out to Nancy, who was bustling around the kitchen. “Hey Nancy! Morning!” Nancy smiled, coming over with a glass of cold milk. “Morning, Miss Heiley! Here’s your milk.”

She grinned, taking the glass. “Thanks, Nancy.”

Harris smiled, watching the exchange. “You know she can’t start breakfast without her milk.” Emily extended biscuits to her and she gave her a grateful smile. They settled in and enjoyed their breakfast peacefully.

Heiley pushed her chair back, finishing her breakfast. “Alright, I’ll head to the office. Got some documents to sort out before I submit them to the board.”

Harris nodded, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Drive safely, sweetheart. I’ll come with Emily to the company later. She will be working with us from today.”

Heiley smiled. “Okay Dad, I will see you there.” She headed to her room, picked up her bag and some documents. Before leaving, her dad called out, “And don’t forget, it's your time to prove that you can be the CEO at 3 pm." Heiley nodded, heading to the door. “Got it, Dad. I’m well prepared.”

Nancy appeared with her keys. “The car is ready, Miss Heiley.” She nodded, and with a quick wave, she was out the door.

*BALDWIN DESIGNS - 2:58 PM*

Heiley walked into the boardroom, sketches under her arm. The table was full. Mr. Edward at the head. Harris and Emily weren’t there yet.

She took her seat, nodding to the board. “Afternoon, everyone.”

Mr. Edward tapped his pen. “Before we start, the bylaws are clear, Miss Baldwin. A CEO must be married or engaged to ensure company stability. Unless you’ve announced a fiancé we don’t know about?”

The room went quiet. A few board members shifted.

The doors opened at 3:00 sharp. Harris walked in. Emily followed, holding a folder. She didn’t sit.

Heiley stood, sliding a thick document across the table to Mr. Edward. “Actually, Mr. Edward, I did my homework.”

Mr. Edward opened it, frowning. “What’s this?” Heiley’s voice was steel. “Last quarter’s numbers. Midnight line revenue up 46%. Q1 profit highest in 4 months. All under my direction. Unmarried.”

She turned to the board. “The bylaws also say ‘unless the board votes majority for exceptional leadership.’ So I move to vote.”

Old Mr. Chen stood first. “The girl tripled my dividends. She has my vote.” One by one, hands went up. 8 of 12.

Mr. Edward’s face went red. Harris finally smiled. “Motion passed. Effective immediately, Heiley Baldwin is CEO. No engagement required.” Meeting ended.

Heiley looked at Emily. Emily gave her a smile then turned to the folder in her hands, knuckles white.

*ONE MONTH LATER*

Emily walked into Baldwin Designs as staff crowded Heiley, gushing about the Valeria Torres deal from Colombia.

_Your company. Your praise._ Emily’s jaw tightened. _Wait, Heiley. I’ll take everything you have starting with Dad Harris’s love, then the Baldwin heiress title. With you around it's like I'm walking in your shadow. No one notices my effort._

She slipped into Heiley’s office, laying her sketches down with a smile on her face. “I wanted your opinion.”

Heiley studied them, then smiled gently. “Emily, these sketches are good. Really good. But something’s missing.”

“See this edge on your sketch?” Heiley tapped the pendant. “Mom called it ‘edging.’ Safe is smooth. Real has edges — grief, anger, whatever you’re hiding. Put _you_ in the metal.”

Emily forced a smile, tucking the sketches under her arm. “You’re right. Thanks for the guidance, Heiley... I’ll do better.” She walked out, door clicking shut behind her.

_Later that evening._

Heiley walked into the house, looking thoughtful. Nancy, who was polishing the living room furniture, spotted her and smiled. “Hey Miss Heiley! Welcome home.” She smiled back. “Hey Nancy. How’s it going?” Nancy nodded. “Going well, thanks. You need anything, Miss?”

She considered for a moment. “Just a glass of lemon juice, please. But no need to bring it up, I’ll get it myself. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Nancy nodded, putting down her cloth. “Alright, I’ll get it ready. You go ahead.” Heiley headed upstairs to freshen up.

Meanwhile downstairs, Nancy’s hands moved quickly, squeezing lemons for Heiley’s juice. Emily stormed into the kitchen, her tone demanding.

“Make coffee for me, now. Bring it to my room.”

Nancy looked up, respectful but firm. “I’ll make it after I finish making lemon juice for Miss Heiley. Then I’ll bring it to your room, miss.”

Emily’s face darkened. “I told you make me coffee right now. If you can’t do your job, then go find another one.” Nancy’s hands trembled slightly as she set the tray down. “I’m sorry, Miss Emily. I’ll get it right...”

Heiley, who just walked into the kitchen, her eyes narrowing at Emily’s tone. “What did you say? And who gave you the right to talk to her like that? Can’t you see she’s elder than you? Apologize to her now.” Her voice sharp. “And stop spouting nonsense, Emily. On what basis do you think you can fire her?”

Emily’s eyes widened, taken aback by Heiley’s tone. “She’s just a maid... why should I apologize?”

Heiley’s words were like a slap. “Nancy was hired by Mom. No one here has a right to fire her. Not even Dad talks to her like that. What makes you think you can?”