Riah bit her bottom lip, her fingers twisting anxiously in the hem of her blouse.
Lara stepped forward, her voice low but firm. “Tell me. What did my father do?”
Riah hesitated again, and then, slowly, she spoke. “Your father… he talked to Lucas. He offered his support. He promised to back Lucas up—to help him solidify his position as successor. At that time, Lucas was still young. Just starting to make a name for himself. He may have some accomplishments under his belt and his father’s favor, but the board didn’t fully trust him yet. They still doubted him. But with your father’s influence and your family’s company behind him, those doubts disappeared. Suddenly, everything Lucas had worked so hard for was within reach.”
Lara stood frozen. Her mind reeled as the pieces started fitting t
