The morning after the shareholders' meeting, the city woke to headlines that sent shockwaves through the business world.
"EMPIRE HEIR RETURNS."
"ELENA ASHFORD RECLAIMS HER PLACE."
"VICTOR LANGSTON LOSES CONTROL OF BOARD."
Every news station replayed the footage of Elena standing before the shareholders while Victor's face hardened with helpless rage.
Inside Ashford Tower, however, victory felt anything but complete.
Elena stood alone in her father's office.
The sunrise painted the city in shades of gold beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Her father's chair remained untouched.
She ran her fingers across the polished mahogany desk.
"I did it," she whispered.
"But you're not here to see it."
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
Anthony stepped inside carrying two cups of coff
