My Hottest CEO

CHAPTER 1 The cold New York air greeted Cleopatra Thompson as she stepped out of the black limousine that had brought her from the airport. Fresh from London, Cleopatra had never set foot in this city before. Yet today, she wasn’t here to embark on a new life or an exciting adventure but to confront a bitter reality: her father James Thompson’s funeral. Cleopatra walked with composure towards the burial site, her body wrapped in an elegant black coat exuding authority. Her high heels struck firmly on the gravel path, and an expensive leather handbag hung from her left arm. Her appearance was flawless, yet beneath that beauty lay resilience and determination. Cleopatra’s sharp gaze swept over the people around her until it stopped on one figure she had always suspected—her uncle, Theodore William Blake. Theodore stood by the graveside with a calm demeanor, but Cleopatra caught the sly glint in his sharp eyes. With his tall, lean frame, thick black mustache, and calculating gaze, Theodore exuded a cold aura that made most people uneasy. But Cleopatra was not like most people. She met Theodore’s gaze fearlessly, even lifting her chin slightly, as if issuing a challenge. Deep within, Cleopatra harbored a profound suspicion—not only because Theodore was now the largest heir to Dimitri Group following her father’s death but also because of the rumors circulating about the mysterious accident that took James Thompson’s life. For Cleopatra, nothing seemed clearer than the possibility that Theodore might have had a hand in her father’s death. “Welcome back, Cleo,” Theodore’s cold voice broke her thoughts, his tone dancing somewhere between lies and deceit. Cleopatra glared at him. “I hope the news of this tragedy didn’t come as too much of a shock to you, Uncle,” she said, her voice calm but dripping with sarcasm. Each word that escaped her lips was like a dagger aimed directly at Theodore. Theodore’s thin smile hinted at enjoyment in their prickly exchange. “Your father’s death is a tragedy for all of us, Cleopatra. We must try to get through this together.” Cleopatra smirked, raising an eyebrow. “Of course, we must try... to uncover the truth, right? My father certainly deserves justice.” Theodore nodded, his expression unreadable, but Cleopatra knew her words carried a hidden threat. For a moment, she noticed his fist clench before quickly loosening again. Cleopatra grew more certain that Theodore was hiding something, and she was determined to uncover it. She looked back down at the earth where her father’s casket would soon be lowered, her heart steeled with resolve. She wouldn’t let this death pass unanswered. Cleopatra vowed, before her father’s grave and Theodore’s sly gaze, that she would uncover every truth—even if it meant going up against her own family. And as the funeral concluded, Cleopatra turned and left without another word. She departed the cemetery with a firm stride, carrying a new resolve. Her father’s death marked the beginning of a dangerous journey, and she wouldn’t stop until the truth was revealed. ________________________________________ In the spacious top-floor room of Dimitri Group, the panoramic window stretched from floor to ceiling, showcasing the bustling New York skyline. Cleopatra sat at the end of a long table, her gaze steady, her body calm amidst the tense atmosphere. Today was the reading of her father James Thompson’s will. Though Cleopatra showed no emotion, a flame of determination burned within her, one that would not be extinguished until the truth about her father’s death was uncovered. On the other side of the table sat her uncle, Theodore William Blake, his face calm but crafty. Beside him, his wife, Georgina Miller, sat with a cold and graceful expression, her jewelry glistening under the room’s lights. Their son, Anthony Curse Blake, sat nearby—a twenty-year-old young man who appeared indifferent, his eyes more focused on his phone than the people around him. Next to Cleopatra, Dimitri Group’s legal team was ready with documents in front of them. Her father’s loyal assistant, Johny Walderman, and the company’s lawyer, Jack Walker, sat with serious expressions. Cleopatra’s personal secretary, Peter Moon, stood behind her, poised with notes while keeping a sharp eye on Theodore. Jack Walker formally began the meeting, “We are gathered here to hear the last will and testament of Mr. James Thompson. Per his instructions, we will read this document in the presence of the family and Dimitri Group representatives.” Cleopatra focused her gaze on Jack, while Theodore shifted in his seat, unable to completely mask his subtle anticipation, which only deepened Cleopatra’s suspicions. Jack took a breath before he began to read. “With all due respect, I, James Thompson, leave all my wealth, assets, and full rights to Dimitri Group to my daughter, Cleopatra Thompson,” Jack read clearly. Cleopatra’s face remained cold, but inside, a curiosity began to arise, wondering what conditions were attached to this inheritance. But Jack wasn’t finished. “With one condition…” he said, pausing briefly to catch his breath, “…Cleopatra must marry within three months of my death.” The room was filled with a heavy silence. Cleopatra looked sharply at Jack, ensuring she hadn’t misheard. Meanwhile, Theodore couldn’t hide a faint smile that seemed to mock her. His face looked as if he were saying that this was a condition Cleopatra would surely fail to meet. “Marry within three months?” Cleopatra asked, her voice calm but firm. Jack nodded. “Yes, Miss Thompson. If not, all assets, wealth, and company rights will be transferred to the closest remaining family member.” He glanced at Theodore, making it clear that this meant her uncle. Theodore nodded slowly, pretending concern. “Cleo, dear, it seems your father wanted you to have… companionship. He surely knew how hard it would be to lead a company of this size alone.” Cleopatra looked at Theodore coldly. “Is that a suggestion or a veiled threat, Uncle?” she asked sarcastically, raising her brow. Georgina sighed with fake sympathy. “Cleopatra, maybe your father only wanted the best for you. Marriage is… a small price to pay compared to preserving the family legacy, right?” Cleopatra remained silent, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized the faces filled with false concern around her. Anthony, who had appeared indifferent so far, suddenly chuckled. “Cleo, did you really not expect this condition? Uncle James was quite clever.” Cleopatra ignored Anthony and turned to Jack. “Are there any further details about what constitutes… a legitimate marriage?” Jack nodded. “A legal marriage, recognized by law, Miss Thompson. That’s all. No further specifics.” Cleopatra looked down, thinking quickly. Three months was not much time, and she knew Theodore was likely hoping she would fail. Failure would mean Theodore would gain everything. But Cleopatra wouldn’t let them win so easily. She took a deep breath, raised her chin, and looked around the room with a cold gaze. “If that’s what my father wanted, then I’ll do it. Anyone who tries to stand in my way, including you, Uncle, might as well start finding another path to fulfill their ambitions.” Theodore returned Cleopatra’s gaze with an equally icy smile. “We’ll see, Cleopatra. This family is always full of surprises.”