HEIRESS OF THE BLACK EMPIRE

By eight in the morning, Elena Sinclair had already rejected three calls from her grandfather. Not because she was avoiding him. She simply had no idea why the most powerful man in her family had been calling her repeatedly before breakfast. Elena stood in front of the mirror of her Manhattan apartment, fastening the delicate clasp of her watch. Her dark hair fell loosely over her shoulders, and she had just reached for her coffee when her phone rang again. Grandfather. She sighed. The fourth call. She answered. “Good morning, Grandfather.” “Come to the estate.” Elena frowned. “Good morning to you too.” There was no response. “Is something wrong?” “Come to the estate, Elena. Nine o'clock.” His voice was calm, but that was precisely what worried her. Alexander Sinclair never called people without a reason. “Can you at least tell me what this is about?” “No.” She blinked. “No?” “You'll find out when you arrive.” The call ended. Elena stared at the screen. “That was reassuring.” She picked up her handbag and headed for the door. The Sinclair estate sat on a sprawling piece of private land outside Manhattan, hidden behind iron gates and towering trees. Elena had grown up there, but she had deliberately moved into her own apartment after graduating from university. She preferred having a life that belonged to her. By the time her car passed through the gates, she had already considered at least ten possibilities. Her grandfather was sick. There was a family emergency. Something had happened at Black Empire Holdings. Or perhaps— Her thoughts stopped when she noticed the number of cars parked outside the main entrance. Her parents were there. Damien's car was there. Even Victor Sinclair's black sedan was parked near the entrance. Elena's stomach tightened. This wasn't a casual family meeting. She stepped out of the car and walked inside. The moment she entered the enormous sitting room, every conversation stopped. Her father, Nathaniel, sat beside her mother, Victoria. Damien was standing near the fireplace with his arms crossed. Clara was sitting on the sofa, staring at everyone with obvious confusion. Victor sat across from them, looking unusually serious. And at the center of the room sat Alexander Sinclair. At sixty-nine, he still commanded the room without raising his voice. His silver hair was neatly combed back, his dark suit perfectly tailored. He looked at Elena. “You're late.” She checked her watch. “It's eight fifty-eight.” Alexander glanced at the clock. “Then you have two minutes to spare.” Elena smiled faintly. “I'm glad to see you haven't changed.” “Sit down.” The smile disappeared from her face. She obeyed. Victoria reached over and squeezed her hand. “Are you all right?” Elena whispered. “I was about to ask you the same thing.” Elena looked around. “Why is everyone here?” Nobody answered. That was when Alexander stood. “I called you here because I have made a decision regarding the future of the Black Empire.” The room became completely silent. Elena looked at him. “The future of the Black Empire?” Alexander nodded. “For the past several years, I have been preparing for the day when I step away from the company's daily operations.” Damien straightened. Victor's expression hardened. Alexander continued. “The question has always been who will take my place.” Elena's gaze moved from one face to another. She knew exactly where this was going. Everyone had assumed Damien would eventually inherit the company. He was the oldest son. He had worked inside Black Empire Holdings for years. He knew the company. He knew the board. He knew the business. Elena had never considered herself a serious candidate. She didn't even work for the company. So when Alexander finally spoke the words, Elena thought she had misunderstood him. “I have chosen my successor.” Damien's jaw tightened. Victor leaned forward. Clara stopped breathing. Alexander looked directly at Elena. “Her name is Elena Sinclair.” Silence. Absolute silence. Elena stared at him. For several seconds, she couldn't move. Then she let out a small, disbelieving laugh. “I'm sorry?” “You heard me.” “No.” Alexander's expression didn't change. “You will become the next head of the Black Empire.” Damien stood abruptly. “You can't be serious.” “Sit down, Damien.” “You're choosing Elena?” “I am.” Victor's calm exterior finally cracked. “With all due respect, Alexander, Elena has never held an executive position in the company.” “I know.” “She has no experience managing a corporation of this size.” “I know.” “She hasn't even worked inside the Black Empire.” “I am aware.” Victor looked frustrated. “Then how can you possibly—” “Because I am not blind, Victor.” The room fell silent again. Alexander turned toward Elena. “But I am not handing you the empire today.” Elena's heart pounded. “What does that mean?” “You will undergo a twelve-month probation.” Her brows pulled together. “Probation?” “For twelve months, you will work inside the Black Empire as a probationary successor. You will be given real authority, real responsibilities, and real consequences.” Alexander's voice remained firm. “At the end of those twelve months, the board will vote on whether you are fit to become the company's next leader.” Elena stared at him. “And if I fail?” Alexander didn't hesitate. “Then you lose the succession.” The words settled heavily over the room. Damien looked away. Victor's expression became almost satisfied. Elena swallowed. She had expected a family meeting. She had not expected her grandfather to place an entire corporate empire on her shoulders. Her mother reached for her hand again. “Elena doesn't have to accept this,” Victoria said quietly. Alexander looked at his daughter-in-law. “No. She doesn't.” Elena looked at him. For the first time since entering the room, Alexander's expression softened. “This must be her decision.” Elena looked around the room. Her father was watching her carefully. Her mother looked worried. Clara looked excited and terrified at the same time. Damien looked like he was still trying to understand how the decision had been made. Victor looked almost pleased. They were all waiting for her answer. Elena slowly stood. “You chose me.” Alexander nodded. “Then I'll do it.” Damien's eyes widened. “Elena—” She turned toward him. “I know I don't have your experience, Damien.” He fell silent. “But I have twelve months to earn the position.” Her voice was steady now. “And I'm going to use every one of them.” Alexander's eyes remained fixed on her. For the first time that morning, something resembling pride appeared in his expression. “Good.” Elena exhaled slowly. Then Alexander reached for a folder sitting on the table. Her stomach tightened. “What is that?” He placed the folder in front of her. “Your probation.” Elena opened it. The first page contained her name. ELENA SINCLAIR — SUCCESSION PROBATION Below it was a list of rules, responsibilities, and performance requirements. Her eyes moved down the page. Then she stopped. “This starts today?” Alexander nodded. “Your first evaluation begins immediately.” Elena slowly looked up. “What?” Alexander's expression turned unreadable. “You have one day to prepare.” He pushed another document across the table. “Tomorrow morning, you will walk into Black Empire Holdings as its probationary successor.” Elena stared at the document. And suddenly, the twelve months ahead didn't feel long at all. They felt like a countdown. End of chapter 1