Power changes people.
Sometimes slowly—like ink bleeding through paper.
Sometimes instantly—like a flame catching silk.
For Mia Carter Kane, the shift was fast.
The revelation of her mother’s true identity changed everything. Vivian Laurent. Heiress to a fortune, niece to a dynasty. A woman erased from power because she chose love over legacy.
Now, her daughter stood where she never had the chance to.
And the whole world was watching.
Lucas arranged a private meeting with Kane International’s remaining board.
Twelve members.
Eight loyal to Lucas.
Two wavering.
One—vacant.
And the twelfth?
No one really knew where they stood.
“Every vote counts,” Lucas said as they gathered in the boardroom that gleamed like an altar. “Roman’s out. Sophie’s disgraced. Graves will be gunning fo
