I walked to the stage without looking at Julian and took my place at the podium.
"Thank you. For five years, I’ve been away, working on a different kind of venture. I've learned a great deal. Now it's good to be home, and I’m ready to lead the Sterling Group into its next era."
I kept the speech short and spoke only about the work ahead. When the applause started again, Julian was still where I had left him, pale and staring with his champagne glass hanging loose at his side.
My grandfather met me at the bottom of the stairs and squeezed my hand. Conversation slowly resumed around us, though people kept glancing toward Julian and Mia.
Mia pushed through the crowd and grabbed my arm. Tears had gathered in her eyes, but her grip tightened on the velvet. "Serena, please. You have to liste
