The heir’s choice

A second chance

The moment we stepped inside Sinclair & Co. Holdings, I felt it immediately.

Everything about the place was polished to perfection. The floors gleamed under the soft lighting, reflecting every step we took, and the air carried that faint, expensive scent that didn’t try too hard but still made its presence known. It wasn’t loud wealth—it was controlled, quiet, and confident.

I found myself glancing at the woman walking ahead of me. She carried herself so effortlessly, as if she belonged here in every possible way. Her outfit was simple at first glance, but the more I looked, the more I realized there was nothing ordinary about it. The cut of her blazer fit her perfectly, her heels clicked softly but confidently against the floor, and the handbag resting on her arm looked like something straight out of Chanel… or maybe Dior.

Either way, it was clear—she wasn’t just any employee.

“Come on,” she said, glancing back briefly, her tone calm but expectant.

I quickly adjusted my pace and followed, trying my best not to look as out of place as I suddenly felt.

As we walked deeper into the building, I couldn’t help but notice how everyone seemed to move with purpose. Conversations were low and controlled, footsteps steady, and no one looked confused or unsure. It was the kind of place where everything—and everyone—seemed to know exactly what they were doing.

Unlike me.

She stopped in front of a large office door and knocked lightly, waiting for a response that never came. After a moment, she turned to me.

“The CEO isn’t around right now,” she said, then paused slightly, as if reconsidering something. “You know what… can you wait outside for a bit?”

I nodded quickly. “Yes, of course.”

She gave a small, reassuring nod before stepping inside anyway, closing the door behind her.

Left alone, I made my way back toward the lobby and sat down, finally allowing myself to take everything in properly.

The place was enormous. Not just in size, but in presence. The glass walls, the polished surfaces, the quiet confidence in the way people carried themselves—it all screamed power. This wasn’t just a company. It was the kind of place people talked about in lowered voices, the kind that didn’t just have money but influence, reach, and control.

For a moment, I found myself wondering if they genuinely believed they were the richest people in Los Angeles.

And honestly… looking around, I couldn’t even argue with that thought.

Even the CEO

I had never met him, but I had seen his face more than once. On billboards, in passing, in places you wouldn’t expect someone so young to dominate. He had that kind of presence—the kind that made people pay attention without even realizing it.

Too young to be running something this massive… and yet somehow, he was.

I leaned back slightly, letting out a slow breath as everything settled around me.

And then there was I.

Late. Completely thrown off by the morning. Still trying to process everything that had happened.

Sitting in a place like this, waiting…

For a chance, I wasn’t even sure I still had.

I was still seated in the lobby, trying not to overthink everything, when I saw her walking back toward me.

She moved with the same calm confidence as before, as she had already made up her mind about something.

“Hi,” she said, stopping in front of me with a small smile. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“It’s okay,” I replied quickly, sitting up a little straighter.

She let out a soft breath, then looked at me more carefully this time, like she was studying me rather than just observing.

“My name is Camille Laurent,” she said. “And… I think I know how to help you.”

I blinked, not sure I heard her right. “Help me?”

She nodded slightly. “Yes. I can add you to the list of candidates who passed the interview stage.”

For a second, I just stared at her.

“I know it’s not exactly standard procedure,” she continued, her tone calm but lightly amused, “but I’ve seen your CV, and I think you’re more than capable of working here.”

My heart skipped. “Are you serious?”

She gave a small shrug, like it wasn’t a big deal—like this kind of decision came easily to her.

Then she chuckled softly, almost like she was letting me in on a secret.

“I probably shouldn’t be saying this,” she added, lowering her voice just a little, “but I think I like you. You have… good energy.”

I couldn’t help but smile, still trying to process everything.

She leaned in slightly, her expression turning more playful.

“I’m actually going to be Raymond’s wife soon,” she said.

I frowned a little. “Raymond…?”

She raised a brow, clearly amused. “In case you don’t know—Raymond is the CEO of this company.”

Oh.

Right.

That Raymond.

She gave a small laugh. “So yes, I’m not really supposed to tell you any of this… but I think you’ll be fine.”

I nodded slowly, still a bit stunned, but smiling anyway.

“Thank you,” I said honestly.

And for the first time since this chaotic morning started…

It felt like something might actually go right.

********************************

I eventually left Sinclair & Co. Holdings, still trying to process everything that had just happened.

The rain had eased by then, leaving the streets damp and smelling faintly of wet asphalt. On my way home, I stopped by a small convenience store, grabbed a bottle of water, some bread, and a few snacks—nothing fancy, just something quick.

I didn’t even realize how hungry I was until I saw the food.

The cashier barely looked up as I paid. Everything felt… oddly normal. Like the morning hadn’t just happened. Like I hadn’t been handed a child by a bleeding woman in the middle of the road.

By the time I got home, my thoughts were all over the place again.