Resolve.
The next morning, I walked into Whitmore Industries as its new CEO.
The boardroom fell silent. Suits shifted. Whispers rippled through the air.
“Good morning,” I said. “Let’s begin.”
That was the start of everything—and the day I met my first enemy.
Nathan Cole, the COO, was smooth, confident, and dangerous behind his smile. He extended his hand as if humoring a child. “Welcome, Ms. Hayes. I hope you know what you’re getting into.”
“I’ll learn,” I said.
He smirked. “I’ll make sure you do.”
From then on, he questioned every move I made, undermined my authority, and leaked company details to the press. The media dubbed me The Accidental Heiress.
So I worked harder.
Late nights turned into dawns. I studied balance sheets, law manuals, and energy contracts until my eyes blurred. I met every employee I could—from engineers to janitors—listening to the people no one else saw.
