Chapter 8 - A New Dawn
Two years later.
The scar on my neck had faded to a pale, silvery web.
I rarely thought about it anymore, unless I caught a glimpse of it in the mirror while fastening a necklace.
It was no longer a symbol of trauma; it was a testament to my survival.
The divorce had been finalized quickly and ruthlessly.
Arthur’s attempt to claim alimony was laughed out of court, given his status as an incarcerated felon.
Brooke had served her brief sentence and was now reportedly working the night shift at a fast-food restaurant three towns over, drowning in court-ordered restitution payments she would never be able to finish paying.
I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of the CEO’s office at Vanguard Holdings.
My father’s heavy mahogany desk sat behind me, now covered in my own files and contracts.
I had officially taken the reins of the company, stepping out of the shadows and into the light.
"Excuse me, Ms. Sterling?"
I turned to see my assistant standing in the doorway, holding a silver tablet.
"The board members are ready for the quarterly review meeting."
"Thank you, David. I'll be right there," I smiled.
I walked over to the desk and picked up my pen.
I looked at the framed photo of my father sitting on the corner of the desk.
He was smiling, holding a cigar, looking like the king of the world.
Make them fall in love with you, not the money.
He had been right.
The trial by fire had burned away the weak, compliant girl I used to be.
It had burned away the toxic parasites that had attached themselves to my life.
What remained was steel.
I walked out of the office and down the long, sunlit corridor toward the boardroom.
My head was held high. My steps were deliberate and strong.
I had lost eight years of my life to a man who didn't deserve a single second of it.
But I had gained something far more valuable in return.
Myself.
I pushed open the double doors of the boardroom, greeted by the respectful silence of a dozen executives waiting for my command.
May you like
I took my seat at the head of the table.
"Let's begin."
