What he didn’t realize was that his empire was standing on borrowed ground.
Meanwhile, deep in a secluded estate in the Swiss Alps, Eleanor was not mourning.
She was preparing.
Magnus Vance—an eighty-year-old titan with icy blue eyes and a mind sharper than ever—was training her to take control of the Vance legacy.
The shy librarian disappeared.
In her place emerged a woman wearing tailored Italian suits, carrying herself with quiet authority. Her pregnancy progressed, and with it grew a fierce determination to protect the life inside her.
One evening Magnus stared into the fireplace.
“The steel contract for SkyLink expires tomorrow,” he said calmly. “Julian has been purchasing through middlemen. He assumes Vance Industries is just another anonymous supplier.”
Eleanor studied the documents in front of her.
“He never studies supplier contracts carefully,” she said. “His ego makes him careless. He thinks ideas alone build infrastructure.”
Magnus nodded.
“Then it’s time,” he said. “For the Obsidian Gala.”
The Obsidian Gala was the most prestigious business event of the year.
Julian entered the ballroom confidently with Isabella, who wore a dazzling gown designed to capture every camera flash. Journalists surrounded them as he prepared to announce the launch of SkyLink.
Suddenly the lights dimmed.
The presenter stepped forward.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the chairman of Vance Industries cannot attend tonight for health reasons. However, he has sent his successor and new CEO to deliver the keynote speech.”
A pause followed.
“Please welcome Ms. Eleanor Vance.”
The entire room fell silent.
