Chapter 20 - The Queen on the Board
The annual gala for the State Business Association was packed with the city’s elite.
I stood near the grand staircase, wearing an emerald green silk dress, holding a glass of sparkling water. Beside me stood Dad and Daniel, both looking sharp, confident, and whole.
Suddenly, a whisper rippled through the crowd near the entrance.
A young woman in a flashy, over-the-top designer dress walked into the ballroom, looking around arrogantly, expecting people to bow down to her presence.
It was a classic scene—someone trying way too hard to project power they didn't have.
She walked straight up to our circle, eyeing Daniel with a coy, practiced smile that felt sickeningly familiar.
“Daniel, right?” the woman purred, leaning in just a bit too close, resting her hand lightly on his forearm. “I’m Amber, the new senior partner at the firm. I was hoping you could give me a tour of the executive suite tonight... honey.”
The entire table went quiet.
Dad paused mid-sip. Daniel looked at the woman’s hand on his arm, then looked at me.
I didn't flinch. I didn't get angry. I didn't get jealous.
I took a calm, slow sip of my water, set the glass down on a passing waiter’s tray, and stepped directly into Amber’s space with a smile so sharp it could cut diamonds.
“Amber,” I said smoothly, my voice carrying clearly over the surrounding tables. “Let me give you a piece of advice before you make a mistake that costs you your career.”
Amber’s smile froze. “Excuse me?”
“My name is Claire,” I said, looking her dead in the eye, my presence radiating total, unshakeable authority. “Five minutes ago, I acquired forty-nine percent of your firm’s voting shares. And in my company, we don't cross boundaries, we don't play petty games, and nobody—and I mean nobody—touches my husband.”
Amber swallowed hard, her face draining of color as she pulled her hand back as if Daniel’s arm had caught fire. She turned on her heel and practically sprinted away into the crowd.
Daniel looked at me, a proud, breathtaking smile spreading across his face. He leaned down and whispered in my ear, “I love you, boss.”
I laughed, wrapping my hand firmly around his.
May you like
Lauren thought she was the master manipulator playing a game of chess. But she forgot the most important rule of the game:
The pawn might start the game quiet, but if you let her reach the end of the board, she becomes the Queen—and she takes everything.
