Chapter 3

The motorcade swept into Stellar Tower's private underground vault.

A private elevator whisked us straight to the top-floor penthouse, overlooking the city lights.

I stood at the huge picture window. Beneath my feet lay a Persian rug, and in my hand, I still clutched that twenty-billion-dollar black card.

The reality of it all was utterly dizzying.

Maria had already changed into a sleek, casual outfit. She tossed a file onto my lap.

"This is Stellar Group's share transfer agreement. Just sign it, and tomorrow, you're the Chairwoman."

I was so startled my hand shook.

"Mom, I don't know how to run a company! I'm only a sophomore!"

Maria lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag.

"Who said you couldn't?"

"Third grade, all those 'boring numbers' I made you memorize? They were actually real stock market charts from back then."

"In middle school, I sent you to the farmer's market to haggle prices for me. That was teaching you business negotiation and psychological warfare."

"And all those complex accounts I made you balance in high school? That was the group's foundational financial logic."

"As for the combat skills that retired security guard taught you…"

She blew a smoke ring, her eyes sharp as blades.

"The business world is a battlefield. Sometimes, fists speak louder than words."

I froze. My memories flashed back in a frantic rush.

As a child, I cried, wanting to play the piano, but she'd cut me off with a slap:

"What are you doing playing a tune?! Focus on these ledgers! No food until you get them right!"

I felt wronged, I hated her. I thought it was abuse. Turns out, she was leveling me up.

"And Tiffany, from the Davies family? What did she learn? Flower arranging, tea ceremonies, etiquette, piano."

Maria scoffed dismissively,

"That's how you raise a golden cage canary, meant to be married off for a good price."

"But I raised you to be an eagle, soaring through the heavens. I raised you to devour."

I looked at my hands. My fingers had thin calluses, souvenirs from combat training.

In my mind, those financial models that once tortured me were now crystal clear.

A strange sensation washed over me.

Was I… actually a maxed-out character?

"Tomorrow, Mr. Davies will come begging Stellar Group for financing."

Maria stamped out her cigarette and stood up.

"The Davies' funds have dried up. Tiffany, the fake heiress, only came back to bring in capital herself."

"Too bad her connections didn't care for a family on the brink of bankruptcy. Stellar Group is their only lifeline."

Maria walked over to me and adjusted my collar.

"Sweetie, tomorrow you'll be sitting in the Chairwoman's seat."

"Let them see who the 'bastard' they threw out really is."

That night, I didn't sleep a wink.

Not from excitement, but from the boiling revenge coursing through my veins.

I remembered Tiffany's sneering face as she ripped my clothes.

I remembered Mr. Davies' disgusted kick.

I remembered how, for twenty years, I'd acted like a foolish people-pleaser, begging for a shred of affection that never truly existed.

Since you showed no mercy, don't expect any from me.

The next morning.

I donned the bespoke suit Maria had prepared for me.

Its sharp cut exuded an intimidating aura.

Looking at myself in the mirror, the timid, uncertain Stella was gone.

In her place stood the new helmswoman of Stellar Group.

Maria didn't come to the office with me; she said she had 'private matters to attend to,' but I knew she was gathering evidence from all those years ago.

I arrived at the company in the Rolls-Royce. Two rows of executives were already waiting.

"Good morning, Stella!"

Their voices boomed. I took a deep breath, strode on my heels, and entered through the revolving doors.

The receptionist stared for a moment, then immediately lowered her gaze.

"Stella, Mr. Davies and Miss Tiffany from Davies Group have been waiting in the conference room for an hour."

A cold smirk played on my lips.

"Let them wait. Turn the AC down ten degrees. And no one gives them a drop of water without my permission."

The receptionist's eyes widened, and she immediately responded, "Yes, ma'am!"