Chapter 3

The Ashbourne family's grand estate stood proudly in Silveke Harbor, overlooking the glittering waters.

A sleek black Bentley rolled to a stop on the crimson carpet leading to the mansion's entrance. Adrian Ashbourne, the second son of the Ashbourne dynasty, stepped forward to greet his sister, opening the car door with a flourish.

"Welcome home, Your Majesty."

Under the golden glow of the chandeliers, Seraphina Ashbourne's beauty was breathtaking. She had already slipped into her stiletto heels during the ride, her posture regal and untouchable—every inch the queen returning to her kingdom.

"Adrian, is everything alright at home?"

"Couldn't be better. Though we've all been waiting impatiently for your return." His handsome face lit up with excitement. "Did you see the fireworks tonight? My birthday gift made headlines! They're calling me the mysterious billionaire who set the sky on fire for love."

Seraphina smirked. "Oh, I saw. The internet is convinced you're some hopeless romantic hiding behind your fortune. Congratulations on your new reputation."

Adrian only grinned wider, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"Seraphina, you're not leaving again, are you?"

"Where would I go?" She exhaled sharply, forcing a laugh. "I'm divorced. It's not like I have anywhere else to be."

She patted his back reassuringly, though her voice wavered. "I let everyone down. Three years of trying, and I still couldn't keep a man. What a spectacular failure."

The bitterness in her chest was suffocating, but she refused to let it show.

From the moment she walked out of the Abernathy estate, she had sworn—no more tears for Damien. He wasn't worth a single one.

"That bastard Damien!" Adrian's jaw clenched. "How dare he betray you? Tomorrow, I'm launching a full investigation into the Abernathy Group. I'll ruin him!"

Beside them, Lucian sighed. "Oh, for heaven's sake."

"Stay out of it, Lucian. You're a public servant," Seraphina reminded him with a tired smile. "Adrian, why can't you be more like your brother? Calm. Rational."

"Because Lucian gave up on life years ago," Adrian retorted, adjusting his tie with a scowl. "But me? I don't let things slide. They can mess with anyone else—but not my sister. The Abernathy Group is officially on my radar."

With Lucian on her left and Adrian on her right, the three siblings strode into the mansion, laughter echoing through the halls.

Meanwhile, inside the study, Alistair Ashbourne—the formidable chairman of the Kingsley Group—was pacing impatiently. The stern lines of his face softened the moment he heard his daughter's voice.

"Dad, I'm home!"

Seraphina sauntered in, collapsing onto the plush sofa. She kicked off her heels, sending them flying across the room.

Lucian took a seat beside her and, without hesitation, began massaging her sore feet.

"Must you act like a child?" Alistair grumbled, though his eyes betrayed his affection. "You're a grown woman. Carry yourself like one."

"Since when have I ever?" Seraphina shot back, glancing at the wall where a framed painting hung—one she had done as a child, winning a prestigious art competition.

Alistair had dug it out of storage and displayed it like a treasure.

The Ashbourne patriarch, infamous for his four marriages, had always been the subject of society's gossip. Disillusioned by the family's drama, Seraphina had left years ago, joining Doctors Without Borders to heal those who truly needed her.

"And here I thought you'd at least pretend to care about your father's health after being gone so long," Alistair huffed.

"Thank you for the compliment, Dad!" Seraphina grinned sweetly.

"Father," Lucian interjected, his tone serious. "Now that Seraphina is back, there's something we need to discuss. I'm stepping down as president of the Kingsley Group. She's taking over."

Seraphina's gaze sharpened, studying her brother's resolute profile.

"What?!" Alistair sputtered, momentarily speechless.

"I only agreed to manage the company for three years. My time is up." Lucian's expression was serene, almost saintly. "You know my calling isn't here. I belong in the church."

"Then let Adrian do it!" Alistair snapped, grasping at straws.

"Absolutely not." Adrian paled. "I'm a government official. Any ties to a conglomerate would get me suspended—or worse, investigated."

Alistair groaned. What was the point of having so many children if none of them could take over his empire?

His health was failing. He wanted to retire. But his sons? Useless.

And his daughter—

"Who says a woman can't run this company?" Seraphina lifted her chin. "I'll do it."

"You think it's that easy?" Alistair scoffed. "The Kingsley Group isn't some toy. Do you even understand business? Or do you just vanish whenever things don't go your way?"

His voice cracked with frustration. "Three years, Seraphina. Three years without a word. Do you know how worried we were? Your mothers? I thought you'd been blown to bits in some warzone!"

Her chest tightened, eyes stinging.

She had resented him for years—blamed him for her mother's suffering. But disappearing after her secret marriage to Damien? That was on her.

"Father, Seraphina knows business as well as I do," Lucian said calmly, sipping his coffee. "Remember the financial crisis four years ago? Those recovery strategies were hers. And the Farley Group acquisition? She stayed up for days drafting the plan."

Alistair's brows lifted in surprise.

"You don't know your own daughter," Adrian added. "She's the sharpest of us all. You've always had an eye for talent—why not give her a chance?"

After a long pause, Alistair exhaled. "Fine. If you want to prove yourself, here's your test."

Seraphina straightened, eyes gleaming.

"Take a week to rest. Then, report to the Kingsley Grand Hotel in Elmsworth. You have six months to renovate and turn its profits around. Succeed, and the presidency is yours."

As they left the study, Lucian and Adrian each placed a hand on her shoulders.

"Looks like you've got your work cut out for you, little sister," Lucian murmured.

"Welcome back to the chaos," Adrian sighed.

Seraphina clenched her fists, ambition surging through her veins. "Pressure only makes me stronger. The harder they push me down, the higher I'll rise."

The brothers exchanged a knowing smile.

"The future of the Ashbourne legacy," Lucian said softly, "is in your hands now."