I never told my parents that I had invested $500 million to save their failing company. My sister took credit, claiming she had closed the deal. At the victory party, my five-year-old son accidentally spilled water on his dress. She hit him so hard he lost consciousness. My mother snorted, “You clumsy speculator! Take the boy and go!” I gave them one last chance to apologize. Instead, they shouted, “Your sister saved us! You’re nothing but a burden!” Then they turned their attention to me. “Hello, our CEO…” What I had done had completely shattered their world.

A brilliant white beam of light swept across the room. It ignored the gilded tables, ignored the Rossi family, and fell on me with precision.

I stood in the center of the light, my black dress suddenly becoming like armor. The entire ballroom fell silent. The hum of the air conditioning was audible.

Vanessa stood frozen, one foot on the first step of the podium. She turned around, a look of dismay on her face. “That light… it’s a mistake. Please direct it at the podium!”

The announcer smiled and nodded at me. “President Rossi? The podium is yours.”

Chapter 4: Madam President
I was in no hurry. I walked with the steady, rhythmic gait of someone who knows exactly where they’re going.

As she passed Vanessa, she reached out and grabbed my sleeve. “Isabella, go back to your table!” This isn’t funny!

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