Chapter 303

Serena's POV

In Sinclair's boardroom, I felt the weight of all eyes on me. Three years had transformed me into something I never thought possible - the absolute ruler of Sinclair Group.

To my right, Lawrence's face was twisted into an expression that hovered between disbelief and rage. He looked as though he might collapse from a stroke at any moment. The quarterly reports lay before him, untouched. The dramatic growth numbers meant nothing to him; what mattered was that I sat in the chair he once considered his birthright.

"Any questions about the financial projections for next quarter?" I asked, my voice cool and measured as I flipped through the presentation slides.

The board members shook their heads in unison. Even Lawrence remained silent.

I still couldn't believe how fate had twisted everything in my favor. Three years ago, Nina had been sentenced to seven years in prison, and to everyone's shock, she'd transferred all her shares to me without conditions. I hadn't helped her with her legal defense, but I hadn't refused the shares either. The moment those papers were signed, I held 51% of Sinclair Group, becoming the undisputed chairwoman.

Lawrence had nearly suffered a heart attack when he found out. In his desperate attempt to groom Oliver as his successor, he'd transferred 10% of his shares to his son, leaving himself with only 30%.

The irony wasn't lost on me. Sinclair Group was now merely a side project. My true focus lay with StarRiver Group, which had grown exponentially under my leadership alongside Atticus Thorne. The Sinclair was just a drop in the ocean compared to what I'd built elsewhere.

"If there are no further questions, we'll adjourn until next week," I said, gathering my documents and rising from my seat. No one spoke as I walked out, my heels clicking rhythmically against the marble floor.

Once a week. That's all the time Sinclair Group deserved from me now - just enough to hear the weekly performance reports and make sure my father couldn't sabotage what was rightfully mine.

The sleek black car glided through the busy streets. Miles sat beside me, reviewing my schedule on his tablet.

"Your day is quite packed, Ms. Sinclair," he said, his voice precise and efficient. "The StarRiver board meeting begins in thirty minutes and should conclude by 11:20. At 1:30, you have an interview with Financial Pulse magazine - their editor-in-chief will be conducting it in your office, scheduled for approximately forty minutes."

I nodded, mentally preparing for the questions they'd ask about my meteoric rise in the business world.

"At 3:08 precisely, you're expected at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Celestine at the Luxury Plaza. There will be a live broadcast," Miles continued, his finger sliding down the screen. "And at 6:00 PM, you have a business dinner with the new district director."

My life had become a series of meticulously scheduled events, each minute accounted for and optimized.

"I've cleared your entire schedule for tomorrow as requested," Miles added, looking up from his tablet. "Your flight to Washington leaves at 10 AM. You'll attend the international fashion show at 3:00 PM - Mr. Marlon Wright's debut as lead designer."

I felt a small smile touch my lips at the mention of my mentor.

"Mr. Kennedy has also expressed his wish for you to accompany him to the event," Miles said carefully, his tone shifting slightly.

I turned from the window to meet his eyes. "Lucas has been gone for three years now, Miles."

The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. Miles's expression softened with sympathy, and I hated it. I didn't need pity. I'd built an empire from the ashes of my life. I'd transformed grief into ambition and heartbreak into determination.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Sinclair. I didn't mean to-"

"It's fine," I cut him off, turning back to the window. "Send Kennedy a message that I'll be there."

I arrived at my office at StarRiver Group with minutes to spare before my first meeting.