Chapter 3

I WANT YOU TO MARRY JULIAN

He held her gaze firmly, though irritation flickered briefly across his features. "Mia, let's not make this personal," he said, his tone carefully tempered. "It's not about your capability. You've proven yourself time and again. This is about the bigger picture. Strategy."

Samuel paused, shifting slightly to meet her eyes. "You've seen Jeremiah Sterling's announcement, haven't you? Naming his second son as his heir just days ago?"

Mia frowned, her brows knitting together as she thought back. She had seen the announcement, it had been all over the business news. Sterling, Samuel's longest-standing rival, had publicly declared that his youngest son, Harrison, would take over Sterling Enterprises. It had been bold, calculated, a move designed to shore up his company's reputation while sending a clear message to the market. "The Sterling legacy was unshakable."

A cold knot began to form in Mia's stomach as realization crept over her. Samuel continued, his words slicing through the room with surgical precision.

"Jeremiah is showing strength," Samuel said bluntly. "He's putting forward a male figure who will be perceived as strong, decisive, capable of standing toe-to-toe with me in the market. We can't afford to look weak beside him. Investors, partners, they look at these things. They judge. They weigh who they believe has the most formidable leadership. Perception is everything."

Mia stared at him, her chest tightening with every word. It was clicking into place now, and it was colder, sharper than anything she'd anticipated. "You don't think I can do that," she said quietly, disbelief creeping into her voice alongside a raw, undeniable hurt. "You don't think I'm strong enough."

Samuel sighed heavily, rubbing a hand over his forehead. "It's not about my belief, Mia. It's about perception. Sterling will exploit your gender to make us look weak. He'll frame you as vulnerable, as someone he can outmaneuver. I won't let him gain that advantage."

From the corner of the room, Ethan shifted uncomfortably, his voice breaking the tension. "He... explained some of this to me," Ethan said, his words cautious, careful not to provoke. "He believes that having a male figure at the forefront right now is... crucial for the company's image."

"Crucial?," Mia repeated slowly, the word bitter on her tongue. "So all my work, my years of dedication, everything I've sacrificed, comes down to my gender being a liability in your petty war with Jeremiah Sterling?"

"It's not petty!" Samuel snapped, his calm demeanor cracking for the first time. "This is about protecting everything I've built, everything our family has worked hard for! Sterling wants Meyers Industries to falter. I need someone at the helm who projects power, someone Sterling will see as a threat."

"And that someone is him?" Mia gestured sharply toward Ethan, her anger no longer simmering but boiling over.

Samuel nodded firmly, his tone resolute. "Ethan understands the stakes. He's willing to learn. He's eager to fight for this company. He'll be a strong front against Sterling."

Mia didn't even try to hide her disdain. She scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. "And what about me? The woman who has spent her entire life*preparing for this moment? You expect me to just step aside and what? Cheer him on from the sidelines?"

Samuel's expression didn't falter, his voice calm but commanding. "No. I expect you to help him. You understand this business better than anyone, Mia. The markets, our competitors, the strategies that keep Meyers Industries thriving, you know them inside out. You need to teach Ethan everything he needs to know to step into this role."

Mia stared at him, her chest tight with rage and disbelief. "You want me to train him?" she said, her voice laced with incredulity. "You're sidelining me, dismissing everything I've worked for, and now you want me to hand him the knowledge it took me twenty-eight years to build?"

"Ethan is family, Mia. He's your brother," Samuel said firmly. "And he's ready to step up. You will work with him. It's what the company needs."

Her gaze flicked to Ethan, who looked at her with an awkward mix of apology and unease. The absurdity of it all stung. He was the outsider, the stranger who had been thrust into her world and handed everything she'd fought for on a silver platter. And now Samuel expected her to be his teacher, his guide?.

Mia's jaw tightened as she stood, her hands curling into fists. "I'll think about it," she said, her voice clipped, refusing to show him how deeply she was wounded. Her father wasn't just dismissing her, he was using her, expecting her to help the person who had replaced her.

She had already taken a step toward the door, her intent clear: she would not stay and entertain such a conversation any longer.

"Mia," Samuel's voice, sharp and commanding, stopped her in her tracks. He remained seated, his posture rigid, his jaw clenched. "Sit down."

Mia turned slightly, just enough to meet his gaze. "I don't think there's anything left to say, Father," she replied, her voice firm but calm, a deliberate choice to mask the fury roiling inside her. She reached for the door handle, every instinct screaming for escape.

"Ethan," Samuel said, trying to sound friendly but still glaring at Mia, "thanks for coming. Maybe you could leave Mia and me alone for a bit? We have... some family stuff to talk about."

Ethan nodded quickly, looking relieved. "Sure, Dad. I'll be in the car if you need me." He gave Mia a quick, almost sorry look before the big door clicked shut behind him, leaving Mia alone in the office.

Mia having no choice, walked back into the office but refused to sit. She just wanted to get this done with, and leave this place.

Samuel walked to the window, looking at all the city lights. "Mia, you're so important to this company. What you know, what you've done... we really need that." He turned back, looking thoughtful. "Which is why I have an idea for you."

Mia raised her eyebrows, like she didn't believe him. "An idea? After basically telling me I'm not good enough and my little brother is better?"

"Just listen," Samuel said, trying to sound convincing. "I know you're upset. You feel left out. But this doesn't have to be the end of your chances here. Actually, it could be the start of something even bigger." He stopped, letting his words hang in the air. Mia stayed quiet, waiting.

"Mia," Samuel went on, his voice softer and more persuasive. "I've been thinking about your future, and I think I've found a way that helps everyone... and most importantly, keeps the company safe from Sterling." He stepped closer, looking serious. "Mia, I want you to marry Julian."