Chapter 4

HER LIFE, HER RULE

Mia's face hardened instantly. "Julian? Which Julian, Father?" His knowing look made her stomach drop.

Julian Thorne? The only son of one of her dad's biggest business friends. A guy she absolutely hated. A spoiled, arrogant jerk with a bad reputation for being wild and a rumored drug problem. He was rude, immature, and everything she thought was beneath her.

"Marry Julian?" she repeated, her voice full of disgust. "Are you for real father?"

Samuel looked like he was begging. "Mia, please. Be practical. Julian's father, Robert Thorne, is one of our most important partners. If our families joined together, that partnership would be solid for years. It would give us so much stability and help."

"Stability at the cost of me being miserable?" Mia scoffed. "You can't be serious. That guy is a disgrace. He's disrespectful, has no manners, and frankly, Father, everyone knows he's a mess."

"He's young, Mia," Samuel argued, his voice strained. "He'll settle down once he's married. And his father has so much power. This isn't about who you like; it's about smart business."

"Smart business?" Mia's voice got louder. "You're willing to sell off your own daughter to chain her to some loser just to make a business deal? After you just told me I wasn't fit to run the company because I'm a woman, you want to hand me over like some... thing?"

Samuel's face went red with anger. "Don't be dramatic, Mia. Julian comes from a powerful family. This is a smart move, a strong connection."

"Smart for who, Father? For you and your money? What about my happiness? My life?"

"Your happiness will come from knowing you've secured your future and the future of this family," Samuel said firmly, not wanting to argue. "This is the best way, Mia. It will solve so many problems."

Mia stared at her father, finally understanding his plan. He wasn't just replacing her with Ethan; he was trying to control everything about her life, even who she married, all for his business and his fight with Jeremiah Sterling.

A cold anger started to burn inside her. He wanted her to marry a man she hated? He wanted to tell her what to do with her life? Then she would take control in a way he'd never see coming. She wouldn't marry Julian Thorne.

She doesn't know what she wants to do now but, she was sure of one thing.

Her father wouldn't be able to manipulate her anymore.

Her life, her rule.

"Even if you place a knife to my throat, I'd never marry Julian " she spat with all the anger she's been holding all through the night before walking out of her dad's office.

.....

She sat in her car, gripping the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her father's words still rang in her ears, each syllable stoking the fire of her fury.

"You'll marry Julian Thorne," he had declared with the finality of a dictator's edict. "This is what's best for the family."

Mia clenched her fists at the memory. Julian Thorne was nothing more than a spineless puppet, a man who would fold under her father's thumb. The idea of chaining herself to him, of playing her father's pawn, filled her with a rage that threatened to consume her.

She couldn't bear the thought of spending the night in that house, not today, not with him.

And certainly not with Ethan. The illegitimate child who had stolen what was rightfully hers.

The road blurred as she drove, her mind racing faster than the car. The chaos outside mirrored the storm within her. Mia gripped the steering wheel so tightly her hands ached, her breath quick and uneven. She had no destination in mind, she just needed to move. But when the towering silhouette of Stefan Sterling's tall, dark building stood in front of her, looking expensive and powerful against the city lights, it felt like fate.

She pulled up to the gates, her pulse racing. Thirty minutes ago, this idea wouldn't have even crossed her mind. But now, as she faced the imposing barriers of her father's most powerful rival, the weight of her decision hit her. This was reckless, seeking out Stefan Sterling, a man known for his dangerous unpredictability. Yet, he was everything she wanted: rebellion, power, freedom.

The guards gave her cautious looks, their hands hovering near concealed weapons. She stated her name, fully expecting rejection, but after tense exchanges into earpieces, the gates opened with a low hum that echoed in her chest.

The lobby surprised her, not the shady lair she'd imagined, but polished and quiet, a display of understated luxury. A sharply dressed man led her to an elevator, the ride up eerily silent. Mia's heart pounded, but her resolve held firm. She was here for a reason, and nothing would stop her.

When the elevator doors slid open, she stepped into an office that exuded power. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the glittering city below, while a single mahogany desk commanded attention at the center. Behind it sat Stefan Sterling, his sharp gaze locking on her the moment she entered.

He didn't stand or offer a polite smile. The silence stretched, heavy and unnerving, until he finally spoke. "Miss Meyers," he said, his voice smooth but edged with steel. "To what do I owe the pleasure? Shouldn't you be at home, toasting your new brother?" His sarcasm hit like a whip.

Mia stepped forward, holding her ground. "I'm not here for pleasantries, Mr. Sterling," she said, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

A flicker of amusement crossed his otherwise unreadable face. "Then do tell," he replied, leaning back slightly. "What brings the Meyers heiress to my office?"

Her answer came without hesitation. "Let's get married." The words left her mouth before she could second-guess them. Her hands trembled slightly, but her face betrayed none of the turmoil swirling inside her.