Chapter 7
“Amber, remember to keep your posture straight and your tone decisive,” one of the advisors whispered as we walked into the boardroom. “The board respects confidence.”
Amber. The name still felt foreign, like a dress tailored for someone else that I was forced to wear. Yet here I was, the Colen heir, stepping into a room filled with powerful men and women expecting me to take charge.
The meeting was already in progress when I entered, a dozen pairs of eyes turning toward me. I squared my shoulders, clutching the folder in my hands as I took my seat at the head of the table.
“This is Amber Colen, our newly reinstated
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heir,” one of the senior members announced. “She‘ ll be overseeing this project moving forward.”
I nodded curtly, scanning the documents in front of me. The Colen Corporation was set to begin construction on a new headquarters, and they were finalizing which firm would handle the project.
That’s when I saw the name: Wilford
Construction.
My chest tightened as memories of Zack flooded back–the way he had boasted about securing a deal with the Colen family, how he had gloated that it would solidify his company’s position in the industry.
I flipped through the pages, hiding the tremor in my hands. Zack‘ s dreams were tied to this
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deal, and now, I had the power to crush them.
“Wilford Construction has submitted the most competitive bid,” one of the board members was saying. “Their reputation for large–scale projects is unmatched. I believe we should move forward with them.”
“No,” I said sharply, my voice cutting through
the room.
The board members exchanged glances, murmurs breaking out.
“Amber,” another advisor said cautiously, “with all due respect, Wilford is the best choice. Their proposal is far superior to the others.
I met his gaze, my expression unwavering. “I don’t care how superior their proposal is. We will not be working with Wilford
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Construction.”
“Ms. Colen,” a gray–haired man at the far end of the table began, “this isn’t just about business–it’s about reputation. Wilford has been a trusted partner-”
I slammed the folder shut, the sound echoing in the room. “And I’m the final decision-
maker on this matter. Choose another firm.
That’s an order.
Silence hung in the air. The advisors exchanged uneasy looks but didn’t dare challenge me further.
I leaned back in my chair, satisfied. This was the beginning of my revenge.
Later that evening, I found myself in the study, my father seated across from me in a plush armchair. His gaze was warm but
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assessing, as if he were still trying to
reconcile the daughter he’d lost with the woman now before him.
“You handled the board well today,” he said, sipping his brandy. “A bit firm, but sometimes that’s necessary.
“I’m learning,” I said softly, running my fingers over the rim of my glass. “I still can’t believe this is my life now.‘
“It’s always been your life,” he said with a small smile. “We just had to find you again.”
I looked away, the weight of everything pressing down on me. “I don’t know if I can do this,” I admitted. “The company, the responsibilities… it’s all so overwhelming.”
“You‘ re stronger than you think, Amber,”
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he said. “It’s in your blood.”
Amber. The name felt heavy, a title that came with expectations I wasn’t sure I could meet.
My father leaned forward, his expression turning serious. “There’s something we need to discuss.”
I tensed. “What is it?”
He set his glass down, folding his hands in his lap. “I’ve arranged a marriage for you with the Wilford family.”
My heart plummeted. “What?”
“It’s not uncommon in families like ours,” he explained. “This is about securing alliances, ensuring the company’s future.”
“No,” I said firmly, shaking my head. “Absolutely not. I won’t marry Zack, Dad.
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You know what he did to me.”
He raised a brow. “Who said anything about Zack?”
I froze. “Then who?”
“Rojen Wilford,” he said calmly.
“Who?” I raised my brow, though I heard that name before.
“Zack’s cousin,” my father replied. “And his biggest rival in the construction industry.”
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