Chapter 3 : Let the Games Begin

Chapter 3: Let the Games Begin

The following morning, I arrived at Wen Holdings precisely at 8:30 a.m.

Not a minute early, not a minute late.

Two years ago, they handed me the position of Acting Director out of obligation when Grandfather’s health declined. I took that obligation and turned it into dominance. I ran every meeting, every deal, every ruthless negotiation. And I made the company richer than it had ever been.

And now? I was to be replaced. Quietly. Without fuss.

I smoothed my silk blouse and stepped out of the car with a grace they hadn’t earned.

As I entered the building, I noticed the whispers.

“She’s here…”

“She looks so calm…”

“Isn’t the real daughter coming back soon?”

Oh, they were brave when they thought I couldn’t hear.

“Good morning, Miss Wen,” my secretary, Ivy, greeted me with a practiced smile and a steaming cup of matcha latte—my usual.

“Anything urgent?” I asked.

Ivy hesitated. “Mr. Wen senior scheduled an emergency board meeting at 10. All directors are required to attend.”

Ah, so soon?

They weren’t wasting time.

“Thank you, Ivy,” I said, accepting the drink. “And send a bouquet to the PR department. Something expensive. Make it look like I’m celebrating something mysterious.”

Her eyes sparkled. “Understood.”

I stepped into my office and closed the door behind me.

For a moment, I allowed myself a breath. A stillness.

Because war wasn’t just waged with fury.

It was waged with patience, strategy—and silence.

I pulled out the USB I’d hidden in the lining of my handbag.

Encrypted files. Names. Account records. Backroom deals.

Everything I had discovered in my first life—this time, I had collected early.

And this time, I wasn’t afraid to use it.

They’d wanted me to act like a powerless, adopted girl again.

But I came back smarter. Sharper. And ready to remind everyone just how dangerous a forgotten daughter can be.

⸻

By 10 a.m., the boardroom was full.

I took my usual seat at the end of the table, legs crossed, expression unreadable.

Then he entered.

Father.

And behind him, with an all-too-familiar smirk…

Zara.

Hair curled in gentle waves, eyes downcast just enough to appear delicate, yet confident. She wore pale pink like a symbol of innocence—but I knew better.

In her past life, Zara was a serpent in a rose garden.

Pretty, poisonous, and perfectly trained in crocodile tears.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Father began. “Thank you for coming. Today, I formally announce the return of my biological daughter, Zara Wen. She will soon resume her rightful place as the heir to Wen Holdings.”

Polite clapping. Murmurs. Awkward glances my way.

Zara lowered her head. “Thank you for welcoming me back.”

I didn’t clap. I simply tilted my head and said, “Well. Isn’t this nostalgic.”

The room froze.

Zara’s smile wavered. “Arielle… I don’t want to cause tension. I just want to find my place again.”

“Find your place?” I echoed, leaning forward. “Sweetheart, I’ve built this place. While you were gone living your fairy-tale abroad, I was here turning this empire into gold.”

The board exchanged uncomfortable looks.

Father’s jaw tightened. “Arielle—”

“I’m not done,” I said smoothly. “I support the family’s decision. Truly. But let’s be clear: this isn’t about family. It’s about leadership. About who the shareholders trust. So unless Zara can outperform me in quarterly profit margins, client retention, and innovation implementation, I see no need to hand over the reins.”

“Are you… challenging me?” Zara asked softly, though her eyes flared.

I smiled sweetly. “Oh no, dear sister. I’m just reminding you that I don’t lose.”

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