Chapter Two: The Rise of an Empire

Liya Smith leaned back in her chair, the cityscape stretching out before her through the floor-to-ceiling windows of her office. SL—her empire, the creation she had nurtured since she was nineteen. It all started with a few saved dollars and a dream while pursuing her business degree. She had transformed her modest beginnings into something formidable, and now SL Groups had blossomed into a thriving empire. The thought brought a smile to her lips, a sense of pride warming her heart.

As she arrived at the towering glass building that housed her empire, she stepped out of her car and handed the keys to the attendant, who greeted her with a nod. The moment she entered the building, a hush fell over the bustling crowd. Employees parted, bowing slightly as she passed—a gesture of respect that she had earned through years of hard work and determination. She returned their gestures with a simple nod, moving toward her private elevator, where only a select few were permitted.

The elevator doors slid open on the 40th floor, revealing a spacious office adorned with sleek furniture and modern decor. This entire floor was her domain, a sanctuary where only her trusted secretary, Aisha, was allowed. As she stepped inside, Aisha approached with a file in one hand and a glass of mixed juice in the other.

“Good morning, Liya. I thought you might need to take a look at this,” Aisha said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “I know you told me not to disturb you for trivial matters, but this one—he needs to be put in his place. Please, just look at it before you decide.”

Liya raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. “Okay, now get out,” she replied with a playful smile. Aisha laughed, a sound that always lightened the weight of Liya’s responsibilities, before returning to her desk.

“Rascal,” Liya murmured under her breath, her gaze shifting to the file on her desk. As she flipped it open, a frown quickly replaced her amusement. The report detailed the betrayal of one Mr. Ree, who had dared to double-cross her—a move that would come with consequences.

“Just wait and watch, Mr. Ree,” she thought, a smirk creeping onto her face. “You’ve messed with the wrong person.”

Liya picked up the phone, her expression turning serious. “Aisha, bring me the contract with Mr. Ree and tell Joie to handle the job.”

“Okay, Miss,” Aisha replied, her tone businesslike yet excited.

“Tell Joie to get it done within the hour. Understood?”

“Yes, Miss.” Aisha nodded and left, a flicker of anticipation in her eyes.

An hour later, Aisha returned, a knowing smile on her face. “Joie is here,” she said, signaling for her to enter. Joie walked in confidently, greeting Liya with a respectful nod. As she sat down, she handed over a brown envelope, their eyes meeting in an exchange of understanding.

Liya opened the envelope, revealing the information inside. She felt a rush of satisfaction. “Make sure to release them when I give you the signal,” she instructed, her tone firm.

“Understood,” Joie replied with a grin, and she exited the office, leaving a palpable sense of excitement in the air.

Aisha popped her head back in, curiosity evident on her face. “Did she do it?”

Liya simply nodded, her eyes gleaming with ambition. “Did you bring the contract and the information I asked for?”

Aisha handed over two files, her eagerness evident. Liya glanced through them, a smirk returning to her lips.

Mr. Ree, you’ve truly messed with the wrong person. This time, you’ll learn that every action has consequences.

The city below continued its hustle, unaware of the storm brewing in the penthouse above. Liya was ready to take control, and she wouldn’t stop until she had reclaimed what was rightfully hers.

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