Chapter 25: The Empress
The lion's den had been completely neutralized.
The five most powerful men in the city, the untouchable Old Guard who had ruled from the shadows for decades, were staring at me in absolute, paralyzed horror.
"You... you are a monster," Arthur choked out, clutching his chest as he stared at the legal documents proving his utter destruction.
"No, Arthur," I corrected him smoothly. "I am a mother who was pushed too far. I learned how to survive among wolves, and now, I own the forest."
I closed the silver briefcase with a sharp, final click.
"There will be no tax," I commanded, my authority absolute. "There will be no political interference. From this moment forward, the Sovereign Syndicate answers to me. If I need a zoning permit, you will ensure it is approved in an hour. If my foundation needs a tax exemption, you will personally walk it through the senate."
Arthur swallowed hard, a drop of cold sweat rolling down his temple. He looked at his fellow billionaires. They were all nodding frantically, completely surrendering to the new world order.
"Do we understand each other?" I demanded.
"Yes," Arthur whispered, his voice broken and hollow. "Yes, Ms. Parker. We understand."
"Good," I smiled.
May you like
I turned my back on the shattered council and walked toward the exit.
"Oh, and Arthur?" I called out over my shoulder without stopping. "Clean up your cigar. You are ruining the carpet."
