Chapter 15 - A New DawnClaire walked to the window, holding a hot cup of black coffee.
She caught her reflection in the glass. Her hair had grown out slightly, a soft, dark velvet cap that framed her face beautifully. The bruises on her wrists had faded into memory, replaced by the cool, solid weight of a luxury watch she had bought to celebrate her first corporate contract.
She had spent years believing she had to keep her head down, to play the role of the quiet, supportive wife, to hide her brilliance so as not to dim Daniel's fragile light. She had let them take her hair, her notes, and her peace.
But they had failed to take the one thing that mattered: her mind.
A knock sounded at her office door. Her father stepped in, carrying two glasses of champagne.
"Are you ready, Dr. Sterling?" he asked, his eyes crinkles with warmth. "The board is waiting to hear your expansion plans."
Claire smiled, taking one of the glasses and clinking it against his.
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"I’ve been ready for a long time," she said.
She took a sip, turned her back on the past, and walked out of the office to build her empire.
