Chapter 2
The man paused for effect. "As of today, White Group is restructuring its shares. The family's control is frozen, and Kendall, as the primary heir, will take over the controlling shares and step into active management of the company."
Dwayne's face went white as a sheet. "What? Kendall? We just—"
He cut himself off as the document was thrust into his hands, stamped with a glaring legal seal.
Gillian surged forward, her voice shaking with panic. "No way! We kicked her out! She's got no right to this family anymore, let alone the company!"
The man didn't flinch, his tone cool and professional. "The late chairman's will has been legally validated and is now in effect.
"Also, per the attached property agreements, Helios Medical Solutions and Luminary Investment Group will transfer to Ms. Kendall's name. She's the controlling shareholder now."
Sharon's stomach dropped, her face paling to a ghostly white.
"This is wrong," she stammered. "She's just some nobody from the sticks who barely knows this family! What does she know about running a company? Has the board lost it?"
"That's not your call," the man said, his voice flat and final. "Three days from now, White Group's board will hold a private meeting. Ms. Kendall is expected to attend. You'd best get ready."
Outside, a car engine growled softly. A sleek black Maybach rolled up to the White Villa's driveway.
Kendall stepped out, rocking a tailored black suit, her long hair loose and her eyes cold as ice.
She strode into the living room, not bothering to glance at Dwayne or Gillian.
"I'm taking over the company because it's mine by right," she said, her voice calm but razor-sharp. Her gaze slid to Sharon's stricken face. "As for you—you stole eighteen years of my life. Everything you owe me, I'm taking back. And trust me, you'll pay twice over."
Sharon stumbled back a step, her jaw tight. "You think you've won? This is my house. I've been here for eighteen years. You can take the company, but you'll always be an outsider."
Kendall's lips curled into a sharp, mocking smile. "Let's see how long you can hold on."
Her eyes flicked to Dwayne, cool and cutting. "Didn't you say 'blood doesn't matter'? Well, don't cry about it now."
Her phone buzzed in her pocket. A second text from Len flashed on the screen: [Ms. White, tomorrow at 8 PM, the Stone Group's charity gala will announce its new partners. Your invitation's ready. Mr. Stone personally asked to have dinner with you.]
Kendall's eyes narrowed, a sly smirk tugging at her lips. 'Perfect. The first piece of my plan is falling into place.'
Sharon might think she'd locked down her role as the White family's golden girl, but Kendall was about to make sure she couldn't even get through the front door.
The night was dark, but the Sovereign Club in the heart of Starion City glowed like a beacon.
Stone Group's charity gala was the event of the year for the city's elite, a glittering showcase of wealth and power.
This time, though, a mysterious new partner had the rumor mill in overdrive, and the air buzzed with anticipation.
Len leaned close, his voice a hushed murmur. "Ms. White, Mr. Stone's waiting in the chairman's suite upstairs."
Kendall gave a small nod, her sleek gown swaying with each step, cool and untouchable, like moonlight caught in silk.
Instead of heading up, she pivoted and strode into the main ballroom.
The room was a who's-who of the city's elite—Sharon, Dwayne, Gillian, and the relatives who'd once slammed the door on her at the White family estate.
"Who's that?" someone whispered.
"Is that… the Whites' real daughter?"
"Didn't they kick her out? How's she rocking that dress? And with a bodyguard?"
Sharon's hand froze midair, her face tightening like she'd bitten a lemon.
She crossed the room in a few quick steps. "Kendall? What are you doing here?"
Kendall met her eyes, her smile sharp and cool. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"This is Stone Group's event. It's for big players, not…" Sharon's voice trailed off, dripping with smugness. "Not you."
Kendall took a champagne flute from a passing waiter, her tone light but cutting. "As White Group's majority shareholder, I'd say I fit right in."
Sharon's smile cracked.