William sat in his office, staring at the company's logo that had been his pride and legacy for decades. He knew it was time to step down, to pass the torch to Adrian. But there was a problem—his son had already built something of his own. Adrian was no longer just the heir to Williams Corporation; he was a powerful businessman in his own right.
That evening, William invited Adrian to his private study. "Son, it's time. I'm retiring."
Adrian's eyes narrowed. "I expected that, but what's your plan?"
William leaned back. "I want you to take over Williams Corporation."
Adrian sighed. "Dad, I have my own company to run. I can't just abandon everything I've built."
William nodded. "I know, and I admire what you've done. But this company is your legacy too. I built it for you, for our family. I need to know it's in safe hands."
Adrian hesitated. "I won't let it fall, but I can't be at the helm of both companies."
William studied his son for a moment before saying, "Then we find another way."
Later that night, Adrian sat with Grace, who listened patiently as he explained the dilemma.
"You don't want to let your father down, but you also don't want to lose what you've built," she summarized.
He nodded. "Exactly. If I take over, my own company will suffer. If I refuse, my father will feel like all his hard work was for nothing."
Grace thought for a moment. "What if you don't have to choose? What if you merge both companies?"
Adrian blinked. "A merger?"
She nodded. "Think about it. You combine both empires, ensuring that Williams Corporation continues to thrive while still keeping control over your own business. It's a win-win."
Adrian leaned back, considering it. It wasn't a bad idea. In fact, it could be the perfect solution.
The only problem? Not everyone would be happy about it.
The next morning, Adrian met with his father in the study once more. William looked up from a stack of papers, raising a brow as Adrian took a seat across from him.
"I have a proposal," Adrian began.
William leaned forward, intrigued. "Go on."
"I won't take over Williams Corporation alone. Instead, we merge it with my company. That way, both businesses remain strong under one leadership."
William considered this for a moment. "And who will be leading this new empire?"
Adrian exhaled. "I will, but I won't be alone. Grace will take part in management."
At that, William raised a brow. "Grace?"
"Yes," Adrian confirmed. "She's proven herself more than capable. If it weren't for her, your company would have already fallen into Margret's hands. She's sharp, strategic, and she understands business. With her by my side, I can ensure everything runs smoothly."
William tapped his fingers on the desk, his gaze thoughtful. "And Grace is willing to take on this responsibility?"
"She already does," Adrian replied. "She's been working behind the scenes all this time, protecting the company. It's time she gets the recognition and authority she deserves."
William smiled slightly. "I always knew she was smart, but I never expected her to step into the business world like this."
"She's stronger than you think," Adrian said proudly.
William nodded. "Very well. If you both are in agreement, then I have no objections. Let's make it official."
That evening, Adrian took Grace out to dinner at one of the city's finest restaurants. As they settled at their table, Grace noticed the way Adrian was looking at her—his usual sharp, calculating gaze softened with admiration.
"You're staring," she teased.
He smirked. "I have every reason to."
She tilted her head. "What's on your mind?"
Adrian reached for her hand. "I spoke to my father today. We agreed to merge our companies—and you'll be part of the management."
Grace blinked, stunned. "Me?"
He nodded. "You deserve it, Grace. You've done more for this company than anyone knows. It's time you take your rightful place."
For a moment, she was speechless. Then, a slow smile spread across her lips. "I won't let you down."
Adrian squeezed her hand. "I know you won't."
As the night continued, they spoke about their future—about business, life, and the battles still ahead. Because while they had won this round, Margret wasn't done yet. And they both knew she would do whatever it took to strike back.
Margret sat in her dimly lit living room, swirling a glass of wine in her hand, her expression unreadable. The news of Adrian merging his company with Williams Corporation had reached her faster than expected. What infuriated her the most was the fact that Grace—that woman—was going to play a role in its management.
Benson sat across from her, arms crossed. He had been quiet, watching his mother as she silently seethed.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," Benson finally said, breaking the silence.
Margret took a sip of her wine before setting the glass down. "I underestimated Grace. I thought she was just another weak, obedient wife."
Benson smirked. "Clearly, she's smarter than we thought. She played us all."
Margret's grip on the wine glass tightened. "That woman thinks she's won, but she has no idea what I'm capable of."
Benson raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
Margret leaned forward, her voice low but filled with menace. "I still have my people inside Williams Corporation. Just because Adrian merged it doesn't mean it's untouchable. If I can't take over the company directly, I'll make sure it burns to the ground."
Benson frowned. "And then what? What do you gain from that?"
Margret's lips curled into a wicked smile. "I gain the satisfaction of seeing Adrian and Grace suffer. They took everything from me—now it's my turn."
Benson sighed. "You're too obsessed with revenge. It's over, Mother. We lost."
Margret narrowed her eyes at him. "Is that what you think? Do you truly believe Adrian and William will let you off so easily? They'll watch you for the rest of your life, make sure you never rise again. If we don't strike now, we'll be powerless forever."
Benson clenched his jaw. A part of him knew she was right. "So, what's the plan?"
Margret smirked. "We start by weakening their empire from the inside. I have enough leverage over certain board members to ensure chaos. By the time I'm done, Adrian will regret ever thinking he could take what was meant to be ours."
Benson leaned back, exhaling heavily. He knew this was far from over.
Meanwhile, Adrian sat in his office, reviewing reports. He had already begun restructuring the company, removing any potential threats. But something still bothered him—Margret. He knew she wouldn't just sit back and accept defeat.
Grace entered the office, placing a cup of coffee on his desk. "You look deep in thought."
Adrian sighed, rubbing his temples. "Margret isn't done. I can feel it. She'll try something."
Grace sat across from him, her expression calm but serious. "Then we stay ahead of her. We find out what she's planning before she acts."
Adrian smirked. "You're always one step ahead, aren't you?"
Grace smiled. "That's why you married me."
Adrian chuckled, then his gaze turned serious. "We need to set up a trap. If Margret still has people inside the company, we'll use that against her."
Grace nodded. "Then let's prepare. Because I have a feeling this war is just beginning."