Chapter 147: A Test of Strength

Malia stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of her office, watching the city below pulse with activity. It was just past noon, and the streets were alive with the usual rush of people, cars, and energy. The view, usually comforting, now felt like a reminder of everything she had yet to rebuild. Despite the tremendous strides she and Nixus had made since Evelyn's downfall, she could feel the weight of expectation pressing on her shoulders. This was no longer just about survival—it was about reclaiming her place, proving to everyone that she wasn't just a victim of circumstance but a force to be reckoned with.

She turned away from the window as a soft knock sounded at her office door. "Come in," she called, her voice steady.