Chapter 12: The Price of Power

Clara had always believed that it's only the truth that can set her free.

But as CEO, she was learning—truth demands payment.

Her days blurred into board meetings, interviews, and strategic decisions. Her face was on magazine covers. Investors watched her every move. And enemies—ones she hadn't even named yet—were waiting for her to falter.

One evening, Vivienne sat with her in the study.

"You look tired," her mother said gently.

"I feel… hollow."

"You've won, Clara."

"I've survived," Clara corrected. "That's not the same as winning."

Vivienne hesitated, then handed her a velvet box. Inside was a gold necklace with a sapphire pendant.

"It was meant for you," she said. "A gift we kept in the vault. I used to dream of giving it to my daughter when she turned eighteen."

Clara ran her fingers over the gem. "You were robbed of that. And I was robbed of you."

"No more regrets," Vivienne said. "Just make this future yours."