Aisata27

Grace Cole daughter of Governor Richard Cole , is a rising star in the world of sustainable venture capital. Known for backing eco-conscious startups and women-led businesses, Grace has worked hard to prove she’s more than just political royalty. Sharp, strategic, and unafraid to challenge powerful men, she’s earned a reputation as a force in her own right.

Liam Vale, tech tycoon and CEO of Vale Systems, who’s launching a controversial luxury smart city development that threatens to consume green space and historic neighborhoods. His firm needs investor support and Grace’s firm is the only one powerful enough to turn the tide of public and financial opinion.

But Grace isn’t easily bought. She sees through Liam’s polished pitch and challenges him publicly, accusing his project of greenwashing. Intrigued by her conviction and unimpressed by the usual billionaire sycophants, Liam makes a bold proposal: he wants Grace to consult on the project, help redesign it, and bring genuine sustainability to the table.

Reluctantly, she agrees on her terms. As they clash in boardrooms and behind closed doors, a fierce chemistry develops between them. They’re both ambitious, both brilliant, and both used to being the most powerful person in the room. But their connection soon grows into something deeper something that neither boardroom battles nor political legacies can control.

When a leaked deal between the governor’s office and Vale Systems threatens to destroy everything Grace’s built, she must choose between the empire she’s helping shape, the legacy she’s trying to escape, and the man she never expected to fall for.

THE GOVERNOR’S DAUGHTER

The moment Grace stepped into the governor's private residence, she felt it , the shift. The staff avoided eye contact. The air was tight with caution. Her father was waiting in the study, blazer off, tie loosened, and a scotch already in hand.

"Didn't expect you this early," Governor Richard Cole said without looking up.

"I didn't expect to wake up to a character assassination with your fingerprints all over it," Grace replied coldly.

He sighed and finally looked at her. "I take it you saw the article"

"I did, And I'm guessing the anonymous source had an office down the hall from yours"

"No" She tossed her phone onto the table, screen lit with the headline still glaring. "Because it looks like someone wanted to remind me who's really pulling the strings."

Her father stood. "Grace you aligning with Vale Systems puts a target on all of us. You think the opposition party isn't already drafting attack ads? The headlines write themselves: 'Governor's daughter teams up with corporate villain to push gentrification.'"

"I'm not pushing anything. I'm fixing it," she snapped. "You know that."

"I also know optics matter more than intent in this town."

"So instead of defending me, you fed the fire?"

"I protected your future. You're too close to this man, and too far from your own goals."

Grace laughed bitterly. "Don't pretend this was about me. This was about control. About keeping Vale at arm's length while using my credibility as a shield."

And that silence cut deeper than any argument could.

"Tell me this," she said after a beat. "Would you have leaked that story if Liam Vale was just another CEO? Not a threat to your donors. Not someone I might actually " She stopped herself.

"Might actually what?" her father asked quietly

"I see," he said. "You're letting your guard down for him"

"I'm doing my job," she replied. "And maybe, for once, I'm doing something for me not the party, not your campaign, not your damn narrative."

Her father's expression softened, but it was too late.

"You taught me to fight," Grace said, voice tight. "But you never said what to do when the person I had to fight was you"

And with that, she was gone heels clicking down the marble hallway like gunshots. Every step was a vow.

Chapter Ten