Chapter 3

The sleek Rolls-Royce glided through the gilded gates of Willow Creek Estate, the sprawling residence of the Kingsley family in Fairhaven.

The car came to a smooth halt atop the plush red carpet unfurled at the grand entrance. Standing at the center, waiting with an easy grin, was Dominic Kingsley—Evelyn’s second brother. He pulled open the car door with a flourish.

"Welcome home, Princess."

Under the dazzling chandeliers of the mansion, Evelyn looked every inch the regal heiress. She had swapped her sneakers for stilettos during the ride, and now, stepping out, she carried herself with effortless grace.

"Dom, how’ve you been?"

"Better now that you’re back," he said, eyes gleaming. "Did you see the fireworks? My birthday gift for you broke the internet."

Evelyn clapped her hands together, laughing. "Oh, I saw. People are calling you a shameless billionaire with a flair for dramatics. Quite the reputation you’re building."

Dominic ignored her teasing and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"You’re not leaving again, are you?"

She exhaled, patting his back. "Where would I go? I’m officially divorced."

For a moment, the weight of failure pressed down on her. She had poured everything into that marriage, only to walk away empty-handed. The sting of humiliation burned, but she refused to let it show.

Nathan Blackwood wasn’t worth another tear.

"That bastard!" Dominic snarled, his usual charm replaced by cold fury. "Cheating on my sister? I’ll have Blackwood Industries audited by sunrise. And if that doesn’t ruin him, I’ll send Maxwell to handle him personally."

Sebastian, standing nearby, lowered his gaze and murmured, "Amen."

"Dom, you’re a prosecutor!" Evelyn groaned. "Can’t you be more… diplomatic, like Seb?"

"Diplomatic?" Dominic scoffed, yanking at his tie. "Seb only turned into a saint after leaving the mafia! I don’t care—no one humiliates a Kingsley and walks away unscathed."

Evelyn looped her arms through her brothers’ as they escorted her inside.

Meanwhile, Harrison Kingsley—patriarch of Monarch Group—paced his study like an excited schoolboy upon hearing his daughter had returned.

"Dad, I’m home!"

Evelyn strode into the study, shedding the demure facade she’d worn among the Blackwoods. Now, she flopped onto the sofa, kicked off her heels, and propped her feet up.

Sebastian sat beside her, massaging her tired feet without a word.

"Must you sit like a heathen?" Harrison grumbled, though his eyes sparkled with affection. "Did Doctors Without Borders teach you nothing?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Alzheimer’s setting in already? I’ve always sat like this."

Her gaze drifted to the wall, where a framed poem—her teenage handwriting—hung prominently.

Were you trying to outdo Henry VIII with your wives?

Here’s hoping your heart doesn’t give out before you pay the price.

A wedding "gift" she’d given him after his third marriage.

Harrison had four wives—a fact that had once driven Evelyn to flee abroad.

"Three years in war zones, and the first thing you do is insult me?" Harrison huffed.

"Compliments are my love language," Evelyn chirped.

Sebastian cleared his throat. "Now that Evelyn’s back, we should discuss succession. I’m stepping down as Monarch Group’s CEO."

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed.

Harrison sputtered. "What?"

"My three-year term is up," Sebastian said serenely. "My calling is the church, not the boardroom."

"Fine! Then Dominic can take over!"

Dominic paled. "Absolutely not! I’m a public servant—I’d be suspended for conflict of interest!"

Harrison groaned. What was the point of having sons if none wanted the empire?

Evelyn smirked. "I’ll do it."

"You?" Harrison scoffed. "CEOs aren’t crowned on whims. Do you even know how to run a company?"

"Dad," Sebastian interjected, "remember the financial crisis four years ago? Evelyn drafted the recovery plan. And the Walter Group acquisition? She negotiated it."

Harrison blinked.

Dominic nodded. "She’s the smartest one here. Why not give her a shot?"

After a long pause, Harrison sighed. "Fine. Prove yourself by turning around the Monarch Grand Hotel in Crestview within six months. Succeed, and the CEO title is yours."

As they left the study, Sebastian and Dominic squeezed Evelyn’s shoulders.

"God tests those He favors," Sebastian said solemnly.

Dominic winced. "That hotel’s a disaster."

Evelyn grinned. "Good thing I thrive under pressure."

Her brothers exchanged glances.

"Perfect," Dominic said. "Now free us from corporate prison."