The conference footage spread like wildfire. Within hours, Aurora’s face dominated news channels, online forums, and business circles. Some called her bold, others reckless but none could deny she had shifted the narrative.

At the Veyra estate, Aurora sat on the balcony with Adrian, scrolling through articles on her tablet. “Heiress Strikes Back”, “Aurora Veyra Declares War”, “Castell Empire Challenged”.

“Half of them are mocking me,” she murmured, frowning.

Adrian leaned ...