Camilla walked into her temporary apartment and threw her purse onto the cheap sofa.
She walked over to the small window and stared out at the glittering Manhattan skyline. The humiliation from Stark Tower still burned in her veins, but it was no longer pain. It was pure, highly combustible fuel.
She pulled her phone from her pocket and dialed her father's number. Her voice was steady and hard.
"Dad, it's time. I want to come home. And I want to take over Mcneil Industries."
Donnie was silent for two heavy seconds. When he spoke, his voice was thick with pride and relief.
"It's about time, my girl. I've been waiting for this call. Come to the Hamptons tomorrow. We'll make the announcement."
The next morning, Camilla drove her car up the long, tree-lined driveway of the Mcneil Estate in the Hamptons. The massive stone mansion looked exactly the same. It gave her a brief sense of comfort, but her stomach tightened knowing who was waiting inside.
Bridget O'Malley, the elderly housekeeper, was waiting on the front steps. When she saw Camilla, tears welled up in her eyes.
"Miss Camilla! Welcome home!" Bridget cried. "Your father is in his study."
Camilla gave Bridget a tight hug. She didn't waste any time. She walked straight down the hall and pushed open the heavy oak doors to the study.
Donnie was standing by the window. He looked older, his hair greyer, but his eyes were sharp.
He didn't bother with small talk. He walked over to his desk and picked up a thick leather folder.
"I've drafted the press release and the board proposal," Donnie said, handing it to her. "You'll be appointed as the interim CEO, effective immediately. I've called an emergency board meeting for tomorrow morning to formalize the succession. We are going to force their hand."
Camilla took the folder. Her fingers trembled slightly against the leather, but her eyes were fierce.
"Thank you, Dad. I won't let you down."
Right at that moment, the study doors swung open.
Evelin Velasquez, Camilla's stepmother, walked in. Jalyn Santana, her stepsister, trailed right behind her. Evelin wore a nasty, mocking smirk. Jalyn's eyes were burning with raw jealousy.
"Well, well, the prodigal daughter returns," Evelin sneered. "And after such a scandal too. Donnie, are you sure this is wise? Putting the company in the hands of a woman with such... reputation issues?"
Jalyn immediately chimed in, her voice high and whiny.
"Yeah, Dad! The tabloids are saying she's a cheater! That'll ruin Mcneil's image! I should be the one taking over! I've been working here for years!"
Camilla didn't even look at them. She kept her eyes locked on her father, waiting.
Donnie's face turned bright red with anger. He slammed his hand down on the desk.
"This is my decision," Donnie barked. "Camilla is my daughter and the rightful heir. Her personal life is none of your concern."
Evelin crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "But the board will never-"
"The board will do as I say," Donnie cut her off sharply. "Now, leave us. Camilla and I have work to do."
Evelin scoffed. She grabbed Jalyn's arm and pulled her out of the room. Jalyn stopped at the door, turning back to shoot Camilla a look of pure, toxic hatred.
Camilla watched the door click shut. She turned back to her father.
"They won't give up easily, Dad. I need to be prepared."
Donnie nodded heavily. "I know. Arthur Pembroke, my assistant, will help you with the transition. And remember, your talent is your best weapon. Show them what you can really do."
Camilla took a deep breath. A fire ignited in her chest.
"I will. I'll prove to everyone-Carlisle, the Starks, and the whole world-that I'm not just someone's wife or ex-wife. I'm Camilla Mcneil, and I'm taking back what's mine."
Four hours later, Mcneil Industries dropped a massive press release. Donnie Mcneil was stepping down due to health reasons. Camilla Mcneil was appointed as the interim CEO, pending the formal board vote the following day. The release noted that an emergency shareholder and board meeting was convened to formalize her permanent succession.
The internet exploded for the second time in two days. The comments were a warzone. Half the people mocked the "cheating ex-wife" trying to play boss. The other half were dying to see what the mysterious Mcneil heiress would do.
Across the city in Stark Tower, Carlisle stared at the news article on his computer screen. His jaw clenched so tight his teeth ached. A weird, uncomfortable feeling twisted in his gut. He was shocked. He was suspicious. And deep down, in a place he refused to acknowledge, he was intrigued.
Celine leaned over his shoulder. She read the screen and gasped. She dug her nails into Carlisle's arm.
"Carlisle, this is bad!" Celine cried. "If Camilla takes over Mcneil, she'll have the power to come after us! She hates me!"
Carlisle placed his hand over hers. His voice was cold and calculating.
"She won't have the chance. Mcneil Industries is a major client of Stark Enterprises. If she tries anything, I can crush her."
Meanwhile, back at the Mcneil Estate, Jalyn was tearing her bedroom apart. She grabbed a crystal perfume bottle and smashed it against the wall.
"It's not fair!" Jalyn screamed. "It should be me! I won't let her get away with this!"
Evelin walked into the room. She looked at the broken glass and sighed.
"Calm down, Jalyn. Screaming won't help. We need a plan. And I think I know just the person who might want to help us... and hurt Camilla."
Jalyn stopped screaming. She wiped her red eyes. "Who?"
Evelin smiled wickedly. "Celine Mills. The woman who took Camilla's husband. The enemy of my enemy..."
Jalyn's eyes lit up. A cruel smile spread across her face. "Yes... Celine. She must hate Camilla too. We can work together."
On the other side of town, Cristobal West sat in his office. He read the headline on his tablet. A soft, proud smile touched his lips. He picked up his phone and dialed her number.
"Camilla, congratulations," Cristobal said softly. "I knew you could do it. And remember, whatever you need, I'm here."
