Chapter 19 - The Trial Sofia Never Wanted
The ledger contained an old clause.
If a newly recognized heir assumed control of the Volkov trust, the family council could challenge that succession within eighteen months.
Sofia had never known.
Neither had Damian.
Adrian explained:
“Your blood connection gives you a claim.”
“But not permanent control,” Sofia said.
“Correct.”
“What happens if the council challenges me?”
“You must prove that your leadership serves the family and the trust.”
Damian's expression hardened.
“Who sits on this council?”
Adrian looked at him.
“Three families.”
Damian immediately understood.
“Families who lost influence when my father centralized the empire.”
Adrian nodded.
Sofia felt the weight settle on her shoulders.
She had thought becoming family meant being accepted.
She had never realized she would have to defend her place legally.
“What do they want?”
Adrian answered honestly.
“Some want control.”
“Some want money.”
“And some?”
“They simply don't believe a former server should lead the Volkov legacy.”
Sofia looked down.
That sentence hurt more than she expected.
Not because it was new.
Because it reminded her of Cassandra.
The woman who had called her a peasant.
The woman who had believed Sofia's uniform determined her worth.
Sofia closed the ledger.
“Then let them challenge me.”
Damian looked at her.
“Sofia.”
She turned toward him.
“I don't want you fighting this for me.”
“I wasn't going to.”
“You were.”
He smiled faintly.
“Maybe.”
Sofia took his hand.
“I need to know that I can stand here because I earned it.”
Damian squeezed her fingers.
“Then I'll stand beside you.”
“Not in front of me.”
He nodded.
May you like
“Beside you.”
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