Chapter 2

Three months later, Ethan and Vanessa's wedding was all over the news.

I watched the coverage from my grandfather's estate in Connecticut — a sprawling 200-acre property that made Ethan's penthouse look like a studio apartment. Grandfather had welcomed me without a single question. He simply looked at my pregnant belly, then at my face, and said, "You have your grandmother's stubbornness. And apparently her taste in men."

That made me laugh for the first time in weeks.

Grandfather wasted no time. Within days, he introduced me to the family's operations. The Aldrich Group wasn't just one company — it was a quietly held network of investment firms, real estate holdings, and tech ventures that controlled more wealth than the top ten public companies combined. We didn't appear on Forbes lists. We didn't need to.

"Your mother was supposed to take over," Grandfather said one evening, his voice heavy. "When she died, I thought the line was broken. But you have her mind, Serena."

He placed a folder in front of me. Inside was a profile of every board member, every subsidiary, every strategic asset.

"Learn it. All of it. When you're ready, this will be yours."

I studied while my belly grew. I studied while the twins kicked. I studied while news of Ethan's glamorous new life played on every screen.

Vanessa's father, Richard Moore, had indeed merged his firm with Cross Industries. Ethan was now the CEO of one of the fastest-growing companies in New York. Magazine covers. Charity galas. Power couple features.

Not once did he try to contact me.

That confirmed everything I needed to know.

…

The twins arrived on a stormy night in October. My daughter came first — fierce and screaming. My son followed two minutes later — quiet, watchful, with Ethan's dark eyes.

I named them Lily and Leo.

When Grandfather held them for the first time, his composure cracked. I saw the old man's hands tremble, his eyes glisten.

"They're perfect," he whispered. "They're Aldriches."

I nodded. "They'll never know his name."

…

Two years passed.

I transformed from a discarded ex-wife into someone unrecognizable. Grandfather's mentorship sharpened me. I took over the Aldrich Group's venture capital arm and tripled its returns in eighteen months. The business world began whispering about a mysterious new player — someone who moved money with surgical precision but never showed her face publicly.

I preferred it that way.

Lily and Leo grew fast. Lily had my stubbornness and Grandfather's commanding presence. Leo was quieter, more analytical — he could solve puzzles meant for children twice his age.

They were my everything.

"Mama, who's that man?" Lily asked one morning, pointing at the TV.

I looked up and froze. Ethan's face filled the screen. He was at a press conference announcing Cross Industries' expansion into European markets.

"Nobody important," I said, switching the channel.

But Lily kept staring at the blank screen. "He has Leo's eyes."

My blood went cold. Before I could respond, Grandfather's assistant appeared at the door.

"Ms. Aldrich, your grandfather needs you in his study. It's urgent."

I found Grandfather sitting behind his desk, his expression grave.

"Richard Moore's company is hemorrhaging money," he said. "He's been hiding losses for over a year. Cross Industries is about to collapse, and Moore is looking for a bailout."

He slid a document across the desk.

"He's requesting a meeting with the Aldrich Group. He doesn't know you're involved, of course. But here's the interesting part —"

He tapped a name on the page.

"Ethan Cross will be leading the negotiation personally."

My heart hammered, but my voice stayed steady. "When?"

"Next week. And Serena —" Grandfather's eyes locked onto mine. "Moore has been investigating our family. He's trying to find leverage. If he discovers you're my granddaughter, he'll use your connection to Ethan against us."

I straightened my shoulders.

"Then I'll handle the negotiation myself. It's time I stopped hiding."

Grandfather studied me for a long moment, then nodded slowly.

"Make them remember the Aldrich name."