Chapter 35 - A Mother's Pride
Later that evening, Valeria sat in her mother’s opulent study, pouring two glasses of aged scotch.
Elena was sitting by the grand fireplace, reviewing the finalized acquisition documents with a look of profound, quiet satisfaction.
"You executed that takeover flawlessly, Valeria,"
Elena said, accepting the crystal glass from her daughter.
"You didn't hesitate. You didn't show mercy. You showed them exactly who is in charge."
"I learned from the best, Mother,"
Valeria replied, taking a slow sip of the burning amber liquid.
Elena looked at her daughter, her eyes softening just a fraction.
"I was so terrified when you ran away. I thought the world was going to chew you up and spit you out because you were too soft, too trusting."
"It almost did,"
Valeria admitted quietly, looking into the roaring flames of the fireplace.
May you like
"But you found me. And you reminded me that we don't break. We just sharpen our edges."
Elena smiled, raising her glass in a silent, respectful toast. The generational torch had officially been passed. The Iron Lady had forged an Iron Queen.
