Rose had somehow convinced everyone that one of the gardens belonged exclusively to her future flower kingdom.
And Iris…
And
Iris had started smiling more.
That alone made every sleepless night worth it.
The school situation had also evolved dramatically..
Or rather…
Mrs. Sun had evolved it.
By evolved, I meant she had looked at every school available in the region, declared them inadequate, and built an entirely new one.
Because apparently that was a reasonable solution.
The school was located between the Sun properties and the castle grounds.
Large.
Modern.
Beautiful.
The teachers were personally selected by Mrs. Sun herself.
Which honestly terrified me more than any government inspection.
She had interviewed every candidate.
Personally.
The poor applicants never stood a chance.
The result, however, was extraordinary.
Academic programs.
Sports.
Arts.
Languages.
Technology labs.
Music programs.
Equestrian facilities.
Even Jason had looked impressed.
The standing invitation for Sun and Asher descendants to attend had quickly attracted the interest of several allied families as well.
The school wasn’t just becoming a school.
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15 Bonus
It was becoming a gathering point.
Aplace where future heirs could grow up together.
A’safer version of what had once existed.
One that the Vincents would never control.
The companies had also finished relocating.
That part still felt surreal.
The main branches of Phoenix Ashes and Asher Corporation now operated from Sum.
Jason had done the same with several major divisions of Sun Corporation.
Entire office buildings had been purchased.
New headquarters established.
Hundreds of employees had relocated voluntarily.
Thousands of local jobs had been created.
And somehow, despite all of it, the transition had gone surprisingly smoothly.
Which was why Jason and I found ourselves standing behind a stage curtain waiting for a press conference to begin.
The media had gone absolutely insane.
Speculation ran wild.
Was Asher Corporation leaving River City?
Was Sun Corporation abandoning its original headquarters?
Had the attack on Chairman Asher triggered the move?
Was there a political reason?
The rumors grew more ridiculous by the hour.
One article had suggested we were secretly building a private kingdom.
I may or may not have framed that one. 1
“You’re smiling.”
Jason’s voice pulled me back to reality.
I looked up.
“I found a very entertaining article.”
His eyes narrowed.
“Should I be worried?”
“Possibly.”
3/6
That answer did not reassure him.
The event coordinator appeared moments later.
“Five minutes.”
Jason adjusted his tie.
I reviewed my notes one final time.
Not that I needed them.
The truth was simple.
We weren’t running.
We were building.
The curtain opened.
The room beyond was packed.
Journalists.
Investors.
Government officials.
Business analysts.
Dozens of cameras immediately turned toward us.
The flashes started instantly.
Jason and I took our seats.
The moderator introduced us.
Questions began immediately.
“Miss Asher, is it true that Phoenix Ashes is relocating its headquarters to Sum?”
I smiled politely.
“Yes.”
The room immediately erupted into activity.
Reporters began writing furiously.
“Why?”
I folded my hands calmly.
“Because Phoenix Ashes has reached a point where expansion is necessary.”
A pause.
“And because I believe Sum represents extraordinary opportunities for future growth.”
+15 Bonus
4/6
! &! f®wV}A{!
Several journalists nodded.
One raised his hand immediately.
“What about Asher Corporation?”
I smiled.
“Phoenix Ashes and Asher Corporation will be merging operationally.”
That created even more chaos.
The room practically exploded.
Questions were shouted from every direction.
I waited patiently.
Then continued.
“The companies will maintain their identities.”
A pause.
“But together, we can create opportunities neither could achieve alone.”
The room quieted slightly.
Most investors looked pleased.
Others looked terrified.
Honestly, both reactions were fair.
Then attention shifted toward Jason.
“Mr. Sun, is Sun Corporation also relocating?”
Jason leaned forward slightly.
His expression remained calm.
Professional.
Confident.
“No.”
The answer surprised the room.
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