Chapter 3 The Discovery

Regina closed the door to her office and leaned against it, closing her eyes as she tried to steady her breathing. Too much was happening at the same time that she felt a headache coming. She opened her eyes and they fell on the last person she wanted to see and deal with –Olivia, who sat comfortably on the sofa, sipping coffee with a smug smile. The sight of her sister in her space, so relaxed and self-assured, sent a surge of anger through her.

"Hello, sister. You were delaying, so I decided to make myself comfortable," Olivia said, her tone dripping with faux sweetness.

Regina's jaw tightened. "What the hell are you doing here, Olivia? Haven't you done enough damage already?"

Olivia's smile widened. "Oh, come on, Regina. It's not like I planned for things to go south. Besides, a little competition never hurt anyone."

"A little competition? Is all of this a joke to you?" Regina's voice trembled with fury. "You sold 85% of your shares to a questionable partner without consulting anyone. Do you have any idea what you've done to this company? To Dad?"

Olivia's expression briefly flickered with guilt, but she quickly regained her composure. "I didn't mean for things to turn out this way. But maybe if you weren't so focused on playing the perfect daughter, you would've seen the signs."

Regina's eyes widened in shock at her response. "So, this is on me now, huh?" She couldn't believe the nerve of her sister to create a mess and blame her for it. Olivia never ceases to amaze her. She'd always been that way, hiding her bad attitude under her insecurities. She had always done nasty things and easily got away with it –just because she was the family's favourite child.

She took an angry step closer to her sister. This isn't just about the company, is it? What are you really after, Olivia?"

Olivia leaned forward, her voice low and venomous. "Fine. You want the truth? I'm tired of living in your shadow, Regina. Always second best. But guess what? Alexander? He chose me. And seeing the look on your face now? It is totally worth it."

Regina, despite her heart breaking, rolled her eyes.

"You think stealing my boyfriend makes you a winner? No, it does. It only proves how desperate and pathetic you are. I hope you and that douchebag find happiness. And as for the company, I will fix this mess with or without you."

Olivia's eyes gleamed with a mixture of triumph and challenge. "Good luck with that. You might need my help, whether you like it or not. I've got some insider information that could save us, but it'll cost you. Prove you're a real leader and make a deal with me. Otherwise, you are in for a long thing, sis."

Regina made herself give her sister a hard look. "I don't need your help, Olivia. I'll find another way. But know this: you've made an enemy of me today. And I promise you'll regret the actions you've made in the past week."

Olivia rose, a smirk playing on her lips as she sauntered toward the door. "We'll see about that, dear sister."

Barely able to stop herself from going to drag Olivia's hair or do something else that was worse, Regina watched her leave. As the door closed, she let out a scream of frustration, almost pulling at her hair.

The pressure, betrayal and shock were overwhelming. Too much to bear.

But she quickly forced herself to remember she couldn't afford to look miserable. She sank into her chair and on closing her eyes tried to steady herself.

She had to stay strong no matter what.

Determined once again, she picked up her phone and began making calls. She would investigate Olivia's plans, uncover the details of the bad deal, and find a way to stabilize the Queens.

She was in for the fight of her life at this moment, but she was ready.

She had to.

Penelope peeked into the office just then, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay, Regina? I just saw Olivia leave."

Regina took a deep breath and forced a smile. "I'm fine, Penelope. I'll be fine.