Chapter 1

The email from Stryker Innovations landed in my inbox like a death sentence.

"Next Generation Leaders Program: Invitation."

My father, Marcus Chen, stood over my shoulder, his breath smelling of stale coffee and desperation.

"Ava, this is it, this is our chance."

ChenTech, our family's tech company, was bleeding money, and Damien Stryker, the corporate wolf, was circling. This "program" was our only lifeline, a pathetic scrap thrown our way before the inevitable hostile takeover.

I was a burnt-out junior software developer, not a leader.

But Dad looked so hopeful, so broken.

"Okay, Dad, I'll go."

The orientation hall at Stryker Innovations was vast and cold, filled with nervous young faces. Each of us had submitted an introductory package, a desperate plea for our family businesses.

Damien Stryker himself walked onto the stage.

He was younger than I expected, sharp suit, sharper eyes. He radiated an unnerving stillness.

He didn't smile, didn't offer platitudes.

"Good morning. I find the use of outdated motivational posters in presentations offensive."

A murmur went through the room.

"Anyone who included one in their introductory package is immediately out of the running."

My blood ran cold. Half the presentations projected on the waiting screens probably had a soaring eagle or a mountain peak with some trite slogan.

Mine was minimalist, just facts and figures.

My thought was sharp, a reflex.

Damien Stryker's head snapped up. His gaze, like ice, scanned the room.

It landed directly on me.

My heart hammered against my ribs. He couldn't have... no, impossible.

He held my gaze for a beat too long, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.

Then, he looked away, continuing as if nothing happened.

But I felt a chill crawl up my spine.