The evening atmosphere around the Presidential Villa remained calm after Sabrina’s departure. The orange glow of the setting sun stretched across the ocean surrounding the island while soft winds moved through the gardens and pathways.

Usually, moments like these gave Jayden peace, but his mind was occupied by a new challenge. For ten years, he had never once worried about the leadership of the EC Consortium because Sabrina Jonah had been there.

She had become so reliable that it was easy to forget that one day she would eventually want a life of her own. Now that day had arrived, and while he was genuinely happy for her, he could not deny that the situation left behind a very large responsibility that needed to be addressed.

Later that evening, Jayden gathered his wives inside one of the large family lounges within the villa. The room was spacious and elegant, carrying the warm atmosphere that had developed over the years as their family continued to grow.

Camilia was seated beside him while Charlotte reviewed some reports on her tablet. Harper had just returned from a security inspection around the island, Temi was helping little Dane finish some homework, Becky was arranging some refreshments on a nearby table, and Paula had only recently returned from the Engineering Base after supervising several development projects.

When everyone had settled down, Jayden finally cleared his throat.

"There is something I need to tell all of you."

The room became quieter.

Charlotte lowered her tablet.

Harper folded her arms.

Temi looked over.

Paula raised a brow.

"What happened?" Camilia asked.

Jayden leaned back slightly before speaking.

"Sabrina is resigning."

For several seconds, nobody spoke.

The statement caught all of them by surprise.

"Sabrina?" Becky asked first.

Jayden nodded.

"She is engaged."

That immediately changed the atmosphere.

The surprise slowly transformed into understanding.

Paula smiled first.

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

"Oh wow."

Temi’s face immediately softened.

"I’m actually happy for her."

"So am I," Becky added.

Charlotte nodded slowly.

"That explains why she wanted a private meeting."

Harper released a small breath.

"I thought something happened to the company."

Jayden shook his head.

"The company is doing better than ever."

Camilia smiled warmly.

"Then she deserves it."

Everybody agreed.

Over the years, Sabrina had become more than a company executive. She had become part of the family. They all knew how much effort she had invested into building the EC Consortium into what it had become today.

"She gave ten years of her life to the company," Temi said quietly.

"And probably sacrificed hundreds of personal opportunities along the way," Charlotte added.

Paula nodded.

"Honestly, if anyone deserves a happy ending, it’s her."

Jayden smiled faintly.

"That’s exactly what I told her."

The room remained warm as they discussed Sabrina’s future plans and her upcoming wedding in Icelandia. Eventually, however, the conversation returned to the problem that still remained. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

The company needed a new CEO.

A silence followed.

Everyone understood how significant that position was.

The EC Consortium was no ordinary business.

It was the backbone of Nortasia’s economy.

One of the largest contributors to the global economy.

The world’s most powerful corporate organization.

Choosing the wrong leader could create problems that would affect entire nations.

Jayden eventually turned toward Camilia.

"You’ll be handling the interviews."

Camilia blinked.

"Me?"

Jayden nodded.

"I trust your judgment."

The others nodded as well.

Frankly speaking, nobody disagreed.

Camilia had spent years handling government affairs, diplomatic matters, economic projects, and major administrative responsibilities. If there was someone capable of identifying talent and leadership potential, she was among the best options available.

She sighed softly.

"So you are giving me the difficult job."

Jayden grinned.

"Of course."

"How generous."

The room erupted with light laughter.

******

The following morning, the EC Consortium Headquarters was more active than usual.

News regarding the search for a new Chief Executive Officer had already spread across Nortasia and beyond. Naturally, a position like that attracted extraordinary attention. Executives, business leaders, economists, industrial specialists, and corporate veterans from numerous countries had submitted applications.

The interview process itself occupied an entire floor of the headquarters.

Dozens of personnel moved about organizing files and candidate records.

Conference rooms had been prepared.

Security had been increased.

Managers and department heads participated in various evaluation processes.

At the center of everything sat Camilia.

She occupied a large executive interview room with several senior officials present beside her.

One of them was Kevin Drey.

The long-serving corporate manager who had worked within the EC Consortium for many years.

Stacks of applications rested on the table.

Digital profiles floated across holographic screens.

Candidate number one entered.

The man was in his early fifties and carried himself with confidence.

His resume was impressive.

International business experience.

Government advisory roles.

Corporate leadership positions.

For nearly forty minutes, Camilia questioned him carefully.

His answers were competent.

Professional.

Polished.

But something felt slightly rehearsed.

When the interview ended, she thanked him and noted her observations.

The second applicant followed.

A woman from Espana who had built one of the largest renewable energy companies in the region.

Her achievements were remarkable.

She spoke intelligently and demonstrated excellent leadership qualities.

Again, Camilia listened carefully.

Again, she took notes.

The third candidate was younger.

A technology executive responsible for several major innovations within the communications industry.

His ideas were impressive.

His vision was modern.

His confidence was undeniable.

Yet after nearly an hour of discussion, Camilia still felt uncertain.

None of them seemed wrong.

But none of them felt right either.

Eventually, after another short break, Kevin approached her.

"The next candidate is ready."

"Send them in."

Kevin checked the file.

Then froze.

His eyes narrowed.

A strange expression crossed his face.

Camilia immediately noticed.

"What is it?"

Kevin looked toward the entrance.

Then back at the file.

Then back toward the entrance again.

His expression darkened.

"You’ve got to be kidding me."

Before Camilia could ask further, the door opened.

And Sofia walked inside.

The room instantly became tense.

Several staff members recognized her immediately.

Kevin stood up so quickly that his chair nearly moved backward.

"What the hell is she doing here?"

Sofia remained calm despite the hostility around her.

She wore simple professional attire and carried no arrogance whatsoever.

Kevin immediately looked toward security.

"Get her out."

Two security officers stepped forward.

But before they could move further, Camilia raised her hand.

The room stopped.

Kevin turned.

"Lady Camilia?"

"Let her stay."

Kevin looked genuinely shocked.

"She’s serious?"

"I know exactly who she is."

Kevin still looked unconvinced.

"Jayden specifically warned her to stay away."

"I know."

The room became silent.

Camilia calmly looked toward Sofia.

"Did you come here to cause trouble?"

"No."

Her answer came immediately.

"Then why are you here?"

Sofia inhaled quietly.

"For the interview."

Kevin almost laughed.

The absurdity of the situation clearly bothered him.

But Camilia remained calm.

After several moments of consideration, she nodded toward the chair opposite her.

"Sit."

Sofia obeyed.

The interview began.

Unlike the previous candidates, Camilia barely asked anything about corporate strategy, market expansion, leadership structures, or economic growth.

Instead, she studied Sofia herself.

For nearly an hour.

The questions were different.

Personal.

Direct.

Uncomfortable.

"Why should we trust you?"

Sofia lowered her eyes briefly.

"You probably shouldn’t."

The answer surprised everyone.

Including Camilia.

"But I hope I can earn it."

Camilia remained silent.

"You betrayed people before," she continued.

"Yes."

"You betrayed Jayden."

Sofia nodded slowly.

"Yes."

"You nearly helped destroy things that countless people worked to build."

Again.

A nod.

"Yes."

The room remained silent.

Sofia did not defend herself.

She did not make excuses.

She simply accepted responsibility.

Camilia leaned forward slightly.

"The EC Consortium isn’t just a company."

"I know."

"It is the face of Nortasia’s economy."

"I know."

"It influences nations."

"I know."

"It affects lives."

Sofia swallowed quietly.

"I know."

Camilia studied her.

Long.

Carefully.

Then she finally asked the most important question.

"If given another chance, would you betray them again?"

The room seemed to hold its breath.

Sofia looked directly into her eyes.

"No."

Not hesitation.

Not uncertainty.

No.

Just a simple answer.

Firm.

Steady.

Honest.

Several seconds passed.

Then more.

Finally, Sofia spoke again.

"I lost everything because of my choices."

Her voice was calm.

"I spent years paying for them."

Nobody interrupted.

"I don’t expect forgiveness."

She lowered her eyes briefly.

"But if there is one thing I can promise..."

She looked back up.

"It is that I will never become that person again."

Silence followed.

Eventually, Camilia slowly closed the file before her.

"Thank you for your time."

Sofia nodded.

"Will I know the result today?"

"No."

Sofia smiled faintly.

"Fair enough."

She stood up.

Then left.

The door closed behind her.

The room remained quiet.

Kevin looked completely bewildered.

"You’re not seriously considering her, right?"

Camilia didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, she reached for her phone.

Kevin frowned.

"Who are you calling?"

A small smile appeared on her face.

She dialed a familiar number.

The call connected.

The moment Jayden answered, she leaned back comfortably in her chair.

"Guess what, babe?"