CHAPTER 1

The sun shone brightly on the Bailison's Group charity gala. The lawn was perfectly manicured, and the guests were dressed in their finest clothes.

Belle Bailison smiled as she mingled with the guests. Her parents, Reginald and Catherine, stood proudly beside her.

The sound of laughter and music filled the air. Then, without warning, two loud shots rang out.

The music stopped, and the laughter died. Belle's eyes widened in horror as she stared at her parents.

Her mother stumbled back, clutching her chest. A crimson stain spread across her dress.

Her father tried to rush to her side, but he didn't make it. A second bullet struck him, sending him crashing to the ground.

Belle screamed, but her voice was lost in the chaos. Guests ran wildly, desperate to escape the carnage.

The gunman, dressed in a black suit and sunglasses, stood calmly on the periphery of the crowd, his weapon still smoking. For a moment, his gaze locked onto Belle's, and she felt a shiver run down her spine.

Then, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving behind a trail of devastation and heartbreak.

Belle's eyes then moved to her parents, her mind reeling in shock. Her world had just crashed down, right in front of her.

* * * * * *

Months had passed since the burial of Belle's parents. The Bailison's Group headquarters buzzed with tension as stakeholders, family members, and top executives gathered in the conference room. The agenda was clear: selecting a new CEO.

Belle walked into the room, her presence commanding attention. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, and her piercing green eyes seemed to bore into those she met. She was a woman who exuded confidence and power.

The room fell silent as she took her seat at the head of the table. Her gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of those who would decide her fate.

Reginald's brother, James Bailison, spoke up first. "We all know why we're here. The Bailison Group needs a new CEO, and we have several qualified candidates." His eyes flicked to Belle, then away. "However, I think we can all agree that Belle is...unqualified for the position."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. Belle's eyes narrowed, but she said nothing.

Stakeholder Rachel Lee spoke up next. "I agree with James. Belle lacks the necessary experience and...stability for the role." Her eyes locked onto Belle's. "As you know Belle, our company values tradition and family. And unfortunately, you're not...settled."

Belle's gaze never wavered. "I understand what you're saying, Rachel. But I assure you, my personal life will not affect my ability to lead this company."

James snorted. "Easy to say Belle, but we can't have our CEO flying solo. It's not good for the company's image."

Rachel nodded in agreement. "We need someone who embodies the values of the Bailison Group. And unfortunately, Belle doesn't fit that mould."

The room erupted into a cacophony of arguments and counterarguments. Belle listened, her expression unreadable.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the room fell silent. Rachel spoke up, her voice firm. "We've discussed this at length, and we've come to a decision. Belle, we're willing to give you a chance, but you need to meet one condition."

Belle raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

Rachel's eyes seemed to bore into hers. "You have two weeks to get married. If you don't, you'll forfeit your right to the CEO position."

The room erupted into chaos once more. Belle's eyes flashed with anger, but she remained seated, her expression icy.

"I see," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "So, you're telling me that my ability to lead this company is contingent on my marital status?"

Rachel nodded, unflappable. "That's correct Belle. We need someone who embodies the values of tradition and family."

Belle's gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of those who had just betrayed her. Her voice was low and even, but it carried a hint of steel.

"I'll take that under consideration," she said, her eyes never leaving Rachel's face.

The room fell silent once more, the tension palpable. Belle's eyes seemed to bore into the souls of those around her, daring them to challenge her further.

And with that, the meeting was adjourned.

Belle stormed out of the conference room, her heels clicking on the marble floor. Her PA, Emma, waited for her outside, a concerned expression on her face.

"Hey, Belle, how did it go?" Emma asked, falling into step beside Belle.

Belle's eyes flashed with anger. "It was a disaster. They're giving me an ultimatum: get married within two weeks or lose the CEO position."

Emma's eyes widened. "That's ridiculous! You can't let them bully you like that."

Belle's jaw clenched. "I won't. But first, I need to know what's going on with the investigation into my parents' murder."

Emma nodded, pulling out her phone. "I have the latest progress report right here. Let me just pull it up."

Belle stopped in front of her office door, her eyes fixed on Emma. "Tell me everything."

Emma took a deep breath. "Well, the police are still investigating, but they haven't found any leads on the gunman. It's like he vanished into thin air."

Belle's eyes narrowed. "What about the security footage? Did they find anything useful?"

Emma shook her head. "Unfortunately, the footage was corrupted. The police are trying to recover it, but it's not looking good."

Belle's jaw clenched in frustration. "This is ridiculous. We have the best security system in the country, and yet we can't even get a decent footage of the killer."

Emma placed a hand on Belle's arm. "We'll get to the bottom of this Belle. I promise."

Belle's eyes locked onto Emma's. "I'm counting on it."

Just then, Emma's phone buzzed. She quickly excused herself and picked up the call.

Emma returns minutes later looking perplexed and suspicious.

"What's going on, Emma? You're hiding something from me."

Emma hesitated, glancing around the room nervously. "Belle, I...I don't think it's safe to talk about this here."

"Tell me."

Emma's voice dropped to a whisper. "I received a call from an unknown number. They claimed to have information about your parents' murder."

Belle's eyes widened. "What did they say?"

Emma's eyes darted around the room again. "They said...they said it wasn't just a random attack. It was a hit. And they're going to come after you next."

The lights in the room seemed to flicker, and Belle's world went dark