The Carter Group's boardroom felt like a battlefield that morning.Glass walls, polished floors, and the hum of tension that no one dared break.Twenty board members sat in silence, their expressions wary.
Sara stood beside her father, calm but fierce, her hands clasped behind her back.Across the table, the CFO spoke hesitantly, "Sir, with due respect… investors are losing confidence. The leaks have caused massive speculation. We need leadership to address this before the company collapses."
Her father sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. "I understand, Mr. Patel. We're doing everything we can."
One of the senior members, Mr. Desai, adjusted his glasses. "Mr. Carter, the problem isn't only external. The press has started printing rumors that your wife, Laura Carter, might be involved. If this is true—"
"It is true," Daniel interrupted, his voice smooth but firm.
The room went dead silent.
Sara took a step forward. "And I can prove it."
She set down a folder on the table. Inside were printed screenshots — the same ones Leo had retrieved from the server. They contained timestamps, bank transactions, and a trail of money leading directly to Han Yoon's firm.
One by one, the board members leaned forward, eyes widening.
Mr. Desai frowned. "These are serious allegations."
Sara nodded. "I wouldn't bring them without evidence. Laura Carter and Han Yoon conspired to transfer company assets into shell corporations under Han's name. She used her position as Mr. Carter's wife to bypass approval systems. If we don't act now, Carter Holdings will lose everything within weeks."
The board murmured among themselves.Her father looked at her with quiet awe — and guilt. "Sara, how did you—"
"Because I stopped being the daughter who waited for someone to save her," she said softly. "And became someone who saves what matters."
Daniel placed a small flash drive on the table. "Here's the digital record. We've backed everything to secure servers. No one can tamper with it now."
The CFO turned to Sara. "Miss Carter, what are you suggesting?"
She took a deep breath. "That I be temporarily appointed as acting vice president of operations until this crisis is handled. I'll coordinate directly with legal, PR, and security. You'll have full transparency from me, and I'll rebuild the investors' trust."
A ripple of whispers went through the boardroom.
Her father hesitated. "Sara, that's a lot of responsibility—"
She met his gaze. "So was watching everything fall apart, Dad. I'm not that helpless little girl anymore."
He looked at her for a long moment — then smiled faintly. "Then show them who you really are."
By noon, the board had voted.Unanimous approval.
Sara Carter — Acting Vice President, Carter Holdings.
When she walked out of the conference room, Leo nearly ran into her with a grin. "Vice President Carter! Has a nice ring to it."
She laughed. "Don't start."
Ryo clapped her on the shoulder. "You've officially entered the war zone."
Daniel walked behind them, quiet but proud. "She was born for it."
Sara turned to look at him, her expression softening. "You really think so?"
He smiled slightly. "No. I know so."
Meanwhile, across town, Laura stood in her penthouse watching a live news broadcast.
"Carter Holdings appoints Sara Carter as Acting Vice President amid controversy…"
Her nails dug into the glass of her wine.
"She thinks this makes her untouchable?" Laura muttered.
Maya spoke cautiously beside her. "Han's already making his move. Should I confirm the next phase?"
Laura's eyes glinted. "Do it. If Sara wants to play leader, let's see how she handles destruction from within."