Years had dragged on, and Ally Miller—the woman once betrayed and discarded—was gone. In her place stood Samantha Bradley, a name that echoed through the marble halls of Elevate Strategic Group, one of Australia's most powerful empires founded by her father, Mr. Steve Bradley.
Though she had once sat in the CEO seat at a young age, love had made her surrender everything. Disguised and naïve, she had walked away for a man who never deserved her. Now, she was back—stronger, smarter, and unrecognizable.
She had taken on a new identity, a new name. Samantha Bradley.
It wasn't just a disguise. It was a declaration.
The name of her father. Her legacy. Her armor.
"Ally Carter begged for love," she had once whispered into the mirror,
"but Samantha Bradley never will."
She had once run her fingers over her reflection, trembling with fear at the unfamiliar face staring back. But now, when she looked, she smiled—not out of joy, but out of power.
While the world forgot Ally Miller, Samantha rebuilt in silence.
Jake and her father became her allies.
She trained in business, strategy, and emotional control.
She studied her enemies, learned their habits, their weaknesses.
And in the shadows, she created something greater than they could ever imagine.
It had been seven years since Ally Miller died.
Now, Samantha Bradley was ready to live.
---
Sydney - 6:45 AM
"Good morning, ma'am," Lynn said cheerfully, stepping into the penthouse suite.
Samantha stretched lazily in bed, her silk robe slipping slightly from one shoulder. She blinked against the soft morning light but didn't immediately respond.
"Here's your black coffee," Lynn continued, placing the steaming cup on the tray beside her.
Samantha took it with a nod. "Thank you," she murmured, already taking a slow sip as she walked barefoot toward her sleek, glass work desk.
"What's on my schedule today?" she asked, setting the cup beside her system.
Lynn tapped open her tablet. "You have a 9:00 AM board meeting to finalize the Elevate Expansion Project in New York. The Vice President wants to discuss the tech acquisition and your keynote for the global innovation summit. Also, the U.S. division is requesting final approval for the AI prototype you're launching—"
Samantha sighed, gently rubbing her temple.
"That's enough for today."
"But ma'am, there's also—"
"Push the rest to tomorrow," Samantha said, her tone cool but calm. "Or whenever you can fit them in."
Lynn nodded quickly. "Yes, ma'am."
As Lynn turned and quietly exited the room, Samantha made her way into the bathroom. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving only silence and steam.
She let the water run.
Then stood there… staring at the mirror.
The woman in the reflection had Ally's soul, yes.
But none of her weakness.Once she was done in the bathroom, Samantha descended the stairs gracefully, dressed in a tailored cream power suit that hugged her new figure with elegance. She entered the dining room where the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.
Lynn immediately rose from her seat at the corner. "Ma'am," she said, reaching quickly for Samantha's Hermès Birkin handbag that rested beside the chair.
"Go wait for me in the car," Samantha said with a calm authority, pulling out a chair and taking a seat for breakfast.
"Good morning, Dad," she greeted warmly, a rare softness appearing on her face.
Steve Bradley lowered his newspaper and offered her a proud smile. "Morning, sweetheart. I hope Lynn briefed you about the board meeting?"
"She did," Samantha replied, cutting a slice of avocado toast. "Everything's on track."
Steve leaned forward, his eyes sharp beneath his silver brows. "And when do you leave for New York? Your things are already packed, I believe. The board has decided to make you the brand ambassador of the Elevate Expansion Project—because we believe in you, Samantha."
A flicker of emotion passed through her eyes—just for a moment. "I'll sort that out when I return," she replied smoothly, rising from her seat. "We'll talk more later."
She leaned down to kiss his cheek. "See you soon, Dad."
"I'm proud of you, you know," he said softly as she turned to go.
She paused, her back still to him. "I know," she whispered.
---
The elevator chimed as it reached the top floor of Elevate Strategic Group's Australian headquarters. The polished chrome doors slid open, revealing a boardroom buzzing with tension.
Samantha stepped out in heels that echoed with each confident stride. Everyone was already seated—but she didn't offer greetings. She walked straight to the head of the table, placed her luxury bag beside her chair, and sat down with the calm of a woman in full control.
"Let's begin," she commanded.
Lynn tapped her tablet, and the first presentation lit up the sleek wall screen.
"There was a data mismanagement error," she began, "but the cybersecurity team is working round the clock to correct it."
Samantha's fingers tapped rhythmically against the glass table.
"We've also agreed to provide virtual computing resources to Elevate Expansion Groups in New York, as part of the AI collaboration strategy," Lynn continued.
The income analysis chart appeared next.
"Approximately five billion dollars in projected revenue was lost last month," Lynn said cautiously, "due to a system virus that entered through a careless data leak."
The room shifted uneasily.
"That's enough," Samantha cut in, her tone like ice. "Who was responsible?"
Silence blanketed the room. Executives glanced nervously at one another, no one daring to speak. Whispers floated in corners, but none brave enough to reach her directly.
"I want the person who let the virus in found—before the end of today," Samantha said, voice firm and final. "Lynn will reschedule this meeting for tomorrow, and if I don't have a name by then…" her eyes swept over the table, "...every one of you can kiss your jobs goodbye."
She stood up without waiting for a response. Lynn followed instantly.
"Send the rest of the tasks to my email," Samantha said as she picked up her Birkin bag. "I'll be working from home."
"Ma'am?" Lynn blinked, surprised, but quickly composed herself. "Understood."As they walked toward the elevator, Samantha spoke without looking back, her tone calm but commanding.
"Lynn, arrange my flight. I want the jet ready before 4 p.m.," she said, adjusting the strap of her luxury bag. "And let Jake know the exact time—we're leaving on schedule. I hate it when he's late."