The storm broke faster than Amanda expected. By Monday morning, headlines blazed across every financial outlet: "Black Enterprises in Crisis — Insider Leaks Expose Vulnerabilities." The articles weren't just about the company; they were about her. Amanda Evans, the assistant who had become Greyson Black's confidante, was painted as the liability dragging him down.
Inside the office, tension was palpable. Executives avoided her gaze, whispers sharpened, and the press camped outside the building. Amanda felt the weight of every word, but she refused to shrink. Vanessa and Greyson's rival had made their move, and Amanda knew this was her test.
Greyson called an emergency press conference. The boardroom transformed into a stage, cameras flashing, reporters buzzing. Amanda stood at his side, her heart pounding.
Greyson began with his usual authority. "Black Enterprises has faced sabotage before. We will not fall to it now. But let me be clear — loyalty is not a weakness. It is our greatest strength."
The reporters pressed harder, their questions sharp. "Mr. Black, is Amanda Evans more than your assistant?" "Is she influencing your decisions?" "Is she the reason you walked away from billions?"
Amanda felt the spotlight shift to her. Greyson glanced at her, his eyes steady, as if daring her to step forward. And she did.
"I am Amanda Evans," she said firmly, her voice carrying across the room. "I am not here because of scandal or favoritism. I am here because I've earned my place. I've worked harder than anyone, stood against sabotage, and proven my loyalty. If that makes me a target, so be it. But I will not be broken."
The room fell silent. Reporters exchanged glances, their pens pausing mid-note. Amanda's words had cut through the noise, not with wealth or power, but with conviction.
Greyson's lips curved faintly, pride flickering in his eyes. He placed a hand on the podium, his voice firm. "You wanted weakness. What you see is strength. And together, we will rise stronger than ever."
The press conference ended in a storm of flashes, but Amanda felt something shift. For the first time, she hadn't just stood beside Greyson — she had stood as his equal, facing the world head-on.
As they left the room, Greyson leaned close, his voice low. "You were fearless."
Amanda smiled faintly, her heart steady. "No. I was ready."
And in that moment, she realized the first strike had failed. Vanessa and Greyson's rival had underestimated her. The war was far from over, but Amanda Evans had just claimed her place in it.