### Chapter 3 In the opulent Heights Villa nestled in Belbanks, the atmosphere buzzed with unspoken anticipation as a gleaming Rolls-Royce rolled to a stylish halt on the plush red carpet that led to its grand entrance. The car door swung open, and out stepped Silas, a bright smile illuminating his handsome face. He leaned in, extending a warm welcome to his sister as he opened the car door for her. “Welcome back, princess!” he exclaimed, his enthusiasm palpable. Alyssa stepped out, her delicate features sparkling under the soft glow of the villa's lights. The transformation was striking; from the familiar comfort of her sneakers, she had donned elegant heels, instantly elevating her presence to that of a regal figure. “How have you been, Silas?” she asked, her voice filled with a mix of warmth and curiosity. “Great! It's even better now that you’re home. Did you enjoy the fireworks? My birthday gift for you lit up the entire city – it’s even trending on social media!” His eyes reflected sheer excitement, a twinkle that danced with the memories of the past few nights. “Yes, I saw it! Everyone was speculating if a tycoon was trying to woo his wife, and some even called you corny. Congratulations on your new achievement, Silas.” A playful smile flickered on her lips as she clapped her hands lightly. Undeterred by her teasing, Silas pulled her into a warm embrace, relishing in the moment. “Lyse, you won’t leave us again, right?” “Not a chance. He divorced me; why would I leave now?” Alyssa assured, her tone softening as she comforted him with a gentle pat on the back. A heavy sigh escaped her lips, laden with the weight of past failures. “I really embarrassed you guys. For three long years, I thought I could change him, that my persistence might win Jasper's heart. And yet, here I am, right where I started—heartbroken and defeated.” Frustration simmered in Silas's voice. “That bastard Jasper Beckett! How dare he treat my sister that way! I’m going to investigate the Beckett Group as soon as dawn arrives. Maybe I’ll even have Axel take him down a peg!” Jonah, ever the supportive sibling, nodded along, mumbling an enthusiastic ‘amen’ to Silas's declaration. “Hey, let’s not be rash, Silas. You’re a public prosecutor,” Alyssa chuckled wryly. “Can’t you learn to be more like Jonah? Peaceful?” “Peaceful my ass! You have no idea of the trouble he’s dealt with before embracing all that zen,” Silas retorted, his tie pulled tight with evident irritation. “This isn’t over. He can bully me all he wants, but he’ll never get away with messing with my sister!” Alyssa wrapped her arms around both her brothers, taking a small moment to bask in the familial warmth, before entering the home she had missed dearly. In the study of KS Group, Winston Taylor, the patriarch, paced anxiously, excitement breaking through the usual stoicism of his demeanor. The return of his daughter was a gift he had long awaited. “Dad! I’m back!” Alyssa announced, bursting into his study with her brothers in tow. In that instant, she shed the mold of a genteel daughter and flung herself onto the sofa, casting her heels aside with abandon. “Where are your manners? Did you spend your time in some remote village learning to be a doctor with Doctors Without Borders?” Winston asked, forcing a straight face while secretly enjoying her antics. “Alzheimer’s, is it? I’ve always been like this. Did you forget I’m your daughter?” Her gaze flickered around the room until it was drawn to a series of posters hanging on the wall—artworks she created a decade ago, now framed at her father's insistence. “Do you think you’re Adonis? Having multiple wives doesn’t make you attractive!” one poster cheekily proclaimed, while another humorously warned, “Take care of your health now that you’re old, or you might just have a stroke!” The memory of gifting those artworks to him during his third wedding hovered in the air like an echo of past grievances. “After three years away, your first act is to insult your old man. A profoundly considerate daughter I have,” Winston shot back, his irritation masked by a hint of pride. “Thanks for the compliment, Dad,” Alyssa quipped, her laughter ringing through the study. “Since Alyssa is back, we should discuss some pressing matters,” Jonah interjected, taking a seat and placing Alyssa’s shoes back on her feet. “I’ve decided to step down as the president of KS Group. I want my sister to take the helm.” Shock froze Alyssa momentarily, her eyes wide as she scrutinized her brother’s resolute expression. “What?!” Winston sputtered, momentarily speechless at the turn of events. “Dad, Alyssa is back. My commitment was for three years, and my true passion is with the church. Being a pastor has always been my dream.” Jonah's earnest conviction radiated, and for a surreal moment, he almost seemed illuminated by a divine light. Winston felt the weight of frustration thicken the air. “Let Silas take over then!” he insisted, searching for alternatives. “No way! I work for the government! I can’t have connections with financial firms. What if I get investigated?” Silas swiftly rejected the notion, an icy pallor turning his features white. With his heart sinking, Winston looked around the room, grappling with the reality that none of his sons wanted to take on the massive mantle he built. “What use is it to have sons if none of you are willing to inherit my legacy?” he lamented, his health waning, and retirement dates inching closer. “Who says a woman can’t lead? I’ll run the company!” Alyssa declared, a spark igniting within her as pride swelled in her chest, accentuating her determination. Winston’s expression darkened with skepticism. “You really think it's that easy? KS Group isn’t a playground. Can you truly manage the business?” Alyssa’s heart skipped a beat, but she steeled herself, “I am more than capable. And let’s not forget the financial crisis of four years ago—my strategies helped us sail through that storm. I stayed up countless nights drafting acquisition plans for the Willow Group two years ago.” Recognition flashed in Winston’s eyes, a flicker of understanding breaking through. Jonah continued, “Dad, you've always excelled at finding talent. Alyssa is more than ready; she’s the brightest of us all.” After contemplating the impassioned arguments of his sons, Winston’s resolve softened. “Fine. If you want to try your hand at your family’s legacy, you can. Consider it my birthday gift to you!” Excitement surged through Alyssa, her posture straightening, and a fire igniting in her eyes. “I won’t let you down. Just give me a few days to rest, and then I’ll report to KS World Hotel in Solana City. I’ll turn things around.” As they left the study, Silas and Jonah placed their hands on her shoulders in solidarity. “A great responsibility is the hallmark of greatness,” Jonah said, mischief dancing in his eyes. Silas chimed in, “Great. The old man just handed you a mess to tidy up.” “I know,” Alyssa replied, a determined smile on her face. “He thinks this pressure will force me out, but it will only fuel my ambition. I’ll rise, I swear it.” With fists clenched and spirits soaring, the dormant flame of ambition inside her reignited, ready to shatter the chains of her past. The brothers exchanged knowing glances, smiles spreading—united in the shared promise of a brighter future. “Our dear sister,” Jonah teased, “we entrust our freedom to you.”