This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.

The rain fell like bullets against the windshield as Elena Marchetti stepped out of the black sedan, her heels clicking against the wet pavement with a sound that echoed through the empty street. The funeral had ended hours ago, but she couldn't bring herself to return to the estate that now belonged solely to her. The weight of inheritance sat heavy on her shoulders, heavier than the grief that had been her constant companion for the past week.

Her father's empire stretched across three continents, built on shipping routes that had made the Marchetti name synonymous with power in certain circles. Elena had always known this day would come, but at twenty-five, she had expected more time to prepare. More time to understand the intricate web of alliances and enemies that her father had woven throughout his lifetime.

The law offices of Hamilton & Associates stood before her like a monolith, its glass facade reflecting the storm clouds that seemed to perpetually hover over the city since her father's death. Inside those walls waited the final reading of Antonio Marchetti's will, the document that would officially transfer control of everything to her capable but inexperienced hands.

Elena pushed through the revolving door, water dripping from her black coat onto the marble floor. The receptionist, a woman with kind eyes and graying hair, looked up with sympathy etched across her features.

"Miss Marchetti, they're waiting for you in Conference Room A. My condolences for your loss."

"Thank you," Elena replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. She had learned early that showing weakness in her father's world was tantamount to signing one's own death warrant.