Chapter 4Second Life, Same Mistake

Six months later. At breakfast, Eliza dropped a bomb. "Marcus, it's time to make Anna's position official." "I'm planning an announcement gala for next month." She sipped her tea. "And we'll be transferring 2% of our personal shares in Harrison Group to her name. Each." Marcus, reading the Wall Street Journal, froze. "Eliza, don't you think that's... premature? She's still a child." Eliza’s voice was ice. "Premature? Or are you waiting for one of your other children to come of age?" Marcus shot me a nervous glance. "Anna's right here. Don't be ridiculous." "She's our daughter," Eliza shot back. "And she's not an idiot. The shares, Marcus. And the title. It's non-negotiable."

He was still terrified of her. "Fine, fine. Whatever you want." He turned to me, forcing a smile. "Well, Anna, this means I'll have to be even stricter with your training. You can't let me down." I sat up straight. "I won't, Dad. I promise."

The gala was a media frenzy. I was introduced as Anna Harrison. Marcus announced the 4% stock transfer. And then Eliza, standing beside me, took the microphone. "And," she smiled, "we are so thrilled to officially name Anna as the sole heir to the Harrison Group."

The room exploded. Marcus looked like he’d been slapped. But he couldn't object. Not in public. Later, I heard them fighting. "You had no right!" he yelled. "An heir? Without consulting me?" "She's our only daughter, Marcus. Who else would it be? Or... did you have another candidate in mind?" "She's not our blood!" "Neither are your bastards, dear. And tell me, are any of them half as smart as she is?" He had no answer. I went back to my room. It was time to prove my "genius."