Stella POV

“Miss Stella, our visitors are on the way now,” Gilbert told me, his voice steady and respectful as always. He stood by the open glass doors, his posture alert, eyes scanning the private entrance to our beach villa.

I simply nodded at him, not turning around just yet. “Prepare everything they have asked for,” I said calmly, my gaze still fixed on the endless blue stretching out before me. “Make sure nothing is missing.”

I lifted a cigarette to my lips and lit it, the flame flickering in the warm sea breeze. I took a slow drag, letting the smoke drift away into the bright tropical air, and leaned against the railing. The view here in the Maldives was nothing short of breathtaking. Turquoise waters shimmered under the golden sun, gentle waves rolling in soft and white against powdery white sand, and the horizon seemed to go on forever, calm and unbroken. It was so peaceful here, so far removed from the noise and expectations that always seemed to follow me back home.

I had come here on business, not for pleasure—that much I kept reminding myself. At first, I had questioned Dad’s judgment entirely. Why pour company funds into a smaller, lesser-known enterprise that had barely made a name for itself? It had seemed reckless to me, uncharacteristic of the careful, far-sighted man I knew him to be. But as the days passed and I saw the potential with my own eyes, I began to understand. This was never just about helping another business get on its feet. It was an investment—one that would grow and flourish, and in time, the returns would come back to us tenfold, strengthening our own empire even further.

I am Stella Marie Corporal. People call me the Badass Queen. I am twenty-six years old, and I was adopted into the Corporal family—the most renowned and powerful business dynasty across the whole of Asia. My father, Mr. Leo Corporal, took me in when I was sixteen, and from the moment I graduated college, he guided me, supported me, and helped me build my own place within the family legacy.

Our name carries weight everywhere it is spoken, and that is exactly why I have always pushed myself harder than anyone else to make my parents truly proud. We are known not simply for wealth or influence, but for the integrity and vision upon which our name was built, and I intend to carry that forward with everything I have.

I serve as CEO of CST—Corporal Smart Technologies, the company our father founded and built from the ground up into something extraordinary. CST is not merely a business; it is a powerhouse of innovation, dedicated to designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced technologies that touch nearly every part of daily life across the globe. We create cutting-edge gadgets and smart devices, yes—phones, laptops, wearable tech that keeps people connected and informed. But our work reaches far beyond consumer electronics. We pioneer sustainable energy systems that protect the planet, intelligent infrastructure that builds safer, smarter cities, medical technology that saves and extends lives, and secure digital platforms that link people across continents with trust and reliability. Every product that bears our name is crafted with precision, integrity, and a forward-thinking vision that has made CST trusted by governments, institutions, and millions of families alike. To be Corporal is to stand for excellence.

I run the day-to-day operations and lead our teams with passion and unwavering focus, though there are moments when I step back and follow my father’s guidance—learning, observing, growing under his wisdom. I am not alone in this, either. There are three of us, his adopted children: Elton, Erin, and me. We may not share blood, but we share a father who believes in each of us deeply. He has given each of us a distinct role, shaped to match our strengths and our hearts, so that we may sharpen our skills, discover what we are truly capable of, and prove ourselves worthy of carrying the family forward. He is preparing us, quietly but surely, because one day soon he will choose who among us will rise as President or Chairman of CST. It is not just a title. It is the legacy we will one day protect and build together.

When the view from the balcony began to feel less like peace and more like restlessness, I turned away and stepped back inside. The air-conditioned coolness of the villa wrapped around me, and I smoothed my clothes, straightening my spine. I found Amira, my secretary, organizing files on the desk.

“Wake me the moment our visitors arrive,” I told her, my voice softer now, the weight of exhaustion settling in my bones. “I need to rest.”

I had not slept properly the night before. My mind had been turning over plans, figures, and questions until dawn, and now I needed to restore my energy. I retreated to my room, lay down, and closed my eyes, though my thoughts would not fully settle.

It was three in the afternoon when Amira gently woke me. I sat up quickly, shaking off the drowsiness, and rose to prepare myself. I chose a sharp, tailored outfit—something that commanded respect without trying too hard, the kind of attire that said I was in control of every situation. I fixed my hair, checked my reflection, and stepped out to greet our guests.

A faint, polite smile touched my lips as I saw them being led toward the receiving area. My car stood waiting outside, gleaming in the sunlight, and for a fleeting second I wondered if anyone would notice how little I actually rested.

“Mr. Deon,” I said, extending my hand to him as they took their seats across from me. “How is everything going?”

He shook my hand firmly, his expression warm and grateful. “Very well, Miss Stella. Everything is going exceptionally well.”

“Indeed,” added Rose, stepping forward with a bright, genuine smile. She was one of his closest representatives, and I had come to respect her greatly. “Our company is thriving, and it is entirely because of your faith in us. Your investment has changed everything.”

I nodded, pleased but careful not to show too much emotion. “It is good to hear. I am glad to see it flourishing.”

Rose hesitated for a moment, then leaned in slightly. “I heard word that you might be leaving soon? Where will you go next?”

I offered a small, knowing smirk. Even I did not truly know the answer to that—not entirely. “I have not yet decided,” I said smoothly. It was not a complete lie, but it was not the full truth either. There were things I needed to keep to myself.

This departure was meant to be a secret. I wanted to step away from home for a while, to disappear for a year, and not a single member of my family could know. Not yet. My adopted father had no idea I was planning to leave, and I told myself he would not notice—he was always so busy, so consumed by meetings and decisions. My mother too, kind as she was, seemed to have her attention elsewhere. It felt as though I could vanish and no one would truly realize I was gone.

“Miss Stella?”

I blinked, pulling myself back to the present. Mr. Deon was watching me with a gentle, concerned look.

“I apologize,” I said, a little sheepish. “My mind wandered for a moment.”

I signaled to Gilbert, who stepped forward immediately. “Bring what they have asked for,” I told him.

First came the truck loaded with premium timber—strong, beautifully grained wood sourced from carefully managed forests in the Philippines. Mr. Deon ran his hand over the surface, his eyes lighting up. This was the material he had specifically requested to build a home, one that would stand for generations.

Next came the medical supplies and specialized medications, placed carefully in Rose’s hands. She was a doctor who ran her own hospital, and resources had been stretched dangerously thin. Cases of illness were rising, and she had reached out to me in desperation. I had secured a supply of advanced vaccines and treatments from trusted partners in India, and seeing the relief flood her face made every effort worthwhile.

“Miss Stella,” she said, her voice thick with gratitude, “you are truly a gift from above.”

I simply smiled. “It is nothing more than what should be done.”

I gestured toward the sleek, sturdy vehicle parked nearby. “And that is for you as well. To make your work easier while you are here.”

They both looked astonished. “Miss Stella, we cannot possibly—”

“Please,” I said, waving away their protest. “Consider it part of the support. It will serve you well.”

After they departed, I instructed my drivers to escort the trucks safely to their destination. I sank back onto the sofa, finally allowing myself to breathe, when Amira approached and handed me her phone.

“Your father is calling,” she said quietly.

My heart gave a strange, uneasy lurch. I took the device and answered immediately. “Hi, Dad. How are you?”

“I am well,” he said, his voice clear and direct. “Are you preparing to come home? I have something important to discuss with you. Can you book a flight today? I would like you back tomorrow.”

Silence stretched between us. I did not know how to reply. I was not ready to return. Was that all? Would he not grant me even a little more time to myself? I let out a slow breath, frustration bubbling up inside me, and suppressed a sigh.

“Very well, Dad,” I said. “I will do it.”

“Good. We will speak tomorrow then.” The line went dead.

I stared at the screen. There was no choice, really. I could not refuse him—not openly. He would find a way to bring me back regardless. I gathered my things, packed my luggage, located my passport, and confirmed my ticket. There was no turning back now.

I woke early the next morning to the sharp sound of my alarm. Five-thirty. I rose quietly, showered, dressed, and slipped out of the villa before anyone else was awake. I kept my head down, my features partially concealed, disguised enough that no one would recognize the Badass Queen slipping away. I loaded my luggage into the car, started the engine, and drove toward the airport.

On the plane, I leaned against the window and closed my eyes. I had not slept well—my mind was too full of questions. What could Dad possibly want to say that was so urgent? If only I could teleport, I would know already. I sighed and settled in for the flight.

When we landed at NAIA, my seatmate gently woke me. I thanked him and made my way down the stairs, and there she was—Clement, waving enthusiastically, holding up a handwritten sign that read WELCOME OUR BADASS QUEEN.

I smirked, shaking my head, but walked straight into her open arms. I held her tight. “I missed you so much,” I whispered.

“I missed you too,” she replied, squeezing me back. It had been a whole year since we had seen each other—since graduation day, in fact. She was still my closest friend, steady and true.

We went to a nearby restaurant and settled into a booth. “How are you?” I asked, watching her face. “How is everything?”

She took a sip of water before answering. “I am managing. Work is hard—some days I want to give up completely—but I keep going. I need to help my family. I cannot afford to quit.”

“You are strong,” I told her. “And you are right. We do not give up.” I studied her—how much she had grown, how confident she seemed now. I was so proud of her. “So… are you seeing anyone?”

Her expression softened, and she smiled shyly. “Actually… I am engaged.”

My eyes went wide. “What? Really? Oh my goodness—congratulations!”

“Thank you,” she beamed. “And you? Any special someone?”

I fell quiet for a moment, then shook my head. “You know me. I have standards, and I do not rush into things. And honestly… I do not imagine myself sharing my life with anyone. Dad would not approve anyway.” I paused, then admitted, “The truth is… I am straight, but I have no interest in relationships. I do not want to be tied down.”

She nodded understandingly. “I understand. Come on—let’s get you home. Your parents are waiting.”

We pulled up to the gates of the Corporal estate. The guards hurried to assist with my luggage. Clement hugged me goodbye and left, and I stepped inside the grand entrance. Mom and Dad were already in the dining room. My brothers were there too—Elton and Erin. They glanced up, but neither of them offered a greeting. It stung, though I told myself I should be used to it by now. We were not born into this family together; we were brought into it, and that distance had never quite closed.

Dinner was served, but I only drank water—I had eaten with Clement earlier. Elton broke the silence first.

“How was the Maldives?” he asked, his tone casual but with an edge I could not quite place. “Did you enjoy your vacation?”

Vacation? I almost laughed out loud. I was there for four days, working from dawn until dusk. It was not a holiday. But I bit back the words. Even if we were not bound by blood, I owed him respect in this house.

“Not really,” I said simply.

He nodded and went back to his coffee. That was all he seemed to care about.

Dad cleared his throat, and the room went still. He looked straight at me, and a shiver ran down my spine.

“Stella,” he said gravely. “It is time you got married.”

I nearly choked on my water. “Dad… are you joking?”

He shook his head. “I am not.”

“I am too young,” I protested. “I am not ready.”

“You are twenty-six,” Mom said gently but firmly. “You are not a child anymore.”