Weeks later, the world had changed its tune.

The same papers that once dragged her through the mud now called her a symbol of resilience.

“Astrid Thompson Triumphs Over Corruption.”

“From Scandal to Power: The Woman Who Brought Down Brandon.”

But behind every headline, behind the glamour and admiration, Astrid felt something hollow.

Victory didn’t feel like joy. It felt like release. So sharp yet fragile, and strangely quiet.

She spent days reviewing the assets she’d inherited. Among them, one name stood out: The Elysian Hotel - the most prestigious five-star retreat in the country.

A place where the elite gathered, where power whispered over champagne, and where deals worth...