The Winter Knows No Frost

Richard stepped in, frowning. "Eira, is this truly your wish?"

"Yes," I confirmed. "I want neither of them."

The two men's faces tightened. Neal glared, as if questioning my audacity. It stirred a familiar pang and ignited my suspicion.

"And your safety?" Richard asked, his concern a hollow pretense.

"I wish to join the company," I replied. "The professional security team there will ensure my protection."

...

Richard hesitated, then agreed.

In my past life, I poured my heart into Neal, blind to the workings of our family's enterprise, which left me isolated and vulnerable. This time, I would seize control of my destiny, starting with mastering the company's operations.

Richard placed me in the marketing department, starting at the lowest rung.

He likely assumed I'd falter quickly, but I immersed myself in the work. During the day, I learned from seasoned colleagues; at night, I devoured professional texts.

My efforts bore fruit, and soon I was making significant strides.

Colleagues who once overlooked me began to regard me with respect. My reputation grew, eclipsing even Olive, whom Richard had long groomed as his successor.

Her position threatened, Olive played dirty. She tampered with my files and misrepresented my proposals in meetings.

But I was no longer the pliable sister she knew. I backed up my files to counter her schemes and refuted her distortions with clear, data-driven arguments, leaving her speechless.

One evening, she cornered me at home. "You're making quite a name for yourself at the company, sister. Father says you're progressing swiftly."

Her smile was cloyingly sweet, but her eyes gleamed with calculation. "Marketing is grueling, though, and with your frail health, perhaps I could ask Dad to move you to a less demanding department?"

I brushed past her, my voice flat. "No need."

She hurried after me, her tone overly warm. "I'm not trying to discourage you, but your little successes are just luck. A failure would shame our family. With your physical condition, finding a suitable match might prove difficult."

She glanced pointedly at the Ramos brothers nearby.

"You're just scared I'm stealing your spotlight, aren't you?" I snorted.

Her smile froze as her schemes were exposed. Her voice rose, her eyes welling. "How could you say that? I'm just looking out for you."

I stepped closer, my voice icy. "Looking out for me? Have you forgotten why I have this condition? I risked my life saving you from that runaway horse, and you pushed me. That was why I fell and injured my leg."

Her tears hit the floor, her face crumbling. "I-I didn't mean it like that."

The Ramos brothers quickly stepped in front of her. "That's too much, Miss Eira Winters!"

Neal glared at me. "Apologize!"

I slapped him hard, not indulging his defiance.