Mr. Tycoon's Daring Wife

_Zaria's POV_

I walked through the grand hallways of Barrett Corporation, my stilleto heels clicking against the marble floors. The atmosphere in the company smelled of power and prestige from the wealth accumulated over decades. Employees turned to watch me pass, their murmured conversations filled with admiration.

"She's going to be our new CEO."

"The company is in the best hands with her."

"She deserves this more than anyone."

I suppressed a smile, keeping my expression composed and professional.

Today was the day I had waited for my entire life. The day I would finally be recognized for everything I had sacrificed, everything I had built. The board would make it official. I would take over as CEO.

I had been trained for this since childhood.

While others played, I studied business strategies. While others took vacations, I closed deals. While others doubted me, I proved them wrong. I had dedicated years of my life to ensuring Barrett Corporation thrived under my guidance, stepping in when my father grew tired of the work.

Now, it was finally my time.

Father was stepping down, and there was no one more suited to take his place than me.

I reached the massive double doors of the boardroom and took a deep breath before pushing them open.

Inside, the most powerful figures in the company sat in anticipation, board members, top executives, and major shareholders. The tension in the meeting room was heavy, but I felt no nerves. The only feeling I felt deep within was only excitement.

At the head of the long mahogany table sat father. His expression was unreadable as always, but I didn't think much of it. He was a businessman. He knew how to mask emotions. Just the way I always masked mine.

It was thing for every business mogul.

I took my seat after giving a slight bow, smoothing down my blazer, and clasped my hands in my lap as father stood.

The room fell silent the moment he cleared his throat.

This was it.

"Today marks a new era for Barrett Corporation," he said, his deep voice echoing through the boardroom. "For years, we have built this company into a global powerhouse, overcoming challenges and breaking boundaries. Now, it is time for new leadership to take us even further."

I lifted my chin. This is it.

Father continued, his gaze sweeping across the room.

"For years, one person has displayed exceptional dedication and talent," he paused and continued. "Someone who has played an invaluable role in our success, proving their ability time and time again."

I exhaled, steadying myself. All these words for me?

Father was really beginning to warm up to me.

"This person," he went on, "has been a driving force in the company's growth. Their contributions have shaped the future of Barrett Corporation."

I straightened in my chair as I felt my pulse quickening. Tears stung my eyes just hearing his sweet words. He had indeed been noticing all my hardwork.

Father turned toward me, and for a fleeting second, I thought I saw something in his eyes. Something like hesitation? Or was it guilt? But the thought vanished as quickly as it came. What would he be guilty for?

"I am proud to announce," he exhaled, his voice clear and strong, "that the next CEO of Barrett Corporation will be... my son."

Silence.

My breath hitched.

For a moment, I thought I had misheard him.

What?

He couldn't have said his son, right? I must have misheard.

Polite applause filled the room, but the sound was far from me. The sound was muffled, as if I was underwater.

This wasn't right. This wasn't supposed to happen. I shook my head in denial. Father must be mistaken.

My brother? The man who had never worked a day in his life? The man who had no experience, no discipline, no capability to lead a company of this magnitude? What was father talking about?

I turned to father, my voice barely above a whisper. "Father...?"

He didn't meet my eyes.

"You have done well," he said, his tone cold, dismissive. "But the company needs family to lead it."

My blood ran cold.

What was he saying?

I was family.

I clenched my fists beneath the table, trying to maintain my composure, even as my world crumbled around me. "I don't understand," I pressed, forcing my voice to remain steady. "I've dedicated my entire life to this company. I have proven myself more than anyone else here. You promised me-"

He cut me off with a sharp look. "Things change."

Things change? That was all he had to say? Was this a joke to him?

Before I could demand an explanation, he delivered the final blow.

"You were never meant to inherit this company, Zaria." he said.

The words felt like a slap.

My heart pounded. "What do you mean?"

A heavy silence filled the room. Then, finally, he said it:

"You are not a true Barrett. You were adopted."

My heart dropped into my stomach.

I barely registered the gasps around the table. The whispered murmurs. The disbelieving stares.

I had known betrayal before, small betrayals, minor disappointments. But nothing could have prepared me for this.

I had been discarded. Like I was nothing.

My hands trembled as I pushed back my chair, standing on unsteady legs. "You're lying," I said. "This... this is a joke, right?"

But father remained impassive.

"It's the truth," he said. "You were never meant to be the heir."

My half-brother, Lucas, smirked from across the table, lounging in his chair like a king who had just won his throne.

My vision blurred with rage and humiliation. I felt exposed and vulnerable, two things I had never allowed myself to be.

I swallowed hard, blinking rapidly. The pain of every sacrifice I had made, every late night spent working, every dream I had let go of for this company, crushed down on me in an instant.

And now, I had nothing.

No position. No power. No family.

Without thinking, I turned to father and said the words at the tip of my tongue. "You're so wicked! You're even worse than the devil."

"Zaria_"

"Shut the fuck up!" I snapped as Lucas pushed up from his seat in shock.

I laughed hysterically and turned my gaze to father. "Mark my words, I would never forgive you or any of the Barretts."

With that, I turned on my heel and walked out of the boardroom, ignoring the whispers and the pitying glances..

Everything I had built, everything I had lived for was gone.