My name is Alice. After the death of my grandfather, Richard Sterling – a brilliant business magnate and the only person I truly admired – my life suddenly plummeted into an abyss. Unlike many others caught in the Sterling family’s whirlwind of fame and fortune, I never cared for lavish parties or power struggles. Instead, I poured my heart into my own jewellery company, “Lumia Gems.” Inheriting my passion for gemstones from my grandmother, I built Lumia Gems from the ground up into a renowned brand, specialising in unique designs and exquisite craftsmanship, sought after by connoisseurs and jewellery lovers alike. To me, every stone tells a story, and every piece of jewellery is a work of art.
After my grandfather’s passing, my uncle Arthur Sterling, a man with a polite exterior but hidden ambition and cunning, swiftly seized almost all of the assets and control of the conglomerate my grandfather had meticulously built. He disdained my jewellery business, calling it “a woman’s trivial hobby,” and sidelined me, granting me only a meagre family allowance, regardless of how Lumia Gems thrived. I knew well that Arthur had forged my grandfather’s will. I vividly remember afternoons my grandfather sat by the fireplace, sipping hot tea and whispering to me, “Alice, you are the future of Sterling Enterprises. You have vision, you have heart. Those are what it takes to lead an empire.” His voice was warm, full of confidence. I also remember him pulling me into his study, showing me books on economics and management. He never rigidly taught me, but always sparked my curiosity and encouraged me to explore on my own. He always spoke of a future where I would carry the family’s legacy.
But now, all those promises seemed to vanish into thin air. Arthur had orchestrated everything so perfectly that I couldn’t find a single loophole. I felt helpless, as if trapped in the web of power Arthur had spun. Yet deep within, a flame never extinguished – the flame of resilience and belief in the truth. I knew I had to do something, not just for myself, but for my grandfather, for the legacy he left behind.
The day arrived. Arthur hosted the most extravagant and opulent party the city had ever seen to celebrate his official dominion over Sterling Enterprises. It wasn’t a discreet board meeting, but a public, ostentatious event, attended by hundreds of reporters, business partners, and influential figures in the financial world. His purpose was nothing less than to flaunt his power and solidify his position before everyone.
The hall was sumptuously decorated with shimmering crystal chandeliers casting brilliant light onto the luxurious, gleaming marble floors. Mellow orchestral music echoed through the main hall, interspersed with laughter and the clinking of glasses. It was a perfect display of success and power. I also received an invitation, sent with a provocative air, as if I were merely an important guest expected to witness his triumph. I attended, dressed more simply than the glittering evening gowns around me, trying to blend into the crowd without drawing attention. My grandmother was also present, sitting in the front row, her eyes quietly observing everything. I seemed to sense her helplessness and reluctance.
Throughout the beginning of the party, I was met with scrutinising glances and whispers behind my back. Most people knew I was Richard Sterling’s granddaughter—the one he doted on and highly praised in the business world—but now, I was just a fading shadow, an old story in a new world dominated by Arthur. I stood alone in a corner, watching the proceedings, listening to the false praises people showered on Arthur. He stood at the centre, a complacent look on his face, constantly receiving congratulations and shaking hands. Halfway through the party, Arthur moved towards the podium, and the music lowered. He flashed a triumphant smile, took the microphone, and began his speech. He spoke of his vision for Sterling Enterprises, of promising new projects, and how he would elevate the conglomerate to new heights. All were empty, flowery, yet hollow words.
Suddenly, he glanced my way, a sneer appearing on his lips. “And of course,” Arthur said, his tone laden with innuendo and arrogance, “we must also acknowledge the efforts of other family members. While not everyone possesses the macro vision to run a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, at least they can find joy in personal hobbies, such as… well, crafting pretty little pieces of jewellery, for example.” He paused for a moment, his mocking gaze fixed directly on me, as if to ensure I heard him. A few snickers emanated from his close associates. He didn’t just insult me; he deliberately devalued the work to which I had dedicated my heart and soul. I felt my chest burn, a surge of anger rising. My hand tightened around my glass as if to shatter it. He didn’t know that his arrogance and provocations had pushed him to the brink.
After finishing his speech, Arthur approached me, still holding a glittering diamond necklace from the family’s private collection. He deliberately held the necklace high, allowing the lights to strike it, making the diamonds sparkle as if to jab at my eyes. “Alice, are you still keeping up that ‘jewellery-making’ hobby of yours?” Arthur said, his tone full of sarcasm, intentionally loud enough for those around us to hear. A few people turned to look, their eyes curious. He didn’t miss the opportunity. “Look, this is the true class of gemstones, not those ‘crafts’ you sell in your little shop.” He smirked, a look of contempt and self-satisfaction. I took a deep breath. Instead of letting anger erupt, I let it settle, transforming into a cold current that ran down my spine, carrying sharpness and determination. I looked straight into Arthur’s eyes, my gaze unwavering, even glowing with something he couldn’t comprehend.
“Uncle Arthur,” I replied, my voice not loud, but clear and firm, resonating in the noisy air of the party, enough to draw everyone’s attention. “Yes, I still enjoy it. Because to me, every stone has a story, and true value isn’t in its size or external sparkle. It lies in its authenticity, its transparency… and the secrets it holds.” I paused for a moment, letting my last words sink into the air. My gaze never left his. “And I believe, not everyone can understand that value… until those secrets are exposed.”
Arthur frowned, clearly a little surprised by my response. He still tried to appear composed. “Ah, yes. The ‘secrets’ of my dear little niece,” he scoffed, derisively. “I bet those ‘secrets’ are also… as pretty and fragile as the very stones you’re always polishing.” I did not flinch. A sneer appeared on my lips, a smile utterly devoid of amusement, but full of hidden meaning. “You might think them small, Arthur,” I said, my tone lowering, but growing colder and sharper. “But sometimes, the smallest things have the power to bring down an entire empire built on lies.” Arthur flinched. The smile on his lips stiffened. He looked at me suspiciously, yet still tried to maintain his composure. He was about to say something else when, at that very moment, a calm yet powerful voice rang out, cutting through the tense silence between us. “Arthur,” it was my grandmother’s voice; she seemed to have witnessed our entire exchange. She slowly rose from the front row, her sharp gaze sweeping over Arthur, then settling on me, full of encouragement. “Enough. We are here to honour Richard’s legacy, not to stage cheap theatrics.”
Arthur turned to my grandmother, his face clearly showing annoyance, but he didn’t dare to argue. He knew her authority well. “Yes, Mother,” he replied, grudgingly. My grandmother simply gave him a long, disappointed look before turning away and returning to her seat. Arthur avoided my gaze, trying to hide his discomfort. He turned away, resuming his congratulatory conversations, but his eyes briefly flickered with annoyance and a guilty conscience, as if something was amiss. But I knew the moment had come. This was the time. I told myself, coldly and definitively. Arthur had handed me his own weapon.
Over the years, ever since Arthur usurped my grandfather’s legacy, I had been secretly searching and determined to reclaim my grandfather’s life’s work. Every night, after closing Lumia Gems, I would go to my grandfather’s old study at the Sterling estate on the outskirts of the city—a place Arthur seemed to have forgotten, or considered harmless, and I still had the key to enter. Although he controlled most areas, this study retained its privacy, like a hidden corner safe from his greed. I meticulously searched every nook and cranny, rereading every handwritten note, every old letter, every one of his notebooks, hoping to find a clue, no matter how small. Many nights, I slumped over the desk, tired and disheartened, feeling hopeless. At times, I wondered if I was chasing a phantom. But the image of my grandfather appeared in my mind, his gentle smile and trusting eyes, giving me strength again. I remembered my grandfather was meticulous about every detail; he never left things to chance. There must be something hidden that needs to be uncovered.
Then, one rainy afternoon, as I was tidying up some old books, I found it – an old, worn leather-bound diary, tucked deep at the bottom of an oak chest I had never thought to check. The diary looked unremarkable, just mundane notes about my grandfather’s work and daily life. I had skimmed through it a few times before and found nothing unusual.
However, this time, as I was flipping through the last pages, I suddenly noticed a small indentation on the diary’s cover, like a very subtle keyhole. It was so tiny, so hidden, that if I hadn’t felt it with my fingertips, I would never have discovered it. A strange sensation ran down my spine. I recalled my grandfather’s words: “Sometimes, the biggest secrets are hidden in the most familiar objects.”
I placed the diary on the table, my mind racing. My gaze suddenly fell upon the heirloom diamond necklace I had always worn since my grandfather gave it to me for my 18th birthday. He said it was “a special family memento” and told me to “always keep it with me.” I had always cherished that necklace, but never thought it contained a secret. Now, as I was admiring it, the largest diamond on the pendant, the main stone, suddenly seemed a little loose. I gently pressed it with my finger, and to my surprise, the diamond popped out, revealing a tiny key I had never known existed. It fit perfectly, uncannily, into the small groove on the diary cover.
My heart pounded. Trembling, I inserted the key into the groove on the diary cover. A small “click” echoed. The last page of the diary slowly slid open, revealing another hidden page inside. That page was blank, but I immediately recognised the type of ink my grandfather used for his most secret writings – the kind that appears under UV light. I hastily turned on my UV lamp – a tool I often used to check the purity of gemstones at Lumia Gems. And then, the miracle happened. Under the faint purple light, my grandfather’s handwritten words slowly emerged, clear and coherent. It wasn’t just a will; it was his true will, a detailed will, clear down to every asset, every share, and especially his intention to hand over full control of the company to me, Alice. But that wasn’t all. Below the will, there were additional lines, written more hastily, as if my grandfather had recorded them in the final moments of his life. These lines were not related to assets, but were a terrifying warning and accusation against Arthur:
“Alice, you must be careful. Arthur is not my flesh and blood. Your grandmother and I only had one son, your father, John Sterling. But after Arthur’s father, he didn’t just manipulate finances. I suspect he was involved in your father’s death. John discovered he was manipulating data for the ‘Phoenix’ project and tried to expose Arthur. But then, John died in a mysterious ‘accident.’ I tried to find evidence, but Arthur is too cunning and devious. He wants to eliminate everyone in his way. I’m afraid… afraid he might harm our family to monopolise Sterling. Alice, you must find the truth. He is destroying Sterling from within. You must protect my legacy from him.” Tears welled up in my eyes. Not tears of weakness, but tears of relief as my long-held suspicions were confirmed, and also of intense, terrible anger towards Arthur. He had not only deceived everyone, but he might also be a murderer, the one behind brutal acts that destroyed both the company and human lives. This truth was more horrifying than anything I had ever imagined.
I immediately contacted Mr. Davies, my grandfather’s former private lawyer. Mr. Davies was an upright, loyal, and trustworthy man. He had been my grandfather’s close friend and right-hand man for decades. He had suspected the “Phoenix” case and my father’s death, but had no proof. When I met Mr. Davies, he couldn’t hide his astonishment and shock as I presented everything. “Good heavens… Richard suspected Arthur for a long time,” he whispered, his face pale. “I also had a hunch, but couldn’t find any proof. This… this is the crucial clue!” His expression shifted from surprise to steely determination. “We must find more evidence to incriminate him, Alice. For John Sterling, and perhaps for Richard too.”
To ensure everything went smoothly and safely, I needed a reliable technical assistant and someone who could help me delve deeper into John Miller’s case. I remembered Daniel Hayes, an independent IT expert I had hired to build the Lumia Gems website. Daniel was a quiet, intelligent man with extraordinary talent in technology, especially in data forensics and security. I called Daniel and arranged a private meeting. Initially, he was quite surprised that I contacted him for such a major matter. I briefly explained the gravity of the situation, showing him scanned copies of my grandfather’s notes. “This is about truth and justice, Daniel. And it could be very dangerous,” I said, emphasising the need for secrecy. He listened intently, his eyes gleaming with curiosity and a deep sense of empathy. “I believe you, Alice,” he said, asking no further questions. “I’ll help you find what you need. We’ll start with the John Sterling case.”
Daniel worked tirelessly. He began tracing old emails, phone calls, and server data related to the “Phoenix” project and John Miller’s accident. He uncovered vulnerabilities in Sterling’s security system, traces of subtly deleted data that only an expert could find. And then, he found an encrypted audio recording, hidden deep within a forgotten backup drive of Sterling Enterprises. It was a phone call, with no clear voices, but through frequency analysis and background noise, Daniel discovered it was made from Arthur’s office, and the conversation contained ominous content related to “cleaning up” an “obstacle” and “manipulating results.”
In parallel, Daniel and I also met Sarah Chen, my father’s loyal former private secretary, who had abruptly resigned after Miller’s death and disappeared from the industry. Sarah had been extremely trusted by my father and seemed very scared after the accident. We found her working at a small bakery in the suburbs. At first, Sarah was terrified, refusing any conversation. But when I showed her my grandfather’s notes and told her what Daniel had found, tears welled up in her eyes. “Mr. John suspected Arthur,” Sarah whispered, her voice trembling. “He had gathered some evidence and intended to make it public. But… I didn’t dare to believe it. And then the accident happened… Arthur threatened me, saying that if I breathed a word, my family would be in danger.”
Sarah finally agreed to testify. She provided us with a copy of her father’s original “Phoenix” project, along with emails exchanged between him and Arthur, showing that Arthur had consistently tried to sabotage the project, and a small notebook containing notes about Arthur’s secret meetings with shady characters. Most importantly, she confirmed that Arthur was the last person with my father before he drove home and had the accident. She also overheard a secret conversation between Arthur and a strange man about “medication” and “covering tracks,” just days before my grandfather’s death. This matched my grandfather’s suspicions about his death. The most shocking twist was slowly revealed.
Mr. Davies helped me secretly arrange a meeting with the former board members and the largest shareholders—those who remained loyal to my grandfather and were unhappy with Arthur’s leadership. The meeting took place on the morning right before Arthur’s grand ceremony, at a secret location. I presented all the evidence, my voice trembling but full of determination. I recounted the story of the diary, the hidden key, the true will, and especially my grandfather’s final words, along with the evidence Daniel and Sarah had collected. Those present were utterly astonished, but also filled with outrage and hope. They were already tired of Arthur’s tyranny and poor decisions; now they knew he was a ruthless killer.
Daniel worked tirelessly in the days leading up to the ceremony. He set up an independent projection system, ensuring that no one, not even those in Sterling’s IT department controlled by Arthur, could interfere. He created a visual interface to display the evidence, from scanned wills and document images to audio recordings and video clips from Sarah’s testimony. Daniel also installed an emergency backup system, just in case. “Just give me the signal, and everything will run automatically,” he reassured me. Daniel’s professionalism and composure gave me a strange sense of security. I knew I wasn’t alone in this fight.
That night, at the lavish ceremony, as Arthur was rambling on the podium, boasting about his grand vision and “life-changing” projects, I took a deep breath. My heart pounded erratically, but my resolve was unshakable. This was the moment of truth. I stepped onto the stage, amidst the dazzling lights and curious gazes. I said nothing. I raised the diamond necklace, drawing all eyes. Arthur turned to look at me with a bewildered expression, which then shifted to disdain. “Want to show off a petty piece of jewellery, Alice?” he sneered, his mocking tone echoing through the microphone. “What an unnecessary interruption.”
I didn’t answer. Instead, I gently detached the largest diamond, revealing the tiny key. I brought it towards the old diary, the very diary Arthur had placed prominently on his podium, treating it as a harmless memento of his deceased brother. The stage lights shone on it, and as the key fit into the groove on the diary cover, a tiny yet distinct “click” resonated.
I held up the UV lamp I had prepared, turned it on, and shone it onto the hidden page.
Under the UV light, my grandfather’s handwritten words slowly appeared, crystal clear, on the large screen behind Arthur. The image was magnified, every stroke, every punctuation mark, perfectly visible. Everyone in the ballroom held their breath, eyes glued to the screen, not daring to miss a single detail.
Arthur Sterling, who had been standing at the pinnacle of self-satisfaction, suddenly turned to stone. He stared at the emerging words, his face rapidly changing colour: from confusion to surprise, then pale, then ashen, and finally, utter panic. He tried to back away, his hands trembling as if to cover the screen, but it was all too late. My grandfather’s true will, written in his hand, clear to every word, was appearing before hundreds of people. Not just the will, but also my grandfather’s detailed notes on the corporation’s finances, warnings about Arthur’s lack of transparency, and even projects Arthur was claiming as his own that my grandfather had conceived years ago. This further exposed Arthur’s deception.
And then, before anyone could fully comprehend, the most crucial evidence and proof that Daniel and I had collected over time appeared, larger, clearer, shining directly into Arthur’s eyes, revealing that he was the mastermind behind the deliberate sabotage of the Phoenix project and the murder of my father and grandfather. He was a killer. The entire hall fell silent for a moment, then a horrified uproar erupted. Whispers turned into gasps of astonishment, outrage, mixed with small cries. “Murderer?” “Arthur… no way!” “He wrote this himself!” The murmurs spread like wildfire, turning into a wave of anger.
Just then, Daniel Hayes, from the light and sound control booth, pressed a button. The audio recording played over the speakers, clear and chilling. It was Arthur’s voice, speaking on a secret phone call: “…That medicine will slowly deplete him, leaving no trace. Just a few weeks, and then everything will be mine… The John Sterling case, I’ve handled it well, no one will suspect anything…” This recording had been recovered and cross-referenced by Daniel with other evidence. Horror spread throughout the hall. All eyes turned to Arthur, no longer with suspicion, but with utter disgust and intense outrage. At the same time, Sarah Chen, John Sterling’s former secretary, emerged from the wings, her face pale but her eyes filled with determination. She walked towards Arthur, her hands trembling as she held up a small notebook. “He… he threatened me!” she shrieked, her voice shaky but clear. “He forced me to keep silent about what John Sterling discovered! Arthur was the one who orchestrated John’s accident, and… and I heard him talking about harming Mr. Richard!” The direct confession of the living witness was even more shocking than the audio recording.
At the same time, from the front row, my grandmother, a woman who always maintained her composure and discretion, slowly stood up. Her gaze was directed straight at Arthur, resolute and authoritative. Her voice, though aged, resonated clearly, full of weight, through the microphone that Mr. Davies had quickly handed to her: “Arthur,” my grandmother began, each word slow but echoing throughout the hall. “You have gone too far. Richard trusted me, and he trusted in integrity. This diary, and this necklace,” she pointed to the necklace I was holding, “are the last things Richard left to protect our family, and to pass on control to the deserving.”
My grandmother turned to look at me, her eyes full of love and pride. “Alice, my granddaughter, is not just someone who ‘makes jewellery’ as you said, Arthur. She is the only one in this family Richard trusted with this secret, because she possesses the discernment, patience, and honesty that people like Arthur can never have.” She paused, looking directly at Arthur, each word like a dagger plunging deep into his self-satisfaction. “And now, you have exposed all your lies, right in front of the people you most wanted to impress. You have destroyed not only assets, but also the honour and lives of innocent people. You are not our son, but a murderer.” Her voice broke into a sob, but her eyes remained sharp as a knife.
My grandmother then abruptly turned to face the audience, her voice ringing out with pain but also fierce determination: “And there is another truth… a secret we have buried for decades, to protect the family’s honour. But now, with Richard having lost his life at his hands, with Sterling Enterprises ruined, this secret can no longer be hidden!” She pointed her trembling finger directly at Arthur, who stood frozen on the podium. “Arthur Sterling… he is not Richard’s and my biological son! He was a child Richard adopted after a tragic accident, a child I loved and raised with all my heart as if he were my flesh and blood. But he… he repaid that kindness with betrayal and murder!” The entire ballroom erupted into unprecedented chaos. This information was like a bomb dropped on everyone present. Everyone was in profound shock, unable to believe their ears. The looks of disgust and outrage were now mixed with utter disbelief as they looked at Arthur.
After my grandmother’s words, Mr. Davies stepped onto the stage. His voice boomed throughout the hall through the sound system, each word firm and resolute: “Ladies and gentlemen, as the lawyer for the late Chairman Richard Sterling, and with the full authorization from Ms. Alice Sterling and Mrs. Richard Sterling, I present irrefutable evidence of financial fraud, embezzlement, forgery of a will, deliberate sabotage causing serious damage to Sterling Enterprises, involvement in the death of Mr. John Sterling, and specifically, evidence proving that Mr. Arthur Sterling is the one who murdered the late Chairman Richard Sterling – the man who raised him as his son, and whose trust he so cruelly betrayed.”
Following Mr. Davies’ words was a series of documents projected onto the large screen: bank statements with unusual transactions, shell contracts, and proof that Arthur had diverted the conglomerate’s investment funds into his own shell companies. And even more horrifying were the images, emails, and anonymous audio recordings that Mr. Davies had obtained from my grandfather’s secret safe, proving that Arthur had deliberately sabotaged the “Phoenix” project, orchestrated my father’s accident, and murdered the very person who had taken him in. Each piece of evidence presented was a dagger plunged into Arthur’s reputation and conscience, tearing apart his facade.
The atmosphere in the hall became utterly chaotic. Whispers exploded like a tsunami. Phones rang incessantly as journalists quickly reported the breaking news. Photographers’ flashbulbs popped continuously, shining directly on Arthur’s pale, sweaty face. He staggered, trying to hold onto the podium, his eyes vacant. Many people began to leave their seats, some utterly enraged, others too shocked to believe their eyes. I looked at Arthur, the man who had arrogantly seized everything, now standing frozen on stage, his eyes blank, sweat beading on his forehead, unable to utter a word. His charade was over. Police forces, previously notified by Mr. Davies, arrived. They approached Arthur. He stood there, like a statue, offering no resistance. I looked into his eyes, no longer seeing contempt or self-satisfaction, only emptiness, despair, and profound fear. He had single-handedly destroyed everything. I turned away, feeling a burden lifted, but also an indescribable pain as the horrifying truth about my uncle was exposed.
Journalists surrounded me, Mr. Davies, and Sarah Chen, questions pouring out. I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “All I did was bring the truth to light,” I said, my voice clear and resolute. “My grandfather built Sterling Enterprises with integrity and vision. I will do everything in my power to protect that legacy and restore its core values, as well as bring justice to those Arthur harmed, especially my grandfather.” My grandmother squeezed my hand, a warm and trusting embrace.
My grandmother pulled me a little closer, her eyes looking deep into mine, full of comfort and pride. “My granddaughter,” she whispered, just loud enough for me to feel her boundless love. “You did very well. Richard would be so proud of you. And your father would be too. You embody the best of what our family stands for. Now, you are not just an heir, but a protector of our family’s honour. And most importantly, you have brought justice to Richard, John, the ones Arthur so cruelly betrayed.” Her words felt like a warm current flowing through me, easing all tension and fear. It was the most precious validation I could receive.
News of Arthur Sterling’s shocking scandal and the truth about Richard Sterling’s will, along with the hidden crimes and Arthur’s true identity, quickly spread across newspapers, television channels, and social media. It was an earthquake in the business world, the biggest scandal in Sterling Corporation’s history. Sterling Enterprises, already faltering under Arthur’s leadership, now faced a greater challenge than ever before. But this time, I knew I was not alone.
Days after that fateful ceremony, Arthur Sterling was officially arrested and faced serious criminal charges related to financial fraud, forgery of a will, property damage, and especially murder. The investigation by the police and authorities proceeded swiftly, with the irrefutable evidence we had provided. He was no longer a powerful magnate, but merely a fraudster paying for his crimes. As for me, Alice, I was officially cleared and became the legitimate CEO of Sterling Enterprises. It was a long and challenging journey to pull the conglomerate back from the brink of bankruptcy caused by Arthur’s misguided decisions and embezzlement. But with the support of Mr. Davies, the loyal board members, and especially the trust from the shareholders and my grandmother’s strong backing, I embarked on a comprehensive restructuring.
My grandmother became a tremendous source of encouragement. She didn’t directly interfere with daily business operations, but her presence, sincere advice, and unwavering moral support helped me overcome the initial difficulties. She frequently reminded me of the values my grandfather had instilled and the importance of integrity and compassion in business.
I applied the principles I had learned from building Lumia Gems to Sterling Enterprises: transparency, sincerity, and prioritising true value. I focused on restoring trust from partners and clients, cutting unnecessary expenses, and investing in sustainable projects instead of inflated schemes. I fired those who had aided Arthur and brought in new talents, people with the same vision and professional ethics, into key positions. I also actively cooperated with investigative agencies to clarify all of Arthur’s wrongdoings and his accomplices, ensuring justice was served. Gradually, Sterling Enterprises began to revive. The financial figures improved, new projects were implemented effectively, and most importantly, the corporation’s reputation was gradually restored. I not only rescued the company from Arthur’s destruction but also transformed it into a sustainable and socially responsible conglomerate, built on the values my grandfather and father had painstakingly cultivated, not on greed and cunning schemes. I also established a charitable foundation named after my grandfather, dedicated to funding educational and community development projects, fulfilling his last wish, and a legal aid fund for victims of economic fraud.
And Lumia Gems, my jewellery company, flourished more than ever. After the incident, the story of Lumia Gems and my role in exposing Arthur spread widely. Customers came to Lumia Gems not just for beautiful jewellery but for the story behind it – a story of independence, resilience, and a woman’s talent. Lumia Gems became a symbol of independence and talent, a testament that true value doesn’t need to rely on inherited fame or power, but comes from one’s creativity and effort.
Occasionally, I still visit Lumia Gems’ workshop, personally selecting gemstones or sketching new designs. The smell of metal, the scent of precious stones, the gentle tapping of hammers – all these remind me of my initial passion, of where I found myself. My grandmother also often visits me at Lumia Gems, admiring my new pieces with eyes sparkling with joy.
I learned that strength lies not in aggression or deceit, but in patience, wisdom, and the ability to believe in oneself, even when no one else does. Life taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, to win back justice, we must become stronger than we think, and we must believe in the truth that nothing can be hidden forever. I am no longer the “forgotten heir.” I am Alice, who reclaimed her legacy, and I will build a future worthy of both the Sterling name and the value of Lumia Gems, a future my grandfather would surely be proud of. Every glittering gemstone in Lumia Gems, every decision I make at Sterling Enterprises, is a testament to my presence and my worth.