While Vincent Blackwood's dominance over the financial world was visible, undeniable, and widely discussed, Anastasia Vasiliev remained an enigma. She was the only person in existence who could rival him, yet the world didn't understand just how much power she truly held.
To outsiders, she was the heir of the Vasiliev empire—the most powerful and wealthiest family in the world. A young woman born into untouchable privilege, admired for her intelligence and beauty, yet seemingly uninterested in the throne that was hers by birthright. They believed she lived a life of comfort, sheltered by the limitless wealth and power of her parents.
They couldn't have been more wrong.
Anastasia's reign was silent but absolute. She did not need to sit on the throne to rule—she already had control over everything that mattered.
She was the true mind behind the Vasiliev empire.
Though her father, Lucian, was still seen as the world's wealthiest and most influential businessman, those within the inner circles of power whispered the truth. Every major decision, every calculated move that strengthened the Vasiliev empire, had her fingerprints all over it. The reason the family had grown even stronger in the last few years was not Lucian—it was her.
And she had done it all while keeping herself hidden from the world's prying eyes.
Unlike Vincent, who had seized control of his empire through ruthless strategy and open defiance, Anastasia had never needed to stage a takeover. Lucian, despite his power, had long known that his daughter was beyond anything the world had ever seen. He never stood in her way. He never had to. The empire was already hers, whether the world recognized it or not.
Unlike Vincent, whose rise had created waves of speculation, rumors, and fear, Anastasia's power remained unseen.
She preferred it that way.
She had no desire for the world to fear her. Not yet.
They would, in time.
The only one who knew the full extent of her power—who truly understood what she was capable of—was Vincent.
Vincent, who had spent years solidifying his reign, never once trying to surpass her.
Vincent, who knew he could never win against her, and never wanted to.
Vincent, who would let the world believe they were enemies, rivals, or distant friends—anything but what they truly were.
The world saw Vincent as the king. The one who had risen from the shadows of his family to claim his empire with force and brilliance. They believed he was the ultimate ruler, the most powerful young force in the business world.
But Vincent knew better.
He was a king, yes.
But she was the one who owned the board.
The world would not realize it for years to come, but in truth, Vincent was not the most dangerous force in existence.
Anastasia was.
And she was the only one he would ever submit to.