The She-Boss Stuns The Billionaires novel Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Next day, Briar sprawled on a bench at Limond City Airport, a lollipop tucked in her cheek, eyes glued to her phone as she smashed through a

game.

In a worn T–shirt, ripped jeans, and a messy ponytail, she looked like any other college kid.

Without her usual camo gear, her sharp, stunning features popped, catching curious stares from folks passing by.

“Briar?” A middle–aged guy in a slick suit stormed over, face twisted like he’d bitten a lemon.

“I told you to stay overseas. What’re you doing back? Trying to mess things up again?“he said.

“Cool it, Dad, alright?” Briar didn’t even glance up, her voice flat and frosty. “I’m in the middle of a level.”

“You little-!”

Martin Shepherd’s eyes burned holes in her. “Look at you! A total mess! I sent you abroad for school, and you just blew it all, didn’t you?”

“Victory!” The game’s triumphant chime rang out.

Briar lazily shoved her phone in her pocket, acting like Martin’s rant was just white noise.

“Got some stuff to deal with. I’m crashing at the house for a few days,” she said, dragging her words.

“You know Imani’s deal-” Martin started.

“I said I’m staying home for a bit. You hard of hearing or what?”

Briar smirked, snatching her suitcase and strutting toward the exit. “Dad, I don’t care about Imani’s drama. Just pretend I’m invisible.”

She wasn’t here for some sappy family reunion. All she needed was a legit reason to stick around Limond City. That was it.

Martin’s voice shot up.“Because of you, Imani’s been seeing a shrink for years! She’s finally stable, and you can’t crash at the house!”

Briar stopped cold, spinning around with a sly grin. “I’m being nice calling you ‘Dad.‘ Keep yapping, and I’ll make Imani regret crossing me. Got it?”

Martin’s lips twitched, memories of Briar’s past shutting him up quick.

She didn’t care. She kept walking.

As a kid, she’d been snatched by traffickers. She’d fought as a child soldier in war zones, thrown punches in shady cage matches.

At ten, a trainer spotted her in the ring and took her to District 21, a brutal mercenary training camp, where she rose to top dog as head instructor.

Four years ago, at fourteen, she dug up the truth about her family. Hungry for connection, she’d come back, full of dumb hope.

Big mistake.

A year after she was taken, her parents found another girl–same age, similar vibe–and raised her as their own. Years of love trumped blood.

This family didn’t need her. Her parents didn’t want her.

And Imani? Four years back, Briar had tested her. She couldn’t even take one good kick from her.

A shiny black BMW rolled to a stop in Limond City’s upscale neighborhood.

Briar hopped out, grabbed her suitcase from the trunk, and headed toward the creamy–white villa like she’d never left.

Martin trailed behind, trying to keep his cool, his voice all fake–calm. “Briar, when you see Imani, don’t rattle her, alright?

“That fight you had way back left her shook. She’s been down bad, even tried checking out a few times.”

“Yo, hold up.” Briar threw him a sly side–eye, lips twitching into a smirk. “Don’t put that on me. Tell her to chill. It’s not rocket science.

‘Imani, depressed? Suicidal? Yeah, right, she thought. ‘More like she’s clinging to her fake Shepherd family princess vibe.‘

1/3

1:10 PM

Chapter 2

To Briar, the Shephred’s money was peanuts compared to her training camp paycheck. She didn’t want Imani’s wannabe crown.

“You-” Martin started, but Briar cut him off.

“What?” she snapped, her grin icy. “I hit her, she takes it. She kicks up a fuss, I’ll make sure all of Limond City knows she’s a fraud.

“Grandpa’s will named me the Shepherd heir. Imani’s nothing.”

Just then, a girl in a flowy white dress, long hair swaying, hurried down the stairs. “Dad, you’re back early—”

She froze, spotting Briar sprawled on the couch. Her eyes went wide. “Briar?!”

Her voice shook with fear and a flicker of hate. Her hands trembled as she stared.

Four years ago, Briar showed up with a short, boyish cut, but stunning, with eyes that could pierce steel.

Now? Even prettier–and those eyes were straight–up terrifying.

Iamni glanced at Martin, tears brimming.

“Uh…” Martin fumbled. “Imani, Briar’s just here for a couple days. She’ll be gone soon, no biggie.”

Briar leaned back, smirking. “Damn, sis, that new tooth looks good. Almost too real.”

Imani flinched, ducking her head to hide the rage in her eyes.

She could still see Briar’s fake smile, calling her “sis” before kicking her down the stairs, grabbing her hair, and slamming her head into the floor.

Closest she’d ever come to death.

“Briar!” Martin growled, about to lose it.

Briar shrugged, unfazed. “Alright, I’m done. I’m crashing in my old room upstairs. Make sure it’s cleaned up before I get there.”

“You leaving?” Martin’s brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing.

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