“Yes, we did. And while you focused on your empire, I ensured the shares were in my name. For our family, I thought. For our future. But I see now, it was for moments like this.”

Chloe’s eyes darted nervously between us, her facade of confidence crumbling. “Mark, you said she was just the wife!”

“Leave us, Chloe,” I said sharply, my voice echoing through the vast lobby. “This is a conversation between business partners.”

Chloe hesitated, then scurried away, her heels clicking on the floor.

“Anna, please,” Mark pleaded, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice. “We can talk about this. We’re a team.”

“A team?” I echoed, letting out a hollow laugh. “You were the one who threw that away the moment you decided I was beneath you.”

Mark took a step forward, his tone shifting to one of false sincerity. “I was wrong. I see that now. We can fix this.”

I shook my head, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over me. “There’s nothing to fix, Mark. You made your choice. Now it’s time for me to make mine.”

Mark glanced around, noticing that everyone in the lobby was watching, their whispers buzzing like flies. His facade of authority was slipping, and panic edged into his features. “Anna, you can’t do this!”

I leaned forward, my voice dropping to a whisper meant only for him. “Watch me.”

I gestured to the CFO, who handed me a file. “Here’s a generous severance package,” I said. “More than fair, considering the circumstances. I suggest you take it.”

He snatched the file, his hand trembling. “You’ll regret this, Anna. You can’t run this company.”

“I can and I will. Because unlike you, I remember what it means to care for something beyond myself.”

Mark’s bravado evaporated, leaving a broken man where a powerful CEO once stood. He turned and left, the murmur of the crowd swelling as the doors closed behind him.

I took a deep breath, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders. It was time for a new chapter, one where I would not just survive, but thrive.

As I looked around at the faces of the employees who had gathered, I saw respect, solidarity, and hope. It was time to lead Vance Global into a brighter future, not just for me, but for my twins, whose lives had just begun.

The story of my transformation was only beginning, and I was ready to embrace whatever came next with open arms.