My father moved towards me, his expression a mixture of anger and concern. He gently took my arm, examining the bruise that was already forming on my ribs. “Are you okay?” he asked softly, his voice filled with a tenderness I hadn’t heard in years.

“I will be,” I replied, my voice stronger than I felt. The adrenaline was still coursing through me, but I knew I had to stay composed. This was my moment, a turning point I had envisioned but never dared to believe could materialize.

Ethan was now being led away, his protests drowned out by the murmurs of the crowd. Vanessa stood frozen, unsure whether to follow him or stay behind. Her indecision sealed her fate, and she quietly slipped out a side door, leaving behind a roomful of witnesses to her downfall.

As the police and legal team moved to address the gathered executives, my father turned back to me. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I should have been there for you.”

“It’s okay,” I replied, tears finally escaping as the enormity of what had just happened settled over me. “You’re here now.”

The room, once filled with celebration, was now a tableau of shock and whispered conversations. The executives, some of whom had been Ethan’s staunchest supporters, were already pivoting, aligning themselves with the new reality. The company Ethan and I had built together would go on, but without the toxic influence that had threatened to tear it apart.

As I stood there, surrounded by familiar faces that had become strangers, I realized that this was more than just a personal victory. It was a reclamation of my life, my dignity, and my future. With my father by my side, and the support of those who truly mattered, I knew I could rebuild, stronger and more resilient than before.

The night was far from over, but as I looked around, I understood that I was not alone. I had allies, and most importantly, I had the strength to face whatever came next. As I took a deep breath, feeling the life growing inside me, I knew I was ready to start anew.