Chapter 4

Leo's voice was cracking.

"Astra Tech just sent over a cease-and-desist letter from their lawyers. They claim we leaked their core trade secrets, causing their stock price to plunge! Not only are they pulling out of the merger, but they are also suing us for $30 million in damages!"

I closed my eyes. The only person who could access those core files on my computer was someone closest to me.

And Astra Tech's main rival was none other than Carter Davis's new startup -- Ethan's childhood best friend.

This was a trap Ethan had set for me.

Using my money to sabotage my project.

What a brilliant play.

I gripped my phone and drove straight to the office.

The atmosphere in the boardroom was suffocating. Every single board member was present.

My father sat at the head of the table, his face pale with rage.

Ethan stood beside him, looking deeply remorseful.

"Olivia, you're here."

He immediately walked up to me, frowning with faux concern.

"This is bad. Astra Tech is taking a very hard line. I've already contacted Carter to see if he can pull some strings to help us out."

He played his part so well. So well that even my father seemed to believe him.

My dad looked at me, disappointment heavy in his eyes.

I ignored Ethan, walked straight to the front of the table, scanned the room, and looked directly at my husband.

"This was my mistake. I take full responsibility, and I resign."

My father slammed his hands on the table and stood up.

"Nonsense! Olivia, is this the time to play the blame game?"

Even Ethan was stunned.

He opened his mouth to say something, but I didn't give him the chance.

"Dad, board members, I caused this massive loss to the company, and I am willing to bear the consequences."

I bowed deeply to the room.

"As of today, I am stepping down from the board and resigning from all my positions at Vance Enterprises."

"I am handing all operations over to Ethan."

I looked up and smiled.

"Thank you all for your support over the years. I wish the company nothing but success."

Ethan stood up, taking a step forward. "Olivia..."

"Ethan," I looked at him, my voice calm. "You win."

After that day, I never went back to the office.

Rumors about my downfall spread like wildfire through high society.

Ethan naturally took over my position, becoming the new face of Vance Enterprises, basked in glory.

Someone snapped a picture of him and Chloe at a gala.

He had his arm wrapped around her waist, gently touching her baby bump. They looked like the perfect power couple.

People in our social circles were gossiping.

"I told you, Olivia was too intimidating. What man could stand that?"

"So what if she's a billionaire heiress? Once her powerful father stepped back, the husband she raised for seven years took everything. She ended up with nothing."

"I heard she's living in a tiny apartment now, crying herself to sleep every day."

I did move back to the small apartment we lived in when we first started out. But I wasn't crying.

I was just waiting for the right moment.

Three months later, on Chloe's birthday, Leo sent me an address.

"Olivia, I found it. Ethan bought Chloe a mansion in the Hamptons. He's throwing her a massive birthday bash there tonight."

I looked at the dark sky outside and smiled.

"The game is over."

The mansion in the Hamptons was lit up like a Christmas tree.

I pushed open the heavy front doors and immediately spotted Ethan in the center of the living room.

He was holding Chloe's hand, helping her cut a massive birthday cake. His friend, Carter, was standing right next to them.

The moment I walked in, the room went dead silent.

The smile on Ethan's face froze. Chloe instinctively hid behind him.

Ethan frowned, his voice dripping with annoyance.

"What are you doing here?"

I smiled, taking a step toward them.

"How could I miss my 'cousin's' birthday?"

"And I didn't come alone. Look who else is here."