Chapter 5

"Chloe, about the Starlight pitch..."

I interrupted the board member directly.

"It was my mistake that caused us to lose the investment."

Ethan snapped his head up to look at me.

"I am deeply sorry for causing such severe consequences. Therefore, starting today, the Starlight Initiative is entirely Ethan's. I am resigning from the company and stepping down from the board."

My words caught everyone off guard.

The shareholders looked at each other, stuttering, "Well... it doesn't have to go that far..."

I just smiled.

"I take full responsibility. I failed to get the funding, and I accept the consequences."

Ethan shot up from his chair, calling out instinctively, "Chloe..."

I barely glanced at him.

"Ethan, I am tired. I am done playing your games."

The news of my departure spread like wildfire through the industry.

After that day, Naomi was promoted to a shareholder and took over the Starlight Initiative, basking in glory.

My bio on the company website was taken down and replaced by her photo and resume.

The comment section was filled with flattery and congratulations, as if I had never existed.

Ethan and Naomi attended various industry galas and forums together. Someone posted their photo in our Snapchat group chat with the caption: "High school sweethearts, meeting at the peak of success."

It got dozens of likes.

As for me, many in the industry started kicking me while I was down.

"Ethan was just too nice, spoiling her for so many years. Now that he has stopped, she has gone into hiding!"

"Pfft, everyone knows the Starlight Initiative was Chloe's masterpiece. Now Ethan put Naomi's name on it."

Through it all, I never showed my face.

Until the day of the Starlight launch event.

I took a cab to the venue, found a staff uniform backstage, and changed into it.

Once I was sure I wouldn't be recognized, I slipped into the main hall.

At that moment, Naomi was on stage as the lead project manager, giving her speech.

She was dressed in a high-end white designer suit, her makeup flawless.

"...To achieve today's success, I want to thank my team, and most importantly, Ethan. It was his unconditional trust and support that gave me the courage to make this dream a reality!"

Thunderous applause erupted. Countless spotlights focused on her.

The host smiled and took over the mic.

"Thank you, Ms. Vance, for that wonderful speech! Next, with our warmest applause, let us welcome the legend of our tech industry, Mr. Ethan Carter, to reveal the official launch name of the product!"

Ethan walked onto the stage, his gaze warmly landing on Naomi as he took the mic.

"Ms. Vance is the most talented and resilient woman I have ever met. This project is like our child, representing the sweat and blood of both of us."

"She deserves this glory entirely!"

The applause grew even louder.

Then, Ethan and Naomi stood side by side, preparing to press the launch button together.

The double doors of the hall pushed open. I looked at the man walking in, stood up, and shouted:

"Wait a minute!"