You took a breath.
“Effective immediately, Ethan Hayes is suspended as CEO pending independent investigation. His access to company accounts, executive systems, aircraft, and signing authority is revoked. Elaine Porter will serve as interim operating officer while we appoint outside review counsel.”
Ethan slammed one hand on the table.
“You can’t do this.”
You looked at Richard.
He did not look at Ethan.
He looked at the documents.
“We need a vote,” Richard said quietly.
Ethan laughed in disbelief. “You’re actually considering this?”
Elaine’s voice was cold.
“Ethan, you brought your mistress to your anniversary dinner and let her announce a marriage proposal in front of half our investor base. Then we discovered you may have been moving assets toward an entity tied to her. Yes. We’re considering it.”
The vote passed.
Unanimously.
Ethan stood at the far end of the room, no longer CEO of the company he had used as his identity.
For one second, you thought he might beg.
He did not.
Men like Ethan rarely beg while pride is still armed.
He leaned toward you.
“You will regret humiliating me.”
You looked at him calmly.
“You taught me how public humiliation works.”
Security escorted him out.
Brooke was waiting in the hall.
She stood when she saw Ethan, searching his face for victory.
She found none.
“What happened?” she asked.
He did not answer.
Vivian stepped out behind him and handed Brooke a letter.
“Ms. Ellison, you are suspended pending investigation. Your laptop, badge, and company phone must be surrendered immediately.”
Brooke looked down at the letter.
Then at Ethan.
“You said she had no real power.”
Every head in the hallway turned.
Ethan’s face went white.
You stepped forward.
“Did he?”
Brooke’s mouth parted.
For the first time, the pitying little smile was gone.
She looked young.
Not innocent.
Just young enough to realize she had been promised a kingdom by a man who did not own the crown.
Ethan hissed, “Be quiet.”
Brooke looked at him then.
Really looked.
The diamond ring still flashed on her hand, but now it looked less like a promise and more like evidence.
“She owns it?” Brooke whispered.
Nobody answered.
They did not need to.
Her face drained of color.
“You told me the shares were symbolic.”
