"I studied all the materials last night, just as you requested."
"It's entirely feasible."
"Unless he'd prefer to spend the rest of his life in prison."
My voice came out quiet. Steady.
"Good. Prepare to move."
At three o'clock that afternoon, I summoned every senior executive to the boardroom.
I wore a black tailored suit, ten-centimeter heels clicking against the marble, my face revealing nothing.
Behind me followed Attorney Whitney and three senior forensic auditors. Each one carried a stack of files thick enough to break a table.
The conference room fell silent. Every eye locked onto me.
Duke had already claimed the head of the table. Stacy was draped against his side, wrapped in Chanel haute couture, wearing the smug little smile of someone who believed she'd already won.
Gone was the timid girl who used to look at me with grateful eyes.
The board members exchanged whispers. Their gazes held a cocktail of pity and the gleeful anticipation of spectators at a trainwreck.
Duke's brow furrowed when he realized I wasn't backing down. His voice carried its usual impatience.
"Gertrude, are you done making a scene? If you've come to your senses, come sign the papers."
"If you keep embarrassing everyone, you can forget about being Mrs. Stephens at all."
Stacy's eyes lit up. She pressed closer to Duke, her voice honeyed.
"Ms. Sullivan, I know this must be painful for you. But Duke and I are truly in love. I felt for him—having no heir. And the baby—"
"Shut your mouth."
I swept her with a glacial glance and walked straight to the seat beside the head of the table.
"Before you say another word, let me make something clear. You are nothing but a mistress who can't survive daylight. An ungrateful wretch. What gives you the right to speak in this room?"
Stacy's face flushed scarlet. Whatever she'd been about to say died in her throat. Her eyes, brimming with tears, turned to Duke.
A flash of anger crossed his gaze.
"I've already had my lawyer start the paperwork for the share transfer. Starting today, Stacy will be the company's largest shareholder and will replace you as Vice President. She has every right to be here."
Duke's voice dripped with condescension as he continued, "Aren't you always going on about your poor health? Why not take a trip overseas to recuperate? Don't worry—Stacy will wire you some money afterward. Consider it repayment for your ten years of... service."