Ethan's eyes flickered with barely concealed delight before he schooled his features into wounded concern. "What are you doing? I know you've never liked me. If you don't want me taking over as VP, just say so. Why drag divorce into this to threaten her?"
Nora's expression darkened. She clearly bought every word.
"Getting bolder, aren't you?" she spat. "Playing games right to my face?"
"Using divorce to control me? You think this pathetic little trick is going to work?"
"You're underestimating me, Alex."
"Go ahead. Get your divorce papers. Let's see if I dare to sign them."
She was worked up now—voice rising, eyes blazing.
She was absolutely certain I'd never leave. That I'd never give up my position in the Simmons family. That certainty made her fearless.
I didn't hesitate.
I walked out, and within the hour, I had both documents ready—the resignation letter and the divorce agreement.
When Ethan saw the clause stating I'd leave with nothing, his excitement was almost impossible to hide.
Still, he kept up the act.
"Stop this," he said, voice soft with feigned concern. "She's pregnant. How can you threaten her like this? What if the stress hurts the baby?"
He shook his head slowly.
"Besides... you love her so much. Could you really go through with it?"
"If you don't want me in your position, fine—I'll stay her assistant. I'll even resign if seeing me bothers you that much."
"Just... please don't let your marriage fall apart because of me. I couldn't live with myself."
His voice cracked on the last words. His eyes glistened, as if tears might spill at any moment.
Ethan Mason's little performance made my skin crawl.
But Nora ate it up.
She shot me a vicious glare and scrawled her signature across the divorce agreement.
"I've approved your resignation, and I've signed this. You can leave now."
"Alex, the moment you walk away from me, everything you have goes back to zero."
"You'll regret it. I'll be waiting for the day you come crawling back."
I looked at her for a long moment. Said nothing. Turned and walked out.
I already regretted it.
Regretted meeting her. Getting to know her. Walking down that aisle with her.
The moment I stepped through the company's front doors, I exhaled long and slow.
My mood was still heavy, but my whole body felt like I'd just shed a suit of armor.