“It has everything to do with it,” Victor replied. “I won’t promote a man who treats people like possessions.”
He pointed his cane at Damian’s chest. “Your career with my company ends tonight.”
Damian’s mask cracked. “You can’t fire me! I’ve worked too hard!”
“Consider this the last rung,” Victor said.
Rage exploded across Damian’s face. “You can’t take everything from me!”
He lunged.
Everything blurred. Damian slammed Victor into the hallway wall, the cane clattering to the floor. Liana rushed forward, shouting, “Stop! Damian, stop!”
But Damian was spiraling.
“You think you can ruin my life? Both of you? I won’t let you take what’s mine!”
Victor steadied himself. “Liana—step back.”
Damian reached again—and a heavy knock rattled the door.
“Mr. Rourke, Corporate Security. Open up!”
All three froze as two security officers entered.
“You need to calm down,” one said. “You’re being escorted out. HR and police have been notified.”
Damian spat bitterly, “My own wife—my own company—turning on me?”
Liana said nothing.
The officers dragged him toward the exit, but he twisted back long enough to shout:
“This isn’t over, Liana! You owe me EVERYTHING!”
“Not anymore,” she whispered.
When the door shut, silence fell except for her shaky breaths. Victor knelt beside her.
“I know this is overwhelming,” he said softly. “Losing your mother… and discovering all of this.”
“I don’t know what to feel,” she whispered.
“You’re not alone now,” Victor said. “You’re family. And I’ll protect you.”
For the first time in years, Liana exhaled freely.
“This place… doesn’t feel like home anymore.”
“Then let’s build you a new one,” Victor said. “A future you choose.”
She nodded, believing it—finally.
