Flashes exploded around me, microphones shoved into my face.
Then — chaos.
A few extremists broke through the press line, swinging fists, striking my shoulder and back.
“Abusing your power just because you’re rich!”
“Apologize to Ms. Lane!”
Pain shot through me. I clutched the discharge papers and forced my way through, stumbling into a nearby emergency exit stairwell.
I leaned against the cold concrete, gasping — when familiar voices stopped me in my tracks.
“As soon as the ownership transfer is done, I’ll be the new head of Winters Corporation.”
Eric’s tone dripped greed.
“Everything will be ours, Stella. Let’s remarry.”
Stella’s eyes were red, trembling.
“Eric… we’re over. You have a wife—”
He silenced her by pinning her to the wall and kissing her — hard.
They melted into each other.
I froze — until Stella deliberately glanced over Eric’s shoulder, her gaze locking with mine.
Smug. Provoking.
She deepened the kiss.
My stomach churned. I turned and left without a sound.
—
As soon as I arrived home, Stella texted again:
“Fun being chased by the media?
Since you heard everything — be smart, break up with Eric.
Our baby was already so big.
You’re the homewrecker here.”
I was about to respond when Eric burst through the door.
“Who are you messaging? Why’d you leave the hospital so early?”
His worried tone made my skin crawl.
“Kneel.”
He froze.
Normally, that command would have him on his knees instantly — eager to please.
This time, he hesitated.
“Vivian… didn’t my father-in-law tell you? The press conference is tomorrow. I’m about to be the CEO — you can’t make me kneel when I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“It’s humiliating. It hurts my dignity.”
I laughed — sharp and bitter — but before I could speak,
Stella stumbled inside dramatically, a damsel in tears.
“Ms. Winters… I’ve explained… Eric and I are innocent… how could you send people to hurt me…”
The sight of her fake pity made my lips curl coldly.
“Hurt you? I was just assaulted outside the hospital and somehow I’m the bully?”
Eric ignored me, protecting Stella behind him like a shield.
“I’m disgusted by you, Vivian! It’s bad enough you tormented her at work — now this? You apologize to her right now!”
“Apologize?” I scoffed.
“You two don’t have the spine to kneel and thank me for not destroying you — yet you want my apology? Keep dreaming.”
“You’re impossible!” Eric exploded, shouting toward the hall.
Two security guards entered immediately.
“Lock her in the guest room. Without my order, she doesn’t leave.”
I didn’t struggle. I simply smiled — icy and amused — as the door shut and locked.
They had no idea what was coming.
—
The next afternoon, the guards escorted me to the Corporate Ownership Transfer Press Conference.
The venue was packed. Cameras everywhere.
Eric stood proudly on stage, basking in the spotlight:
“Thank you to Mr. Winters for his trust. From this day forward, I will officially take over Winters Corporation…”
From a quiet corner, I watched him —
a petty man drunk on stolen power —
and couldn’t help but laugh.
