I didn’t have many personal belongings. Most of them were documents and work notes. Calmly, I packed them into a box. I had nothing left worth holding onto.
Then, the office door swung open. Elsa walked in proudly, chin raised high. “So, you’re packing up already? How does it feel to fall from grace?”
Her fingers slid across the trophy on my desk., the one Elias and I had earned together when we brought a near-bankrupt company back to life. It was the Emerging Entrepreneurs Award and Elias had insisted my name be engraved beside his. He’d said the honor belonged to both of us.
Elsa picked up the crystal trophy while smiling viciously.
“You’re still keeping this useless thing? Don’t tell me you’re hoping it’ll make Eli remember old times with you.”
Elsa raised the trophy as she spoke, pretending she was about to smash it on the ground.
My pupils shrank. I instinctively stepped forward to stop her. “Put it down! Elias and I are just colleagues—”
Before I could finish, Elsa lifted the trophy and slammed it hard against my forehead.
A sharp pain shot up form my temple and warm blood instantly blurred my vision.
When Elias rushed in after hearing the noise, Elsa was already sitting on the floor, crying hysterically.
“Eli! Anne said I ruined her reputation and went crazy trying to hit me!”
Elias didn’t even seem to notice the deep cut on my forehead or the blood running down my face.
Instead, he scolded me, “Anne, what are you trying to do again? Haven’t you embarrassed us enough today? Starting tomorrow, report to the cleaning department. You need to be taught a lesson!”
He added, “The company doesn’t lack talent. Don’t think we can’t manage without you!”
I felt too numb even to be disappointed. Expressionless, I said, “No need to trouble yourself, Mr. Weber. I resign. I wish you and Ms. Abend a long and happy life together.”
Then I picked up my box of belongings and walked out without looking back I left the place I had devoted five years of my life for good.
The biggest difference between Elias and me was simple: I would never let emotions cloud my career.
***
The next day was the press conference announcing the major partnership between the Weber Group and TorrWares Group.
A bandage covered my forehead. I wore a neatly tailored business suit and walked into the venue.
When Elsa saw me, she screamed, “Anne! How dare you show your face here? Are you here to beg Elias for forgiveness?”
She waved to the nearby security guards. “Throw this woman out! She's been fired and doesn’t belong here!”
At that moment, my father entered the hall, surrounded by reporters and senior executives.
Elsa immediately forced a flattering smile. “Director Karl…”
Before she could finish, my father smiled and reached out his hand—to me.
“Everyone, let me introduce my daughter, Anne Torres. She will officially take over as CEO of TorrWares Group.”
