Camera flashes burst toward the stage.
Olivia’s cheeks glowed bright red with excitement.
“Ladies and gentlemen, bosses and friends—
thank you for joining us today to celebrate Drake Enterprises’ anniversary.”
“On behalf of Drake Enterprises, welcome.”
Sparse applause.
Most people whispered:
“Isn’t that the CEO of Hayes Group?
Why is she speaking for Drake Enterprises?”
“Haven’t you seen social media?
Hayes Group will probably belong to the Drakes soon.”
Eyes bounced between me, Olivia, and Nathan—
confusion, contempt, pity.
Before the room could settle, Olivia dropped another bomb:
“Today, I officially announce that Hayes Group will be merged under Drake Enterprises.
All decision-making authority will now be handled by President Nathan Drake.”
Dead silence.
Everyone knew Hayes Group carried the Hayes name—
but it was me
who built everything from the ashes.
If the company was merged…
what would become of the Hayes family’s dutiful son-in-law?
Olivia stepped down, heels striking the floor, and leaned close to my ear—
“Go say a few words.
Tell everyone to keep partnering with Drake Enterprises.
And that you support the merger.”
I asked quietly:
“And me?
Where do you plan to put me?”
She narrowed her eyes, calculating.
“You should go home and rest for now.
Nathan hates messy emotional entanglements—your presence makes him uncomfortable.
And if you show up in the company, people will gossip.”
I laughed—quiet, cold.
Even after all this, she still managed to shock me with her shamelessness.
Not only did she betray me—
she was now kicking me out like a worn-out tool.
With the attention of the entire hall on me,
I smiled.
“You’ve arranged everything well, Olivia.
I suppose I do need a break.”
Her satisfied expression lasted—
right until I took the stage.
I picked up the mic.
Voice steady.
“Good evening, everyone.
Thank you for attending Drake Enterprises’ anniversary celebration.”
“Today, I formally announce that I, Ethan Carter, resign from all positions at Hayes Group effective immediately.”
“Any future matters regarding the company—
please consult Mrs. Hayes.”
I gave a solemn bow.
Then dropped the mic
and walked off the stage without looking back.
The hall erupted—
“Why would Mr. Carter leave like that?!”
“We all saw what he did for Hayes Group!
Without him there wouldn’t be a Hayes Group!”
As they argued, Olivia snatched the mic:
“Before all of you here, I officially transfer full ownership of Hayes Group to Mr. Drake.”
She gestured, and a lawyer stepped forward
holding the equity transfer documents.
Nathan’s expression darkened as he signaled his legal and financial teams to review.
Moments later, the lawyer returned—face grim.
“Mr. Drake… Hayes Group currently has zero liquid assets.
In addition, there is a pending liability of $18 million in payables and payroll.”
“If we acquire Hayes Group, not only will we not earn a cent—
we will have to cover the debt.”
Nathan’s features twisted.
He snatched the documents and slammed them into Olivia’s face.
“Your family really knows how to scheme!
Victoria runs off with some random guy the moment I fall ill—
and now you want me to take on your family’s crippling debt?”
“You’ve gone too far!”
