I glanced at Mr. Cox and sure enough, there was a noticeable shift in his expression — a glint of doubt in his eyes.
Suppressing my anger, I turned to Madeline.
"We worked out that 5% margin together. And now you’re just letting a new employee run his mouth? Aren’t you worried this will ruin my relationship with Mr. Cox?"
Trevor was just a sales rep. As long as Madeline stood by me, Mr. Cox wouldn’t take this nonsense too seriously.
But instead of backing me up, Madeline snapped, as if she’d been holding it in all along.
"Trevor wasn’t making things up. We both know a 10% discount would still be fair for both sides, but you pushed for a bigger cut to pad the profits."
"I’m not going to cover for you anymore. Mr. Cox has done business with us time and time again—he deserves honesty."
"Just because I’m your wife doesn’t mean I’m going to lie for you."
Her words hit hard. Mr. Cox’s face darkened, his disappointment clear.
"Horatio, I thought we were friends. But you’ve been treating me like an idiot this whole time?"
Trevor, clearly savoring the moment, plastered on a smug grin and stepped closer to Mr. Cox, his tone dripping with fake concern.
"Mr. Cox, don't waste your energy on someone who only sees dollar signs," Trevor said, clasping Mr. Cox’s shoulder as if they were old pals.
"The president and I rushed over today to protect your interests. Please, calm down. We're just trying to make things right."
Madeline didn’t miss a beat, seizing the moment.
"If you’re disappointed in Horatio, Mr. Cox, you’re more than welcome to work with Trevor in the future. He’s an accomplished professional with international experience and a solid understanding of business models and project management."
Just like that, it all became crystal clear.
Madeline wasn’t just throwing me under the bus—she used this opportunity to prop Trevor up, laying out a clear path for her ex-boyfriend’s success.
I wasn’t about to stand there and take it. I fixed her with a cold stare. "I just hope you don’t end up regretting what you’ve done today."
Her expression hardened. "Horatio, have you forgotten your place? I’m the sole decision-maker in this company. It’s not your role to question me."
Madeline and I had built this company from the ground up, together! Because I loved her, I never cared about titles or recognition.
She wanted to be a successful businesswoman and I supported her every step of the way. When she claimed she needed me to step back for the sake of the kids, I accepted it without protest.
Even when she told others I was nothing more than a “mooching husband” to protect her own image, I bit my tongue.
But what did my patience and sacrifices turn into? They didn’t earn her respect—only gave her the audacity to undermine me.
I glanced at Trevor who were standing beside Madeline and sighed. I tried to held back the frustration boiling inside me.
I was willing to give Madeline one last chance.
After all, our five-year-old son, Nellson, was at home. I didn’t want him to grow up with the pain of his parents splitting up.
"If you want to help Trevor get ahead out of nostalgia or guilt, that’s your call. But this project won’t go beyond a 5% discount. That’s my final offer."
Sure, the 10% discount was something Madeline and I had calculated together. But that number didn’t account for the actual costs of labor and materials.
Once those expenses were factored in, 5% was the most we could offer without sinking into the red.
Anything more than that? It wouldn’t just mean losing profits — it would mean taking a massive financial hit.
The company had done well over the years, but no business could withstand reckless decisions like this.
If I let this slide once, what would stop it from happening again?
But she didn't even reconsider, Madeline’s expression hardened. There wasn’t a trace of doubt—or remorse.
"Do you think you can push me around just because you’re a man?" she snapped, her voice dripping with disdain.
"Let me make one thing clear—women are just as capable in business as men. I said 10% and I’m not going back on my word."
Before I could respond, Mr. Cox suddenly burst into applause, his grin widening.
"Well said! Ms. President, you’re bold and decisive — a woman of your word! With that kind of confidence, how could I not choose your company for this collaboration?"
