“I don’t care if we don’t have kids. You think you’re the only man in the world? If you won’t give me a child, I’ll find someone else who will.”
Charles Miller’s face twisted in rage. “Sophia Dawson, what the hell did you just say? You want to cheat on me?”
“You’ve already cheated on me. Why shouldn’t I return the favor?”
“Sophia, if you don’t want this marriage, just say it. Then we’ll get a divorce!”
“Fine. Let’s divorce. Whoever backs out is a coward!”
I stormed out of the karaoke room, regretting that I hadn’t slapped the two of them a few more times.
For a moment I considered turning back to land a few punches, but with so many of his people inside, if they all turned on me, I wouldn’t win.
So I drove home. Once there, I called my lawyer.
“Draft a divorce agreement. I want Charles to walk away empty-handed.”
Then I dialed my father.
“Dad, I want to take over as chairwoman.”
“Oh? Has my darling finally had enough fun? Ready to come back and help your father?”
I sighed. “Dad, I’m getting a divorce.”
Richard Dawson was silent for a long moment. “No matter what you decide, I’ll support you.”
It was past midnight when Charles staggered home, reeking of alcohol.
The moment he saw me, he bristled with hostility.
“Sophia, tomorrow you’re coming to the company to apologize to Vivian. Otherwise, this isn’t over between us!”
“If you refuse, then your seat as the CEO’s wife is going to someone else!”
I laughed coldly. “You wouldn’t even be CEO without me. Without me, you’re nothing.”
“I’ll go to the company,” I said, “but not tomorrow. The day after.”
“That’s more like it.”
He wobbled toward the bedroom, but I couldn’t stand the sight of him. I moved to the guest room instead.
Soon after, the official appointment came down from headquarters: I was the new chairwoman.
Immediately, I issued a notice to the West Coast Division, demanding all senior executives attend a 10 a.m. meeting, along with everyone from the executive support department.
When I arrived at the division offices, I overheard the chatter.
“The new chairwoman has quite the background. I heard she’s the former chairman’s daughter.”
“She’s only just taken over and already calling a meeting here. Even the entire support department has to attend. Must be something big.”
“New leadership always makes a splash. Guess we’re the ones about to get burned.”
As soon as I stepped into the conference room, Charles scowled.
“Sophia, what are you doing here? The new chairwoman is about to hold an important meeting. Don’t make trouble. Go home!”
“Mr. Miller, this is Ms. Dawson—our new chairwoman.”
It was Grace Howard, my father’s secretary, who spoke. My father had placed her at my side when he stepped back.
Charles’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. “Grace, what did you just say? She’s the new chairwoman? Don’t joke—she’s my wife!”
Grace’s expression was grave. “Do I look like I’m joking?”
Charles turned pale. “Sophia… you’re… you’re Richard Dawson’s daughter?”
“That’s right. Surprised? Shocked?”
His face drained white as paper. His entire department looked just as terrified.
“Enough,” I said. “Let’s begin. The purpose of today’s meeting is to announce an important decision.”
“The Dawson Group has decided to terminate the West Coast Division’s head, Charles Miller.”
Charles slammed the table. “You can’t fire me! I’ve made no mistakes at work!”
“Whether you’ve erred professionally remains to be investigated. But your conduct is already disqualifying. That alone is grounds for dismissal.”
