Theodore’s tone sharpened for the final cut.
“Oh, and Darnell,” he said, “that tech firm you work for? Whitmore subsidiaries owned enough shares to keep you employed despite your… mediocre performance.”
Darnell stared up, terrified.
“As of tomorrow morning,” Theodore continued, “we’re pulling out. Your board will restructure. You will be removed. And your reputation will follow you like a shadow you can’t out-run.”
Darnell’s face crumpled. “No—please—my career—”
Simone’s voice stayed gentle, and somehow that gentleness landed harder than cruelty ever could.
“That’s exactly what I was to you,” she said. “And you threw me away without thinking twice.”
Loretta grabbed Simone’s arm. “Simone, wait. We didn’t know!”
Simone slowly, carefully, removed Loretta’s hand.
“That’s the problem,” Simone said, eyes steady. “My value didn’t change. I’m the same woman you humiliated. The only difference is you finally know my bank account.”
Kenneth tried to smile. “Come on, Simone. We’re family.”
“No,” Simone said. “Family doesn’t laugh while you’re being destroyed.”
Vanessa’s eyes were wet. “I’ll delete the posts. I’ll fix it.”
Leave a Comment