For one moment, I saw myself the way she saw me: thirty-two, exhausted, wearing a black coat from the funeral, no makeup, no dramatic entrance. She believed grief had made me weak.
I could not stop myself.
I laughed.
The sound startled everyone, including me.
Madison’s face turned red. “Security!”
Two guards hurried in from the lobby.
She pointed at me. “Remove her. She’s trespassing.”
The guards hesitated.
I looked at them calmly and said, “Kick him out.”
Madison blinked. “Him?”
I pointed at Evan.
My brother’s face went pale.
Then I opened my father’s sealed folder and placed the board resolution on the reception desk.
“As of Monday morning,” I said, “I am the majority owner and interim CEO of ColeTech Manufacturing. Evan has been suspended pending investigation. Madison is not an employee.”
The office went silent.
And Madison’s fake crown shattered in front of everyone…
Part 2
Madison stared at the document like she could set it on fire with her eyes.
“That’s impossible,” she said.
I looked at Grace. “Please call legal into the conference room.”
Grace nodded quickly, relief washing over her face.
Evan stepped forward. “Olivia, Dad wouldn’t do this.”
“He already did,” I said.
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