I shut my eyes. My mother had barely passed when I married Sebastian. The company she built—her life’s work—was the last thing she entrusted to me. I handed it over to a stranger disguised as my savior. My father warned me, argued with me… then eventually cut ties with me for my decision.
“Then I just need to review the company,” I murmured. “See what damage has been done.”
Logan stayed silent. He didn’t need to say anything.
Two days later, I walked into the office expecting clarity.
Instead, I found ruin.
“Miss Isabella,” my finance manager stuttered as soon as I entered. “I… I’m sorry, but we’re bleeding money. Mr. Royce approved multiple transfers without authorization. And several investors he introduced… they’re not real.”
My knees gave out.
Logan caught me before I collapsed completely. My chest tightened, and breathing felt impossible.
The company my mother built with her youth and sacrifice… was being emptied from the inside.
By the man I loved.
No. The man I thought I loved.
“Call the board,” I managed, my voice unsteady.
When everyone gathered, I forced myself to stand tall.
“Effective immediately,” I announced, my tone cold, “Candela Marquez is terminated. All contracts, investments, and agreements handled by Sebastian are to be suspended until further review.”
Shock flickered across their faces.
Still, they followed my orders.
For the first time in years… I felt control returning.
Until the door slammed open with a violent crash.
“What is going on here?” Sebastian stormed inside, fury written all over his face, his usual calm gone. “Why was Candela fired? And why am I suddenly excluded from every meeting?”
“What exactly is going on here?!”
Sebastian’s voice sliced through the conference room, harsh and sudden, breaking the silence like glass shattering. He strode in without waiting for permission, Candela right behind him. She clung to his arm as if she were frightened, her eyes glossy with unshed tears, shoulders trembling like she’d been wronged.
I remained seated, unmoved.
“I’m talking to you,” he continued, slamming his palm onto the polished mahogany table. The sound echoed across the room. “Why was Candela dismissed? And why am I suddenly excluded from every meeting?”
I stood slowly, straightening my back, folding my hands calmly in front of me.