Guilt overwhelmed them. One by one, they began to slowly back towards the exit, wishing to escape this embarrassing situation quickly. Jessica, realizing that Mark was no longer a valuable asset, but a dangerous liability, remained silent. She picked up her bag and tried to slip away among the guests. But the drama was not yet over. Mr. Harrison noticed the guests intention to leave, raised his hand, and ordered everyone to stay put. He said no one could leave the room until the matter was settled. Mr. Harrison wanted everyone to witness what was about to happen. He wanted this moment to serve as a moral lesson about integrity and karma for all his employees.
The atmosphere in the room became suffocating again. No one dared to contradict the president’s order. They all remained like statues, heads bowed, awaiting punishment or at least a long lecture. But Mr. Harrison had no intention of lecturing. He turned to me, his gaze softened instantly. He called his personal secretary, who was waiting outside, to bring a black leather briefcase. I was still in my place, paralyzed in silence. My tears had already dried, replaced by a monumental shock. I knew my mother had savings, but I never imagined she was a tycoon. She had never told me. She had always taught me to be austere, to live with gratitude.
It turned out that was all her way of educating me so I wouldn’t be blinded by wealth. And now I understood why my mother always smiled patiently whenever Mark belittled her. She wasn’t weak. She was simply observing Mark’s theater with compassion. She was testing her son-in-law. And Mark had failed spectacularly. My heart ached thinking of my mother’s loneliness, keeping this secret to protect my marriage. Mr. Harrison’s secretary, a young man with glasses and an impeccable suit, entered the room with a steady pace. In his hands, he carried a very important looking black leather briefcase. He gave a respectful nod to Mr. Harrison and then to me.