Mark’s face twisted in disbelief, a sickly shade of red flushing his cheeks. “Chairman? Anna, what is this nonsense?”

I removed my sunglasses and met his eyes with a calm, steady gaze. “It’s no nonsense, Mark. While you were busy indulging in your self-image and philandering, you forgot one crucial fact: you may have been the public face, but I was always the silent partner. I own 51% of Vance Global.”

Mark staggered backward, the weight of the revelation hitting him like a freight train. “But… how? We started this company together.”

“Yes, we did. And while you focused on your empire, I ensured the shares were in my name. For our family, I thought. For our future. But I see now, it was for moments like this.”

Chloe’s eyes darted nervously between us, her facade of confidence crumbling. “Mark, you said she was just the wife!”

“Leave us, Chloe,” I said sharply, my voice echoing through the vast lobby. “This is a conversation between business partners.”

Chloe hesitated, then scurried away, her heels clicking on the floor.

“Anna, please,” Mark pleaded, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice. “We can talk about this. We’re a team.”

“A team?” I echoed, letting out a hollow laugh. “You were the one who threw that away the moment you decided I was beneath you.”

Mark took a step forward, his tone shifting to one of false sincerity. “I was wrong. I see that now. We can fix this.”

I shook my head, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over me. “There’s nothing to fix, Mark. You made your choice. Now it’s time for me to make mine.”

Mark glanced around, noticing that everyone in the lobby was watching, their whispers buzzing like flies. His facade of authority was slipping, and panic edged into his features. “Anna, you can’t do this!”

I leaned forward, my voice dropping to a whisper meant only for him. “Watch me.”

I gestured to the CFO, who handed me a file. “Here’s a generous severance package,” I said. “More than fair, considering the circumstances. I suggest you take it.”