Mark’s face paled as he processed the words. “Chairman of the Board? What kind of joke is this?”
I removed my sunglasses, fixing him with the steely gaze of someone who had played the long game and won. “It’s no joke, Mark. I inherited this company from my father, and you were merely a frontman. But I’ve always been the real power behind Vance Global.”
“You can’t do this to me!” Mark protested, his voice rising in panic. “I made this company what it is!”
I shook my head, unflinching. “No, Mark. You were a face, a distraction, while I worked tirelessly to build this empire from the shadows. Your role was temporary, just as you chose Chloe temporarily over our children and me.”
Chloe, who had been silent until now, looked between us, realization dawning on her. “Mark, what is she talking about?”
Mark’s bravado faded into desperation. “This is a mistake, Anna. We can work this out. I’ll come back home.”
“Home?” I echoed, raising an eyebrow. “You mean the penthouse you claimed for yourself? The one I paid for? Mark, you made your choices.”
The CFO stepped forward, handing me a tablet. “All assets have been transferred under your directive, Chairwoman.”
I nodded, never taking my eyes off Mark. “Thank you. Mark, you can take your personal belongings from the office, but please do it under supervision. And leave your corporate card with security.”
Mark’s face twisted with fury, but he knew he had lost. “You think you’re so clever, Anna. But you’ll see. You’re nothing without me.”
I leaned back, my expression unreadable. “On the contrary, Mark, I’m everything without you. And I’ll be raising our children to know their worth, to never let anyone dim their shine.”
As I turned my wheelchair to leave, the entire lobby of employees applauded. They had always known who truly called the shots at Vance Global. It was a moment of vindication not just for me, but for every person who had been underestimated and overlooked.
Mark stood there, bewildered, as I disappeared into the elevator, surrounded by allies who had always respected my vision and leadership.
As the elevator doors closed, I felt a sense of peace and power. I wasn’t just reclaiming a role or a company—I was reclaiming myself. And I was doing it for my children, to show them that resilience and intelligence are far mightier than any superficial charm.
Looking at my reflection in the elevator’s mirrored walls, I whispered to myself, “This is just the beginning.” I was ready to lead Vance Global into a new era, one marked by innovation, empathy, and strength. The future was mine to shape, and I was more than ready for it.
