2
Last time, my refusal had sparked outrage. I
く
was labeled a usurper, enjoying Britney’s
rightful life. Employees, even friends, pitied
Britney, forgetting that the company’s
success was my doing. My hard work was
attributed to Mom’s ownership, as if the
company’s prosperity was inevitable. I
became the villain.
Britney’s deathbed confession revealed their
plan: secure the VP position, then slowly
isolate me, manipulating me into surrendering
control. They succeeded, and I died.
Now, I watched their reactions: Mom’s
suspicion, Ethan’s confusion, and Britney’s
veiled triumph. Britney smiled, then quickly
composed herself at Mom’s wary look.
Mom’s lips parted. She hadn’t expected my
compliance. She knew how much I’d poured
into the company.
I stood, smiled at the crowd, and walked
away.
<
“Wait!”
My heart leaped. Perhaps she cared after all.
But her next words froze me. “Britney’s
unfamiliar with the business. You’ll stay and
guide her.” An order.
I turned, my smile gone. “Seven days. That’s
all you get.”
I strode out, tears stinging my eyes. She truly
didn’t care. But I wiped my tears, a new
resolve hardening my gaze. A crisis was
looming. I wanted to see how Britney would
handle it.
