Chapter 2

The other executives quickly chimed in.

"Stella, this is clearly your fault. Just swallow your pride and apologize. It'll prevent unnecessary trouble."

"Veronica is the heiress to Miller Corp. She's here for a 'life experience.' She's a valuable asset to our company, we absolutely cannot afford to offend her."

"Stella, you've been away on a business trip for the past few days, so it's understandable you don't know Veronica's identity. But you shouldn't have gotten into a conflict with her the moment you returned! Apologize now before things escalate!"

"If Mr. Miller finds out Veronica was bullied in our company, we'll be in serious trouble!"

I ignored the executives, who were worried about their own interests and pushing me to apologize. My gaze was fixed on Ryan.

My voice filled with sorrow and indignation, I spoke.

"You're going to fire me?"

Ryan and I had been together for five years.

This company? I poured all my savings into starting it with him.

My love life and my career—these past few years, everything had revolved around Ryan.

I thought we'd walk down the aisle together, that we'd spend the rest of our lives in happiness.

But now, I realized it was all just my wishful thinking!

He slapped me for Veronica, and now he wants to fire me from the company? What does that say?

It says I mean nothing to him!

Five years of my youth, completely wasted. In this moment, I truly felt worthless.

Seeing my eyes welling up, Veronica shot me a smug, taunting smile, then feigned sincerity.

"It's fine, Stella doesn't need to get on her knees and apologize to me."

"I'm not the type to be overbearing. Just pour me a cup of tea and sincerely apologize in front of everyone, and that'll be enough."

"I won't tell my dad about this."

At her words, Ryan and the executives visibly relaxed.

Then, Ryan glared at me.

"What are you waiting for? Go and pour Veronica some tea and apologize!"

I responded coldly.

"What if I don't apologize?"

"Are you really going to fire me?"

Seeing my refusal to back down, Ryan's anger flared. He slammed his hand on the conference table, yelling at me:

"Stella, do you really think I wouldn't dare to fire you?"

"Perfect. All our company executives are here today. Let's take a vote."

"Raise your hand if you agree to fire Stella!"

With that, Ryan was the first to raise his hand, without a hint of hesitation.

The other executives exchanged glances, avoiding my gaze, and one by one, raised their hands.

I smiled, a bitter, twisted smile.

These executives… some I'd poached from other companies, some I'd personally promoted.

And now, to protect their own interests, they didn't hesitate to stab me in the back.

My heart felt like it was being ripped apart, yet at the same time, I felt a strange sense of relief, of liberation.

Actually, I had returned to the company today planning to take Ryan back to my family's estate.

A few days ago, while I was away, my dad had already rejoined the Miller family. I hadn't been able to make it back in time.

So, when I finally returned today, my first thought was to take Ryan to meet my family and formally introduce him to them.

Now, it seemed, there was no longer any need!

I took a deep breath, unpinned my company badge, tossed it on the floor, and turned to leave.

This place, once a testament to so much of my hard work and devotion.

Now? There was nothing left to cherish here.

But Veronica wasn't willing to let me leave so easily.

She sneered.

"VP Stella, did you forget something?"

"Since you've been fired, shouldn't your shares be returned to the company?"

Before I could respond, Ryan nodded.

"That's right, I almost forgot about that!"

"Stella, you can't leave without handing over your company shares!"

"I won't let you leave empty-handed. I'll give you a million dollars for your shares…"

Ryan and Veronica's words made me sick to my stomach.

A million dollars for my shares? Ryan's playing a smart game, isn't he?

Why had I never noticed what a despicable scumbag he was before?