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I stood at the podium, heart pounding with pride as I addressed the room full of executives and team members. After months of relentless work, countless late nights, and sacrificed weekends, I had finally secured the $80 million deal with Luxe Retail Group—the largest in Henderson Cosmetics' history. "This partnership," I said, my voice steady despite my exhaustion, "will expand our market reach across seventeen countries and increase our annual revenue by approximately thirty percent." The room erupted in applause. I caught Jensen's eye from across the room, expecting to see the same pride and gratitude I'd seen when we started this company together. Instead, his gaze slid past me to where Milani Silva stood, her crimson lips curved in a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Two hours later, champagne flowed freely at the celebration party. The executive floor had been transformed with elegant decorations, catering, and a small stage where Jensen would present recognition gifts to key contributors. My team had worked miracles under my leadership, and despite my exhaustion, I felt a warm glow of accomplishment. "And now," Jensen's voice boomed through the microphone, drawing everyone's attention, "I'd like to recognize those who made this historic deal possible." He called up several department heads, presenting each with thoughtful gifts—premium whiskey for the finance director, custom cufflinks for the operations manager. My turn would come last, I knew. The biggest contributor saved for the grand finale. "Milani Silva," Jensen announced, his voice warming noticeably. "Our brilliant marketing director whose innovative brand positioning made this deal irresistible to Luxe." Milani glided forward in her form-fitting dress, accepting Jensen's lingering kiss on