Mark was rendered speechless. The weight of the revelation hit him like a tidal wave, eroding the facade he had so carefully constructed. His gaze darted between me and the stern faces of the executives flanking me, desperately seeking some sign that this was a cruel joke.

“But… how?” he stammered, his voice barely a whisper now, a far cry from the bombastic CEO persona he’d worn just moments ago.

I removed my sunglasses, revealing eyes that, despite the exhaustion of childbirth, gleamed with determination and steely resolve. “You see, Mark, while you were busy playing the power-hungry executive, I was building alliances and securing my position. The company has always been mine. You were just a front, a figurehead. And now, your services are no longer required.”

The CFO stepped forward, handing Mark a folder similar to the one he had callously thrown at me less than twenty-four hours ago. “Inside, you’ll find your termination agreements. You are to vacate your office and surrender all company property immediately. Your shares will be bought out at a current market rate, more than generous given the circumstances.”

Mark’s eyes blazed with anger and humiliation. “You set me up! This is betrayal!”

I met his gaze steadily. “No, Mark. This is justice. For too long, I’ve watched you treat people as pawns, including me. But while you were concerned with appearances, I was focused on substance. You see, I don’t need to be in the spotlight to wield power.”

Mark clenched his fists, his bravado evaporating as quickly as his position. “This isn’t over, Anna.”

“Oh, but it is,” I replied calmly, signaling the security team to escort him out. “You wanted freedom, and now you have it. Go live your life.”