Chapter 8 - Stripped of the CrownThe board vote wasn't even close. It was a unanimous five-to-zero sweep.
In less than twenty minutes, Ethan Walker was formally stripped of his title as CEO, removed from the board of directors, and stripped of his executive voting rights. The company he had treated like his personal kingdom was officially reclaimed by its true creator.
As the meeting adjourned and the board members packed their briefcases, Ethan remained standing near the end of the long mahogany table, completely hollowed out.
Clare remained seated, quietly reviewing the final transfer documents.
Ethan took a slow, agonizing step toward her, his voice cracking into a ragged, pathetic whisper.
"Clare... please," he murmured, his arrogance entirely shattered. "Please. We can fix this. We can go back to Boston. We can drop the divorce. I was an idiot—I was blind. I need you, Clare. I can't do this without you."
Clare didn't look up from her papers right away. She finished writing her signature, closed the leather folder with a soft thud, and finally raised her eyes to meet his broken gaze.
"You didn't want a wife, Ethan," she said softly, her voice devoid of anger, which was somehow infinitely worse than hatred. "You wanted an accessory. And accessories don't hold equity."
May you like
She stood up, buttoned her blazer, and walked toward the private office doors, accompanied by her legal team.
"Security will escort you out of the building, Mr. Walker," Clare said without turning back. "Your personal belongings have already been boxed and sent to your temporary apartment."
