Chapter 9 - The PromotionBy Monday morning, the story was front-page news across every digital tabloid and financial gossip column in the city.
“THE 110,00CIDED: Corporate Executive Forecloses Brother’s Society Wedding After Public Insult.”
Photos of Julian in his ruined velvet tuxedo standing outside the locked gates of Cedar Grove went viral, accompanied by screenshots of the infamous group chat message: “You’re not invited. Goodbye, loser.” Followed instantly by Arthur Vance’s thumbs-up.
Internet sleuths had dug up our family history within hours. Public sympathy was overwhelmingly—almost shockingly—on my side. Memes of my ice-white blazer and the chilling phrase “My name is also on every contract” flooded X and TikTok.
When I stepped off the elevator on the forty-second floor of corporate headquarters that Monday morning, the entire executive floor went quiet.
Every head turned. Every eye was locked on me.
But there was no pity in their gazes this time. Only absolute, unadulterated awe.
Richard, the regional VP, stepped out of his corner office holding a leather-bound folder. A wide, approving grin spread across his face as he walked toward me.
"Well, Evelyn," Richard said, his voice ringing out clearly across the open-plan office. "I read the papers this weekend. I saw how you handled the Cedar Grove asset restructuring."
"Standard corporate cleanup, Richard," I replied, adjusting my collar with a calm smile. "Pruning dead weight to protect the primary investment."
Richard laughed heartily, clapping me on the shoulder. "The board met at 7:00 AM. Unanimous vote. The Executive VP position is yours, effective immediately. And frankly... considering how you handled a hundred thousand dollars worth of default with zero emotional hesitation, I'd say you're on track for my job in three years."
"Thank you, Richard," I said smoothly. "I won't let you down."
May you like
As he walked away, my phone buzzed in my pocket.
An incoming call from an unknown, blocked number. I let it ring once, twice, three times, listening to the vibration against my tailored slacks. Then, I swiped to answer.
