“Effective immediately,” he announced, “Daniel Mercer is terminated from Langley International Holdings. All promotions are revoked. A complete internal audit begins tonight.”
Daniel’s face twisted in panic.
“No—please! You can’t do this to me!”
But my father continued calmly.
“Any assets or opportunities obtained through misuse of company resources will be reclaimed immediately.”
Daniel looked at me desperately.
“You’ll ruin my life…”
I stared at him for a long moment before answering.
“No,” I said softly.
“You ruined it yourself.”
Then I turned away.
Security dragged him from the ballroom while his voice echoed behind me in humiliation and desperation.
Moments earlier, that room had admired him.
Now they watched him disappear in silence.
I stepped onto the stage beside my father as fresh champagne was placed into my hand.
And for the first time in years—
I finally stopped making myself smaller for someone who never deserved to stand beside me.
