Chapter 2: The Price of Betrayal
Chapter 2: The Price of Betrayal
The investigation moved faster than anyone expected.
Auditors searched every financial record Daniel had ever approved.
Bank accounts were frozen.
Luxury properties were seized.
The media camped outside the mansion day and night.
Every headline told the same story.
The brilliant CEO wasn't brilliant at all.
He had simply taken credit for Elena's work.
Former executives slowly came forward.
"I always wondered why every successful negotiation happened when Mrs. Carter attended."
"I never understood why investors trusted her more than him."
"The company changed after she stopped coming to meetings."
The truth spread faster than the lies ever had.
Even Chloe disappeared.
When reporters found her outside a fashion event, she smiled awkwardly.
"I had no idea."
The internet wasn't convinced.
Patricia tried calling Elena dozens of times.
Every call went unanswered.
Finally, she visited Ward Global herself.
Security stopped her before she reached the elevators.
"I'm Daniel's mother."
The guard remained polite.
"I know."
"I need to see Elena."
"I'm sorry."
He checked his tablet.
"Ms. Ward instructed us not to admit anyone connected to the Carter family."
Patricia stared at the towering glass building.
Only then did she realize something.
She had spent years treating the true owner like an unwanted guest.
Inside the executive office, Elena signed the final divorce papers.
This time...
There were conditions.
Daniel received nothing beyond what he had legally earned before the marriage.
Every fraudulent bonus.
Every inflated stock option.
Every executive privilege.
Gone.
Arthur looked at her.
"Any regrets?"
Elena smiled softly.
"Only one."
"What is it?"
"I regret forgetting my own worth."
May you like
Arthur nodded.
"That mistake ends today."
