Chapter 4
I spread my hands casually. “Is there a problem? Hasn’t this always been my compány?”
Sebastian yanked at his tie, clearly irritated. “Yes, you’re the legal owner, but you’ve been playing house for years while I’ve been the one actually running this business…”
I cut him off sharply. “This company was left to me by my parents. You’ve been a temporary caretaker for three years. Now I’m back, and you’re questioning my right to be here?”
Sebastian’s lips curled into a condescending smirk as he gestured around the table.
‘Fine, let’s put it to a vote. Who would you all rather follow–the guy who’s been busting his ass building this company day in and day out, or the little woman who suddenly shows up after three years of planning baby showers?”
Claire leaned against Sebastian, arms folded across her chest, watching me with the smug satisfaction of someone who thought she’d already won.
I held my breath as I scanned the faces around the conference table.
The department managers exchanged uncomfortable glances, caught in the crossfire of our power struggle.
Finally, the HR manager straightened her shoulders and stood up.
‘HR fully supports Ms. Sterling’s leadership.”
‘Administration fully supports Ms. Sterling’s leadership.”
‘Project Management fully supports Ms. Sterling’s leadership.”
“…”
With each declaration of support, I felt the weight lifting from my shoulders.
Sebastian’s face fell further with each voice that rose against him.
watched as the arrogance in his eyes transformed into bewilderment.
No surprise there. He had no clue about my family connections. He’d spent our entire marriage underestimating me–just another niscalculation in his grand scheme.
When the last manager had spoken, not a single voice had backed Sebastian.
For the first time, I saw real panic flash across his face. He subtly stepped away from Claire, shifting tactics instantly.
Babe, why are we talking about ‘mine‘ versus ‘yours‘?” His voice softened into the persuasive tone I knew all too well. “Marriage neans what’s yours is mine. This company belongs to us both.”
almost laughed. Typical Sebastian–always scrambling to protect his interests.
True, he’d managed the company during our marriage. In a normal divorce, he might have a claim. But there was nothing normal
bout drugging your wife and setting her up with her ex.
Still, I needed to play this smart. The toxicology report wasn’t back yet. I couldn’t afford to show all my cards.
16.05
Huo My Quê Life: How the Housewife Reclaimed Her Empire
Chapter 4
I nodded with calculated restraint. “You’ve made contributions. You can stay on as COO.”
“C–0-0?”
Sebastian’s mouth hung open, his ego visibly bruised by the demotion.
Claire glanced frantically between us before clutching his arm.
“Sebastian! Are you seriously letting her fire me? After everything I did for you? For us?”
“Shut your mouth!”
Sebastian hissed at her before turning to me with forced reasonableness.
“Anastasia, Claire obviously overstepped. She didn’t understand the… situation. Perhaps a suspension or probation would be more appropriate than termination?”
I locked eyes with him, my voice dropping to steel. “Are you really telling me how to handle MY staff on MY first day back? You’re the COO now, Sebastian. Not the CEO. Not the owner. Know your place.”
Sebastian stood there stunned, clearly unaccustomed to being publicly put in his place–especially by me.
With a slight nod to the office manager, I watched as security escorted Claire toward the exit.
She fought against their grip, spitting venom. “You fucking bitch! Don’t get too comfortable in that chair! Everyone’s going to know exactly what kind of whore you really are!”
To my surprise, Sebastian’s tense expression actually relaxed at her outburst. A knowing smile played at the corners of his mouth–the look of someone who still believed he held the winning hand.
His smug confidence made my skin crawl. I dismissed the meeting with a flick of my wrist.
I threw myself into work, reacquainting myself with every aspect of the company I’d foolishly entrusted to Sebastian. The office emptied as evening fell, but I kept going well past midnight.
When I finally arrived home, Sebastian was sprawled on the living room couch, an empty whiskey glass dangling from his fingers. His bloodshot eyes locked onto me the moment I walked through the door.
“Where the fuck were you two nights ago, Anastasia?” he demanded, his voice raw with anger. “And don’t give me any bullshit about staying at Claire’s.”
