Chapter 7
Sebastian froze mid–performance.
The livestream chat exploded again.
[She’s completely shameless!] [Ladies, if she won’t back down, let’s make her company trend for all the wrong reasons!]
I ignored the digital mob and continued with ice in my voice:
“Three years ago, Sebastian convinced me to leave the company under the guise of starting a family.”
.
“But every single day, he secretly fed me contraceptives disguised as prenatal vitamins, ensuring I’d remain trapped in a cycle of fertility struggles–too emotionally drained to return to my rightful position.”
I played the video of the doctor examining the pill bottle, holding it up to the camera.
The bottle clearly labeled “Folic Acid,” but the doctor unequivocally identified them as birth control pills.
Sebastian’s face went ashen. “Those were prenatal vitamins! Who knows what quack doctor you paid to say otherwise?”
The viewers quickly recognized the truth.
[That’s Dr. Harrison from University Medical–he’s a legend.] [I’ve been his patient for years! He calls things exactly as they are, even when it hurts.] [Wait… is this whole story about to flip?]
Sebastian’s eyes darted frantically around the room. “That video means nothing! You could have switched the pills yourself!”
I fixed him with a gaze that could cut glass. “Fine. Deny the contraceptives if you want. But the night of the reunion? You and Edmund conspired to drug me.”
My voice remained steady but vibrated with controlled fury. “You orchestrated my assault, then accused me of cheating so I’d leave with nothing and sign over my family’s company. Are you going to deny that too, Sebastian?”
The room fell into stunned silence. Even the livestream comments momentarily ceased.
Sebastian and Edmund exchanged panicked glances, their carefully constructed narrative crumbling around them.
Sebastian recovered first, forcing an uncomfortable laugh. “Anastasia, this is absurd. I know you’re upset about the divorce, but fabricating criminal allegations?”
Edmund’s face flushed deep crimson. “Drug you? You practically threw yourself at me after a few drinks, saying how much you missed what we had!”
The comments section immediately divided.
[Serious accusations require serious evidence.] [Classic deflection–trying to flip the script on her own infidelity.] [Wait–why would both men show up together demanding the company? Something feels off…]
Claire dabbed at her theatrical tears. “If someone drugged you, why not call the police immediately?”
Sebastian sneered, confidence returning. “Exactly. Even if you called them now, it’s too late for any evidence. Stop this pathetic charade, Anastasia.”
16:06
Chapter 7
I smiled with deadly calm. “Who said I waited until now?”
As if on cue, an authoritative voice cut through the crowd.
“Sebastian Winchester and Edmund Taylor, you’re under arrest for conspiracy to commit sexual assault using controlled substances.
We have conclusive evidence. You’ll need to come with us.”
Several officers pushed through the spectators, efficiently securing both men in handcuffs.
The metallic click seemed to finally jolt them back to reality.
Sebastian writhed against the restraints. “Get these off me! My attorney will destroy you for this! She’s setting me up!”
The officer recited mechanically, “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of
law.”
Edmund’s facade instantly crumbled. “This is all Sebastian’s plan! I was just following orders! He promised me half a million dollars if I went along with it!”
Sebastian lunged toward him. “Shut your fucking mouth, Edmund! You lying piece of-”
Officers separated them, escorting both men out while Claire managed to disappear in the chaos.
The livestream exploded again.
[OMG PLOT TWIST! The police actually arrested them!]
[We just got played like fiddles. We were on the wrong side the whole time!]
[I’m literally deleting my previous comments. I feel terrible!]
[Having your own wife drugged and assaulted? Lock him up and throw away the key!]
[Just confirmed–Sterling Associates is 100% registered to her. It was always her company!]
Composing myself, I addressed the camera directly, my voice steady despite the emotion in my eyes:
‘I never wanted to meet the public this way. I’m Anastasia Sterling, CEO of Sterling Associates–named for my mother, who built this company with my father through years of dedication.”
‘Despite this orchestrated attack on my character and my company, I will not be broken. I will honor my parents‘ legacy by continuing their work with integrity.”
And to every woman watching: if someone violates your trust or your body, do not stay silent. Report it immediately. Your voice natters. Your rights matter. And no one–especially not someone who claims to love you–has the right to take your power away.”
The comments section transformed completely.
Queen behavior! Standing with you 100%!]
From victim to warrior in one day–absolute legend!]
Just followed Sterling Associates on all platforms. Women supporting women!]
Of course, there were still detractors.
16:06
Jaimed Her Finire
57.6
Chapter 7
But their voices were irrelevant now. The truth had surfaced, and Sterling Associates had emerged from the shadows–not how I’d planned, but perhaps exactly how it needed to happen.
That evening, my phone rang with an unknown number.
An hour later, as I ended the call, I couldn’t suppress a satisfied smile.
The spectacle had finally reached my grandmother’s ears–and the real storm was just beginning.
