Chapter 2

Leo’s so scared his knees go weak.

He slams his laptop shut, instantly groveling to Mr. Harvey.

"Mr. Harvey, it’s a misunderstanding!

Chloe was never interested in our operations, I just thought...

Just take it as a couple's quarrel, please, ignore us!"

"Couple’s quarrel? Is this a joke to you?"

I cut him off, cold as ice.

I stand up, walk straight to the head of the table, and slam my laptop down.

"Your office keys. Corporate AmEx. Hand them over."

Leo clutches his suit pocket, his face turning ashen, refusing my order.

"Chloe, please don’t make a scene, okay?

The board is watching! At least show me some respect!"

He drops his voice, adding a pathetic edge of threat.

"Aetheria is scaling fast now. We’re at the key stage of expansion.

Those VCs only recognize my face!"

"You’re just a tech girl behind the scenes.

What do you know about closing multi-million dollar deals?"

"Be a good wife. Let me stay on as CEO. I promise I won't use the board against you again."

I almost laugh out loud at his sheer, shameless audacity.

"Those investors show up for my father, Julian Sterling, not you."

"You are just a broke gold-digger who mooches off my credit card."

“Who do you think you are?”

I don't even blink, nodding directly to the Head of Security.

"Throw him out."

Leo is caught off guard.

Two muscular security guards drag him out of the room like a bag of trash.

Out in the hallway, the entire office erupts into whispers, everyone pointing fingers at him.

His fragile ego shatters.

Feeling totally humiliated, he thrashes around like a maniac, screaming at the glass doors:

"Chloe Sterling! Don't push your luck!

You’re just a woman who doesn’t know any business!

You wanna be the CEO? What a joke!"

"Fire me today, and you’ll be begging on your knees for me to pitch your investors again! And I won’t say yes!"

I don't even give him a second glance.

I take my rightful seat as CEO at the head of the table, making my announcement to the board.

"Sorry, everyone. Let’s continue.

Agenda number one:

Immediate termination of Leo Martinez from all duties at Aetheria."