“I was wrong. Some people, when lifted up, simply look down on those who hold them.”
She pressed a button on the podium.
The screen behind her changed. It wasn’t just the office video anymore. It was a spreadsheet.
UNAUTHORIZED EXPENDITURES – M. VANCE
Tiffany & Co. – $12,000 (Necklace)
The Ritz-Carlton – $4,500 (Suite 402)
Flight to Cabo – $3,200 (Passenger: Jessica Miller)
“You embezzled one hundred and forty thousand dollars from my company in six months, Mark,” Elena said. “You used my money to buy gifts for your mistress. You used my money to book this hotel.”
She pointed to Jessica.
“And you gave her my grandmother’s necklace.”
Jessica’s hand flew to her throat. She looked like she wanted to vomit. She clawed at the clasp, trying to take it off, but her hands were shaking too hard.
“Elena, wait,” Mark pleaded, stepping forward, hands raised. “Babe, honey, listen. It’s not what it looks like. I was… I was testing the security systems! It was a stress test! And Jessica… she’s just a colleague helping me with the roleplay! I love you! You know I love you!”
Elena laughed. It was a dry, hollow sound.
“You love yourself, Mark. You fell in love with the reflection I polished for you.”
She turned back to the microphone.
“As the Chairman of NovaStream, I am invoking Article 42 of the company bylaws. Mark Vance, you are terminated immediately for gross misconduct, embezzlement, and corporate theft.”
Mark’s knees gave out. He collapsed to the floor.
“And,” Elena continued, reaching into her purse and pulling out a thick envelope, “as your wife…”
She threw the envelope at him. It struck him in the chest, papers scattering everywhere.
“I am serving you with divorce papers. My forensic accountants have already frozen your assets to recover the stolen funds. You are leaving this marriage with exactly what you brought into it: Nothing.”
Jessica tried to sneak off the stage.
“Ms. Miller,” Elena called out without turning around.
Jessica froze.
“The necklace,” Elena said. “Leave it. Or I add ‘Possession of Stolen Property’ to the police report being filed as we speak.”
Jessica ripped the necklace off, threw it on the floor, and ran.
Mark crawled toward Elena, grabbing the hem of her dress. He was crying now, ugly, snotty tears. “Please. Elena. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m a nobody without you.”
Elena looked down at him. She pulled her dress from his grip with a sharp tug.
“You were always a nobody, Mark. I just gave you a costume.”
She looked at Sterling. “Get him out of my sight.”
Security guards swarmed the stage. As they dragged a screaming Mark away, Elena picked up the blue diamond necklace from the floor. She held it up to the light. It sparkled, cold and indifferent.
One Week Later
The rain in the city was relentless. Inside a cramped, studio apartment that smelled of mildew and stale takeout, Mark sat on a futon.
He was watching CNBC.
Breaking News: The elusive founder of NovaStream finally steps into the light.
On the screen, Elena stood at a podium at the Global Economic Summit. She wasn’t wearing the simple clothes of a housewife anymore. She wore a tailored white suit that cost more than Mark’s entire former salary. She looked radiant. Powerful.
“Ms. Vance,” a reporter asked. “For years, the market thought NovaStream was run by a board of directors. Why reveal yourself now?”
Elena looked directly into the camera. Her eyes were clear.
“Because I realized that hiding my strength didn’t protect me,” she said. “It only invited weakness into my home. In business, as in life, you must eliminate toxic assets. Once I did that… the path became clear.”
Mark turned off the TV.
