Chapter 86
Mirabelle’s POV:
I was about to speak when one of the board members interrupted me. “Mrs. Sylvester.” He said, his voice icy. “It would be wise for you to step down as chairman. Sell off your shares, leave the country, and save us all further embarrassment.”
His words hung in the air like a death sentence. “And if I don’t?” I asked, my voice calm despite the storm raging inside me.
“Then we’ll have no choice but to pursue legal action against you.” He said, his lips curling into a smirk. “You’d spend the rest of your life behind bars, and frankly, we’d prefer that outcome.”
A nod of agreement passed through the room. I looked around at the faces of people I had once trusted-now filled with anger and hatred. “You’re all jumping to conclusions without giving me a chance to defend myself.” I remarked. “I have done nothing illegal. This is a coordinated attack to discredit me.”
“Is that so?” Mrs. Patel snapped. “And what about the news reports? Are those fabricated too? Your reputation is in shambles, Mirabelle. The best thing you can do for this company is leave quietly.”
I argued with them, attempting to convince them of my innocence, but they were relentless, dismissing every point I made. They had already made up their minds.
Finally, I stood, picking up my bag. “If you’re so determined to oust me, I’ll have to consult my lawyer first.”
Mr. Jenson cleared his throat, breaking the quietness. “This isn’t over, Mrs. Sylvester. We’ll also be conducting a thorough investigation. Until then, consider your position under review.”
I straightened my spine, refusing to let them see my fear. “Do what you must.” I said, my voice calm. “But mark my words-you’ll regret doubting me.” Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked out of the conference room, keeping my head high.
As I stepped into the hallway, I noticed a cluster of employees loitering near the elevators. They all turned to look at me, their expressions a mixture of contempt and curiosity.
Their cold and judgmental stares pierced through me. And I forced a smile as I strode past them. The moment I reached my car in the parking lot, my composure shattered. I collapsed into the driver’s seat and burst into tears, my sobs wracking my body. I couldn’t remember the last time I had cried this way.
Not since… Ken gave me those divorce papers.
When my life had fallen apart back then, Noah was my savior. He picked up the pieces and put me back together. And now, the same Noah was the architect of my destruction.
I wiped my tears furiously, glaring at my reflection in the rearview mirror. “You made a mistake.” I whispered bitterly. “You should never have relied on someone else to save you. You should have fought for yourself, Mirabelle. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt this much.”
Just then, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen-Ken. My hand hovered over the answer button, hesitating. What would he want? Surely, he’d heard the news. I braced myself for his laughter, or worse, indifference.
Maybe he wants to break off our partnership, after all he doesn’t have to feel guilty about losing me anymore. I am now worthless.
But his voice was warm and it surprised me.
“Mirabelle.” he called out. “How are you holding up?”
I swallowed hard. “I’m fine.” I lied. “I didn’t expect you to call.”
“Well, I saw the news and… I wanted to check on you.”
My throat tightened. “You don’t have to pretend to care, Ken. I know you must be relieved. I’m finally nothing.”
“What?” He asked. “Why would you think that? Look, where are you right now?”
“I’m still in my company’s parking lot.” I admitted, my voice barely over a whisper.
“You’re not in a state to drive.” He said firmly. “Get out of the car, lock it, and head to the nearest restaurant. I’ll come and get you.”
I hesitated but eventually did as he said, walking into a small cafe nearby. I sat at a corner table, trying to ignore the curious glances from the other patrons. True to his word, Ken arrived within twenty minutes. He didn’t say much-just took my hand and led me outside. The silence between us was heavy, but oddly comforting.
When we reached the parking lot, he held out his hand. “Give me your keys.” He said.
I handed them over without a word, and he drove me home. As we approached the gate, my heart sank. A crowd of reporters swarmed the entrance, their cameras flashing, their voices calling out questions I couldn’t help but could imagine.
Ken reversed the car quickly. “We’re not going in there.” He said.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked, fear creeping into my voice.
“Away from this chaos.” He replied.
“But my kids.” I protested, “and Noah’s maternal grandfather-”
“They’ll manage.” He interrupted. “Right now, you need to get away.”
He drove to his house instead. When we arrived, I hesitated at the door, glancing at him warily. “Is Michelle here?” I asked.
The last thing I wanted was to get into an argument with her. I can handle her but this is not the right time.
“No.” He said simply. “She has moved out.”
I blinked in surprise. “Moved out?”
He didn’t elaborate, just opened the door and gestured for me to enter. Inside, he led me to the kitchen and sat me on a stool by the counter.
Then he pulled out a bottle of red wine, pouring me a glass. I expected him to sit down with me, but instead, he tied an apron around his waist and began rummaging through the cabinets. He pulled out a frying pan, eggs, fresh vegetables, bread, and a few spices.
“What are you doing?” I asked, confused.
He smirked. “You haven’t eaten, have you?”
I shook my head.
“I’m making breakfast for you.” He said simply, smiling widely.
“How did you know I haven’t eaten?” I asked, surprised.
“I just know.” He replied with a playful smile, turning his attention back to the stove.