Chapter 2

2

Last time, my refusal had sparked outrage. I was labeled a usurper, enjoying Britney's rightful life. Employees, even friends, pitied Britney, forgetting that the company's success was my doing. My hard work was attributed to Mom's ownership, as if the company's prosperity was inevitable. I became the villain.

Britney’s deathbed confession revealed their plan: secure the VP position, then slowly isolate me, manipulating me into surrendering control. They succeeded, and I died.

Now, I watched their reactions: Mom's suspicion, Ethan's confusion, and Britney's veiled triumph. Britney smiled, then quickly composed herself at Mom's wary look.

Mom's lips parted. She hadn't expected my compliance. She knew how much I'd poured into the company.

I stood, smiled at the crowd, and walked away.

"Wait!"

My heart leaped. Perhaps she cared after all.

But her next words froze me. "Britney's unfamiliar with the business. You'll stay and guide her." An order.

I turned, my smile gone. "Seven days. That's all you get."

I strode out, tears stinging my eyes. She truly didn't care. But I wiped my tears, a new resolve hardening my gaze. A crisis was looming. I wanted to see how Britney would handle it.

As I packed, Britney appeared. "Ashley, where are you going?"

I ignored her. She slapped my clothes to the floor. "You think you're better than me? I'm the future CEO!"

I studied her. On arrival, she'd sobbed about years of abuse from her adoptive parents. Now, I doubted it. An abused adult wouldn't stay put. And Britney's skin was flawless, hardly a mark on her. It was all a ploy for Mom's sympathy.

"Done with the act? You were quite convincing downstairs," I said, smiling. "Your skin is remarkably smooth. They really abused you?"

She froze, then erupted. "You don't know anything! They abused me! I never had anything I wanted! What's the point of living?!" She kicked my suitcase. "You said you'd give me everything! You're not taking anything! You can experience poverty now!" She lunged, tearing at my clothes. Footsteps echoed on the stairs.

"Bang!" Britney crumpled to the floor as someone entered. "Ashley! I was just helping you pack! Why did you hit me?!"

She sobbed, clutching her head. A perfect performance. Before I could speak, Mom slapped me. "Ashley!"