Chapter 6
626words
Yves tried to speak again, but security was already escorting them both toward the exit.
I surveyed the remaining crowd, identifying each person who had mocked me earlier.
One particularly vocal employee stepped forward with a nervous smile. "What an honor to have such a young, dynamic CEO! Ms. Sanders, your leadership will surely take us to new heights!"
I saw through his transparent attempt immediately. "Manager Lewis, conduct a thorough investigation of this employee's record. Any irregularities should be met with appropriate consequences."
My memory for faces is impeccable. I identified several others who had been particularly supportive of Ruby. "These individuals warrant investigation as well."
"Right away, Ms. Sanders!"
Lewis immediately mobilized his team, leaving a chorus of desperate apologies in their wake.
"Thank you all for coming. Your support means everything to me."
I hadn't wanted to trouble the board members, but I knew Lewis's word alone wouldn't be enough.
Ruby would have exploited any lingering doubt about my authority.
When I called Lewis, I'd asked him to bring my message to the board members and request their presence.
Dad had forbidden me from using his connections to secure my position, but he never mentioned the board members who'd watched me grow up.
With Ruby and Yves gone, I initiated a complete reorganization of the company.
I made decisive personnel changes, bringing in fresh talent and innovative thinkers to revitalize our operations.
Just as we were gaining momentum, a wave of negative comments about our company flooded social media.
Or more specifically, about me.
Ruby appeared on a viral video, tearfully accusing me of firing her for being pregnant and "playing poor" during my relationship with Yves, painting me as morally bankrupt.
The internet exploded with outrage: "Another rich brat thinking money puts her above basic decency."
"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned—especially one with daddy's money behind her."
"Boycott everything this company produces! Hit them where it hurts!"
Our stock price, which had just begun to recover, took a nosedive.
Even our international partners started expressing concerns.
Watching Ruby's Oscar-worthy performance of the victimized pregnant woman, I mobilized our PR department for an immediate counteroffensive.
"First, Ruby Carter was never officially employed by our company. She was brought in unofficially by her boyfriend in HR."
"Second, during her unauthorized presence at our company, she systematically extorted money from interns and created a hostile work environment through verbal abuse and intimidation."
"Finally, regarding my supposed deception: my father required me to conceal my family connections while dating. As for Ms. Carter's pregnancy—the child belongs to my ex-boyfriend, with whom she was having an affair. What would you have done?"
The tide of public opinion reversed almost instantly.
Internet users turned their investigative skills on Ruby, uncovering a long history of similar behavior.
During college, she'd abused her position in student government to bully and extort money from underclassmen.
"Unbelievable! Some people get the tiniest bit of power and turn into complete monsters!"
"This is sickening. I hope everyone she's ever bullied comes forward with their stories!"
"People like her deserve everything that's coming to them!"
As I scrolled through the comments, my phone rang—Ruby Carter. "Don't get cocky. You think you've won? I've got dirt on your precious company that will bury you. Just wait."
I almost laughed. How could someone who never officially worked here have access to any sensitive information?
If she did have something, it would implicate her as well.
She was about to shoot herself in the foot spectacularly.
The next day, Ruby and Yves appeared on camera, holding up their ID cards. "We're formally reporting that Yana Sanders' company has been systematically evading taxes."
