Chapter 1 - The Woman He Should Never Have Humiliated
I smiled, lifted my phone, and whispered, “Cancel his promotion. And prepare the next announcement.”
The laughter continued around me. Ethan Caldwell raised his champagne glass as if he had just conquered the world, while Vanessa leaned against his chest, enjoying every second of my humiliation.
None of them noticed the elderly man standing beside the stage suddenly checking his phone.
He was Arthur Bennett, the company’s chief financial officer, and the only executive who knew my true identity.
His eyes met mine.
I gave him one small nod.
Thirty seconds later, the giant screen behind my husband flickered. Ethan turned, expecting another congratulatory message. Instead, his smiling portrait disappeared, replaced by a single sentence.
PROMOTION ANNOUNCEMENT TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED PENDING EMERGENCY BOARD REVIEW.
The laughter died.
“What the hell is this?” Ethan demanded.
Arthur stepped toward the microphone. “Mr. Caldwell, please remain where you are. The board has received information requiring immediate clarification.”
Vanessa’s smile vanished.
Ethan looked around for someone to blame, then spotted me standing near the exit.
“You did this?” he shouted.
I placed one hand over my belly. “I haven't done anything yet, Ethan.”
His face reddened.
Then my phone vibrated.
Arthur had sent me a private message.
Madam Chairwoman, there is one more problem. Someone accessed your confidential trust records this afternoon.
My smile disappeared.
May you like
Because the person who had accessed them hadn't stolen my identity.
They had used my baby's name.
