“Exactly. You’re not. Look at you—your hands, your smell, the way you dress. I’m a VP now. My circle is different. You don’t belong anymore.”
My throat tightened, the ember‑glow of the dress mirroring the ember‑rage inside me.
“I helped you get there… I stood by you when you had nothing…”
He smirked, the grin widening like a predator.
“And I compensate you, don’t I? Stay home. I’ve invited Vanessa—the director’s daughter. She fits my image. Try to show up, and security will remove you.”
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