“This platform wouldn’t be what it is today without the right exposure,” he said smoothly. “Faye’s contribution to its popularity has been… exceptional.”
The words echoed in my ears. Exceptional.
“The company will cherish her,” he continued, his gaze softening slightly as he looked at her, “for life.”
Something inside me went completely still.
My fingers slowly tightened around the papers in my hand. The speech. My speech. The words I spent nights writing. The ideas I poured my heart into.
All of it… Discarded. Just like that.
I lowered my gaze. The ink blurred slightly.
I didn’t realize I was gripping the pages too tightly until they crumpled in my hands.
Around me, whispers spread. Phones lifted. Cameras turned.
I could feel it. The pity. The judgment. The silent labeling. The cast-away Luna.
I inhaled slowly. Then exhaled.
And for the first time… It didn’t hurt as much as I expected. Because I already knew. This was never mine anymore.
The event ended in celebration. Laughter. Congratulations. Endless praise directed at them.
I remained seated until the crowd began to thin.
And then—
“Stephanie.”
I looked up. Alpha Cain stood in front of me.