My husband forced me to work as a maid at his promotion party—and even paraded his mistress in front of everyone. But the entire room went silent when the global CEO stepped in, bowed slightly, and called me “Madam Chairwoman.”

Every step I took between tables was a reminder of how far he’d fallen… and how wrong I’d been to keep hoping he’d change.

“Waitress—another glass,” one guest ordered without even looking at me.

I served silently.

I passed near the head table just as Grant raised his champagne.

“Thank you all for being here tonight,” he announced. “This promotion marks the beginning of a new chapter for the company—and for me.”

Applause.

Madison placed her hand on his arm, acting intimate.

“And I especially want to thank my partner,” Grant added, smiling at her the way he used to smile at me. “She’s been supporting me every step of the way.”

My throat tightened, but I kept walking.

Then something unexpected happened.

The ballroom doors opened—and the entire room’s murmur died instantly.

In walked the global CEO of the group, Adrian Reeves, accompanied by several members of the international board.

His presence wasn’t on the program.

No one expected him to fly in from New York just for this celebration.

Grant stiffened, stunned, then immediately pasted on his polished professional grin.

“Mr. Reeves! What an honor to have you here.”

Everyone stood.

I had my back turned, setting glasses down on a side table.