I never told my husband I owned a five-billion-dollar empire. To him, I was still “the useless housewife.” At his promotion party, he forced me to wear a maid’s uniform and serve drinks, while his mistress sat in the place of honor, wearing my jewelry. I kept my head down and served quietly—until his boss saw me and stopped cold.

“As the Chairman of NovaStream, I am invoking Article 42 of the company bylaws. Mark Vance, you are terminated immediately for gross misconduct, embezzlement, and corporate theft.”

Mark’s knees gave out. He collapsed to the floor.

“And,” Elena continued, reaching into her purse and pulling out a thick envelope, “as your wife…”

She threw the envelope at him. It struck him in the chest, papers scattering everywhere.

“I am serving you with divorce papers. My forensic accountants have already frozen your assets to recover the stolen funds. You are leaving this marriage with exactly what you brought into it: Nothing.”

Jessica tried to sneak off the stage.

“Ms. Miller,” Elena called out without turning around.

Jessica froze.

“The necklace,” Elena said. “Leave it. Or I add ‘Possession of Stolen Property’ to the police report being filed as we speak.”

Jessica ripped the necklace off, threw it on the floor, and ran.

Mark crawled toward Elena, grabbing the hem of her dress. He was crying now, ugly, snotty tears. “Please. Elena. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m a nobody without you.”

Elena looked down at him. She pulled her dress from his grip with a sharp tug.