Chapter 7 - Rebuilding the Throne
Three months later, the corporate offices of our Chicago division buzzed with celebratory energy.
It was the annual gala for the Midwest Regional Sales Directorate, hosted in the exact grand ballroom where I had celebrated my promotion months ago—the very night that had triggered Daniel’s insecure rage and led to the midnight shaving incident.
I stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the glittering Chicago skyline, wearing a breathtaking, backless emerald green designer gown that commanded the attention of every person in the room. My hair had grown out into a chic, striking platinum-blonde pixie cut that accentuated my cheekbones and gave me an aura of fierce, unapologetic authority.
"Elena," a smooth, cultured voice greeted me.
I turned to see Richard Vance, the senior managing partner of the firm, holding two glasses of champagne. He handed me one with a warm, respectful smile.
"To the most formidable executive our firm has ever seen," Richard toasted, tapping his glass against mine. "Your Q4 numbers broke every historical record in company history. And I hear your personal life has undergone a rather dramatic... renovation as well."
I took a slow sip of the crisp champagne, letting the bubbles dance on my tongue. "Renovation is an understatement, Richard. Let’s call it a complete demolition and rebuild."
"Well, whatever you did, it suits you," he smiled, looking out at the ballroom. "Word on the street is that your ex-husband tried to petition the court for alimony and marital property division."
I let out a light, amused laugh. "He tried. Unfortunately for Daniel, my legal team proved that he spent three years embezzling household allowances into secret cryptocurrency wallets while contributing zero financial equity to the marriage. His petition was thrown out with prejudice, and he was ordered to pay my legal fees."
"A fitting conclusion," Richard nodded approvingly. "By the way, there’s someone here who would love to congratulate you. An old colleague from the downtown development sector."
Before I could ask who, Richard stepped aside, revealing a tall, striking man in a bespoke charcoal suit. It was Julian Sterling, the brilliant senior VP of corporate infrastructure—a man known across the industry as both a visionary developer and a notoriously fiercely independent bachelor.
"Elena," Julian smiled, his dark eyes crinkling at the corners with genuine warmth. "I’ve been trying to get ten minutes of your time all evening, but your executive team keeps guarding you like a state secret."
"Julian," I smiled, genuinely pleased to see him. "I thought you were in New York closing the harbor development deal."
"Wrapped it up early just so I could make it back for this gala," he replied smoothly, stepping closer. "I wanted to congratulate you in person. Not just on the promotion, but on... well, let's just say the grapevine in Chicago is very small, and everyone in executive circles is in absolute awe of how you handled your divorce."
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I raised an eyebrow playfully. "Is that so? Are people calling me ruthless?"
"No," Julian said softly, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that made my breath catch slightly in my throat. "They're calling you a queen who took back her crown. And frankly, I've never seen anything more attractive."
