Kindness That Wasn’t Weakness
Rebecca finally turned toward Vanessa, her expression softening in a way that puzzled everyone watching.
“You can stay in the penthouse for now,” she told her. “In your condition, stability matters.”
She lowered her voice slightly.
“If you need anything for the baby, call me.”
Vanessa looked at her, visibly shaken.
“Why are you being kind to me?”
Rebecca’s response carried no drama. It simply landed.
“Because this isn’t a soap opera,” she said. “Your child is innocent. My issue isn’t you. It’s the man who lied to both of us.”
A new voice sounded from the doorway.
“She’s correct—legally and structurally.”
The company’s counsel, David Chen, stepped inside with a briefcase, his expression calm and precise.
He addressed the board rather than Mark.
“I reviewed the structure and the evidence,” he said. “Her interpretation is correct.”
Mark snapped immediately.
“You work for me!”
David didn’t blink.
“I work for Hart Capital.”
He slid a document across the table.
“Notice of immediate suspension from the chief executive role, effective now, pending the formal vote tomorrow morning.”
