After My Husband Fired Me, I Became His Rival's Partner

The morning light glinted off the glass facade of the Price Enterprises building as I strode across the marble lobby in my charcoal Armani suit. The click of my heels echoed confidently with each step, a rhythm I'd perfected over years of being the company's invisible backbone. Today was different. Today was bonus day—the one time each year when results couldn't be hidden behind corporate politics or flashy presentations.

I smoothed my hands over the tailored suit, mentally rehearsing the brief acceptance speech I'd prepared for the "Top Sales Champion" award. For the fifth consecutive year, I'd single-handedly secured over sixty percent of the company's revenue. Not that anyone besides the accounting department and Ethan knew this. My husband had always insisted I maintain a low profile, claiming it was strategic for negotiations if clients underestimated us.

"Good morning, Ms. Jenkins," the receptionist called, her smile genuine but tinged with something I couldn't quite place. Pity? Nervousness?

"Morning, Diane," I replied, checking my watch. I was precisely on time—8:45 AM for the 9:00 AM ceremony.

The elevator ride to the executive floor was filled with colleagues I barely knew, all buzzing with anticipation about their year-end bonuses. I smiled politely, maintaining the professional distance I'd cultivated for years. None of them knew I was married to the CEO. None of them knew I was responsible for the generous checks they were about to receive.

The conference room was already packed when I arrived. I slipped into a seat near the back, preferring to observe rather than be observed. Ethan stood at the podium looking immaculate in his navy Tom Ford suit, his confident smile revealing nothing of our argument from the night before. He'd come home late again, smelling of unfamiliar perfume, brushing off my questions with vague explanations about client dinners.

"Welcome, everyone, to our annual awards ceremony," Ethan began, his voice carrying that practiced charisma that had first attracted me to him. "Before we distribute the bonuses, I'd like to recognize some outstanding achievements from the past year."

My phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number: "Check your email now." I frowned, ignoring it. Whatever it was could wait fifteen minutes.

"First, I'd like to recognize our marketing team for their exceptional campaign..." Ethan continued, working through the standard acknowledgments.

I felt a shift in the room's energy before I heard the click of heels approaching the podium. A statuesque blonde in a red dress that was just a shade too tight for a professional setting strode purposefully toward Ethan. The room fell silent.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Ethan," she said, her voice carrying a sweetness that didn't reach her eyes, "but I think there's an announcement we should make before proceeding."

Ethan's expression flickered—not with surprise, but with anticipation. My stomach tightened.

"Of course, Victoria," he replied, stepping aside to give her the microphone.

Victoria Stone. The new sales director hired three months ago whom I'd met exactly twice. She turned to face the room,