Chapter 9

“Revania! Stop altering that report data right now!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the quiet office. My fists clenched as I glared at the computer screen, quickly being corrected by her assistant.

Revania turned, a cold smile on her face. “Oh, Devia… you really aren’t afraid anymore, are you? Good. But don’t think I’ll stop just because you’re angry.”

I stepped forward quickly, closing the distance between us to just a few paces. “I won’t let you destroy my team or the projects I’ve built myself. This is your last warning!”

Her assistant, a young woman, gave a mocking laugh. “Hahaha, look at this! Mrs. Devia daring to scold Miss Revania. How funny.”

I shot the assistant a cold glare. “You’re just a shadow of Revania. Don’t interfere in my business!”

Revania smirked. “A shadow? Don’t get it wrong—I decide who holds power here. And you, Devia, are just learning how to walk in this battlefield.”

I narrowed the distance, looking her straight in the eyes. “Then let’s see who can truly endure.”

---

That day, the office felt tense. Every employee held their breath, watching two strong women clash with strategy and intelligence.

“Devia!” one of my team whispered, “you really dare to face Revania alone?”

I gave a faint smile, bowing slightly to them. “I’m not alone. I have a team that believes in me, and I won’t give up to anyone.”

Meanwhile, Revania started spreading rumors across the internal company channels. “Devia can’t handle big projects. Her divorce and emotions will surely affect her performance.”

I took a steady breath, then opened the latest presentation file. “If you doubt, just look at the real results. Everything is here, complete and structured.”

I looked at Revania, my voice low but firm. “I don’t need your approval. But never try to control my projects again.”

Revania sneered. “You think you can beat me? I’ve known Argantara longer than you. I know all your weaknesses.”

I clenched my fists. “My weaknesses aren’t for you to exploit. You’ll learn—I’m no longer a woman you can manipulate or belittle.”

---

A few hours later, the product launch presentation began. Revania tried to sabotage it by secretly turning off the projector. I saw it from the corner of my eye, but stayed focused.

“Next slide,” I said firmly, tapping my tablet. Quickly, my laptop connected to the backup projector system. All the data appeared perfectly, even clearer and more impressive than Revania’s original plan.

The board of directors looked at me in awe. “Amazing, Devia. This presentation is extremely professional. Your team did a great job.”

Revania was stunned, her eyes burning with rising anger. “This… can’t be!”

I gave a cold smile, standing in front of everyone. “This proves that hard work and careful strategy are worth far more than manipulation and schemes.”

Revania glared at me with fiery eyes, but I didn’t care. This time, I won not by luck, but by my own ability and courage.

---

That night, I closed the office, gazing at the city skyline from the window. The city lights sparkled, hinting at a world full of opportunities beyond.

My phone vibrated. A message from a major client: “Devia, your team is amazing. We want to expand the contract with your company. Excellent work!”

I smiled, setting aside all pain and the past. “This is just the beginning,” I whispered. “No one can stop me now.”

Suddenly, my office door opened. Argantara stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable. “Devia…”

I turned, meeting his gaze evenly. “What now, Argan?”

He stepped inside slowly. “I… want to apologize. I was wrong all this time, too focused on Revania and my mother’s desires. I see you now… you’re stronger than I imagined.”

I looked at him coldly. “You just realized now? After years of ignoring me and almost giving my heart to Revania?”

Argantara lowered his gaze briefly. “I know I don’t deserve anything. But I want you to know—I respect you. I’m not demanding you come back. I just want you to know.”

I leaned forward, staring sharply. “Argan, I don’t need your recognition. I won’t return to someone who saw me as weak. I’m building my own life now.”

He looked at me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “I understand… I just hope you remain safe, both professionally and personally.”

I gave a faint smile, staring out the window. “You’re too late, Argan. I’ve already found my own strength. And you… are just a part of my past that shaped me into a stronger woman.”

Outside, the city lights still shimmered, but my heart felt brighter. I knew the battle with Revania wasn’t over, and Argantara might still be around, but now I stood not as a dependent wife, but as a woman in control of her own life.

That night, I whispered to myself, “Devia, this is only the beginning. The world hasn’t seen the real you yet. I will prove that a woman can rise from pain, defeat all schemes, and still stand tall with her head held high.”