Chapter 3

When I got to work the next day, my things were being carried out of my office.

I hurried over to stop them.

"What are you doing? Who gave you permission?!"

The man in charge gave me an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry. The chairman ordered it.

"You're no longer the vice president. The new vice president is Ms. Conti."

For a long moment, I couldn't speak. When I finally did, my voice was hoarse.

"What about me?"

He looked at me with pity.

"You're now the assistant to the vice president. You'll support her work."

I went straight to my father's office to demand an explanation.

But when I pushed the door open, Lorenzo and Giuliana were there too.

My father looked at me with disapproval.

"Who told you to come in?"

I bit my lip and demanded an answer.

"Why did you suddenly give my position to Giuliana?"

Lorenzo moved Giuliana behind him and answered casually.

"Giuliana has no standing. Making her vice president will keep people from looking down on her."

Giuliana held Lorenzo's arm and smiled sweetly.

"Don't worry, Beatrice. I'll be a good vice president for you."

In her eyes I could see the triumph she didn't bother to hide.

My voice turned cold.

"You don't know how to do anything. How are you going to be a good vice president?"

Giuliana's eyes filled with tears at once, and she looked to Lorenzo, wounded.

Lorenzo patted her hand gently, then turned a cold look on me.

"Do you have to be so cruel?

"Giuliana doesn't have your experience. That's why I suggested to your father that she be vice president and you be her assistant.

"You're best friends, aren't you? Helping her is the least you can do."

My heart skipped a beat. The tears I'd held back finally spilled over.

"It was your idea?"

When Lorenzo saw me cry, he hesitated. Then, out of habit, he started toward me to wipe away my tears.

But Giuliana tugged his sleeve, and he stayed where he was.

"It's the best solution. The company keeps running, and Giuliana's position is secure."

Lorenzo's voice was flat, as if he were reporting the return on an investment.

My pain and anger didn't matter to him.

I looked at my father and tried once more.

"Dad, I'm your daughter. How could you do this to me?"

He didn't hesitate for a second.

"Giuliana has been the one by our side all these years. Even when we wanted to take a trip together, you said you were too busy.

"Giuliana planned the trips and made sure we had a wonderful time. She's earned the vice presidency."

My nails dug into my palms, leaving little crescent-shaped cuts.

My parents had left the day-to-day running of the company to my brother and me years ago.

My brother couldn't handle it, so I did everything myself.

I hadn't had time to travel with them, but I'd spent a month planning and booking every detail of the trip.

I never imagined Giuliana would take the credit for my work.

I couldn't take it anymore. I grabbed Giuliana's arm.

"Why are you lying? You know I planned all of it!"

Giuliana's eyes filled with tears, as if I had frightened her.

"I don't know what you're talking about. You're hurting me."

Before I could say another word, Lorenzo shoved me. I hit the floor hard.

"Beatrice! Are you insane? Didn't you hear her say you were hurting her?!

"Someone take her out to cool off."

Lorenzo's bodyguard came in, looking embarrassed, and tried to help me up.

But I was in too much pain to stand or speak.

Lorenzo's gaze grew colder still.

"Playing the victim now? Giuliana's wrist is red where you grabbed her!"

He turned to the bodyguard.

"If she won't get up, drag her out."

The bodyguard murmured an apology and dragged me toward the door.

For a woman from a noble house, it was humiliating.

I fought and sobbed until my voice gave out.

"Lorenzo! There are people out there. You can't do this to me!"

He gave me a cold look.

"If I don't shame you, how will you learn?

"Throw her out. Let everyone see what happens to people who bully Giuliana."

Through my tears, I watched Lorenzo cradle Giuliana's wrist and ask if it hurt.

The last of my hope died.

It was time to reply to the email inviting me to start a business elsewhere.