Chapter 3

The board issued a public statement: [Due to Paige Russell's egregious personal conduct, which has caused irreparable damage to the company brand, by unanimous board decision, effective immediately, she is removed from her CEO position, and all her shares are frozen.]

I got fired from the company I founded. The news hit, and the internet celebrated.

Ainsley's wedding happened on the same day. She live-streamed the whole thing, with viewership breaking ten million.

She wore an expensive custom gown and flawless makeup, basking in her life's peak moment.

In the stream, a viewer brought me up. [What happened to your toxic boss? Is she dead?]

Ainsley covered her mouth, faking sympathy. "Oh, guys, don't bring her up today. It's my big day. I actually feel bad for her; she's got nothing left now."

Her eyes gleamed with smug challenge on camera. "If she thinks I faked documents or lied about anything, she can totally sue me."

She chuckled, "I'm waiting for her lawyer's letter."

The chat erupted in laughter.

[Hahaha, like she can afford a lawyer now?]

[Let her bring it to court. See if she will win.]

[Ainsley, just ignore that crazy hag.]

My phone rang again. It was my mom, her voice breaking. "Paige, please stop being so stubborn. Your dad had a heart attack and was hospitalized. We're old; we can't handle this social pressure."

I hung up without responding, but then, a message came from Victoria: [Paige, I've given up. I can't fight them; I'm just a regular person. You should, too.]

Silent, I watched the live feed. Ainsley and her groom were about to exchange rings.

It was about time. I shut off the stream.

At the wedding venue, the music hit its climax, and the crowd cheered.

"Now, the groom may kiss the bride!" announced the priest.

Right then, the ballroom doors flung open, the huge noise drowning out the music. Every guest, plus millions watching live, looked over.

Ainsley stiffened at the sight of me, her face going pale. She pointed a finger at me, screeching, "Security! Get this crazy woman out! She's here to cause trouble!"

The guards rushed over in a panic, but I was unstoppable. Ignoring her screams and the stunned guests on both sides, I walked straight to the stage.

The priest was too shocked to speak. The groom, Donovan Pope, shielded Ainsley, yelling, "What are you doing here? Get out!"

I took the mic from the priest, smirking at Ainsley. My voice wasn't loud, but it echoed through the speakers across the room and the stream. "Relax. I'm here to deliver a gift."

I turned to the cameras and guests, holding up a flash drive. "You wanna sue me? Watch the evidence first."

I went aside to the control console and plugged in the device before the staff could react. The screen flickered on, displaying a file—Ainsley's onboarding paperwork at my company.

The livestream viewers froze.

I grabbed a laser pointer, a red dot landing precisely on the key date. It was the day before her wedding leave request.

The room went dead silent for three seconds. Then a round of gasps echoed.