— Alright, — I said calmly. — Have a pleasant evening.
In the morning, he left euphoric. I wore a new Dior dress—dark blue, elegant, fitted but decent. Impeccable makeup and hairstyle. The mirror reflected a new woman: confident, radiant, strong.
At the luxury restaurant, Mihail Petrovici greeted me.
— Ana Sergheevna, what an honor to see you again.
— Thank you. I am ready to discuss the future.
Inside, the room vibrated with suits and sparkling dresses. Business mingled with smiles as I met the management and key players. It was already whispered that I was the new owner, although it was not yet public.
Then he appeared—Dmitri, in his best suit, freshly groomed, exuding confidence. His eyes moved analytically.
Our gazes met. Confusion ignited in his eyes, then anger twisted his face. He stormed towards me.
— What are you doing here? — he whispered through clenched teeth. — I told you this is not your place.
— Good evening, Dima, — I said coldly.
— Leave! Now! You’re embarrassing me, — his voice was low but sharp. — And what is this? Another one of your cheap dresses, just to mock me?…”
I smiled slowly.
— Dior, autumn-winter collection, limited edition. But it’s not your fault you don’t recognize it. You’re only an expert in visible labels.
He blinked, bewildered.
At that moment, Mihail Petrovici approached and respectfully touched my arm.
— Ana, it seems everyone is eager to find out who the new majority shareholder is.
Dmitri froze.
— Shareholder…?
I looked at him with all the dignity I had gathered through years of humiliation.
— I would like to take a group photo with the executive team. You, however, will step aside.
— What?
— Starting tomorrow, you are no longer part of the company. I have all the documents. I have the evidence.
He began to stammer. To explain. To deny.
The world stopped for a few moments. Then, Mihail discreetly signaled to the security agents. Dmitri was escorted out, without drama, just with everyone’s gazes piercing his back.
That evening, I raised my glass of champagne.
— To a new beginning, — I said, and everyone clinked glasses.
I have never been a gray mouse. Just a lioness who chose to remain silent… until the moment to bite came.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, or to actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher do not assume responsibility for the accuracy of events or for how characters are portrayed and are not liable for any misinterpretations. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed belong to the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
