Chapter 3

The next afternoon, I arrived at the coffee shop ten minutes early. Choosing a spot near Mr. Hayes' law firm was my idea; it was far from the company and home, making the chance of running into anyone I knew almost zero.

I picked a window seat, with my back to the door. It was a habit I'd developed back when I used to accompany Marcus to investor meetings.

Mr. Hayes pushed a manila envelope across the table. "Ms. Vance, per your request, I've itemized all your and Mr. Thorne's joint assets. The shares held in your name under the nominee agreement --- you have full disposal rights according to the original agreement."

I opened the document, reviewing it page by page. Five years ago, Marcus and I co-founded the current company. He was responsible for external affairs, and I handled internal operations. For ease of management, some shares were held in my name as a nominee, and he signed an authorization agreement. Later, when the company was on track, he asked me to resign from my executive position, saying the family needed a strong foundation, and that while he was out fighting, he needed a stable home base. I believed him. I gave my position to his college friend, turned my office into his lounge, and transformed myself from an executive into a stay-at-home parent, tied to the stove. Then he told me I lacked ambition.

"These nominee shares, according to the agreement, I have the right to dispose of them independently, without his signature?" I confirmed.

"Yes. Article Six of the agreement clearly states that the nominee shareholder has the right to independently dispose of the shares at a reasonable market price. You insisted on adding this clause back then. Mr. Thorne thought it was unimportant at the time, so he signed it."

I nodded. I insisted on that clause because I'd seen too many cases of co-founding couples falling out. I thought I was leaving myself a backup plan. I never expected to actually use it.

"There's one more thing," Mr. Hayes lowered his voice. "Mr. Thorne has recently been privately contacting investors, hoping to raise capital under the company's name. If the funding is successful, he plans to issue new shares, diluting your shareholding percentage."

"I know." I closed the document. "I've seen his pitch deck. The valuation is too high; investors won't easily bite."

"How did you see it?"

"He kept it on a flash drive at home; the password was his birthday. He thought I wouldn't touch his things."

Mr. Hayes's gaze shifted, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Ms. Vance, you've actually been preparing all along, haven't you?"

I took a sip of coffee, the bitterness spreading on my tongue. "Not preparing, just a habit of always keeping a backup plan."

Marcus and I had been married for six years, from living in a basement apartment during the startup phase to later buying a house and driving luxury cars. I knew this man too well; his love was always conditional. He loved my capabilities, my efforts, my silent support. But when he deemed those things worthless, he could replace me without hesitation. Just as he replaced Seraphina all those years ago. He just forgot that Seraphina was the one he abandoned then, while I held his lifeblood in my hands.