Scorned and Reborn

Mary sat alone in her office, the blinds drawn tight against the harsh daylight that seemed to mock her as she fought back her tears. She'd been trying, for hours now, to reach the few shareholders she thought she could trust, those who had once praised her dedication and hard work for Loven Foundation. Her fingers hovered over her phone, dialing one number after another, only to be met with cold responses and silent rejections. Each call brought a wave of helplessness that tightened her chest.

It wasn't supposed to end this way, she thought, pressing a hand against her forehead as if to stop her mind from spinning. All her years of work, all the sacrifices she had made for Benjamin and this company, were vanishing before her eyes.

Her latest attempt was Mr. Harris, an older gentleman who had often voiced his appreciation for her efforts in securing new projects. She took a steadying breath as he picked up.

"Mr. Harris, it's Mary," she said, trying to inject warmth and strength into her voice. "I was hoping we could speak privately…about the upcoming shareholders' meeting."

A heavy silence followed, then a sigh that seemed to carry more weight than she could bear. "Mary," he finally said, his voice low and formal, "I think it's best if you speak to the necessary people. I've been informed of the…circumstances."

"I understand, but if you could just hear me out, maybe—"

"Mary," he interrupted, his tone firmer now. "You must understand, it's not about you. It's about the company's future, and…perhaps it's time for the necessary changes to be made. I'm sorry, but my decision is final."

Before she could respond, he ended the call, leaving her clutching the phone, feeling as though a piece of her heart had been torn away. She was no longer fighting for herself; she was fighting for every part of her life that she had built with her own hands, for every person who had once trusted and believed in her vision.

One by one, she called other shareholders, but they all echoed the same sentiment. It wasn't them; it was the "needful" for the foundation. The words stung as each one turned her away, coldly hinting that if she wanted any semblance of control, she would have to let go.

With no one else to turn to, Mary found herself in the one place she'd never thought she'd return to, knocking on Margaret's study door.

The door creaked open, and Margaret glanced up from her desk, her eyes narrowing at the sight of Mary. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice dripping with disdain.

Mary swallowed, her hands trembling at her sides. She took a shaky step forward, determined not to let Margaret see how much she had broken. "Please, Margaret," she whispered, forcing herself to meet her mother-in-law's piercing gaze. "I know you don't approve of me, and I know you think I've failed…but I'm begging you. Don't do this."

Margaret's lips curled into a cold smile. She leaned back, crossing her arms as if savoring the moment. "Why should I do anything for you, Anal? I made it clear that your place in this family was always conditional. You've failed to give my son an heir, and now you think you have the right to ask me for favors?"

Mary'sheart twisted, but she pressed on. "I've given everything I had to this family, to the foundation. I never asked for anything in return, but I'm asking now. Please, don't let them strip me of everything."

Margaret's smile faltered, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "You're not asking for my help, are you, Mary? You're begging."

Mary's Face burned with shame, but she refused to look away. "Yes, Margaret. I'm begging."

Margaret let out a derisive laugh, her voice echoing through the room. "And here I thought you had some pride left. But I suppose you're as desperate as I always knew you were."

Mary clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms as she fought to hold back her anger. "This isn't about pride, Margaret. It's about survival. You know I've worked harder than anyone for the foundation. You know I care about this family, despite everything."

Margaret waved a dismissive hand. "Save your speeches, Mary. I've already made my decision, and nothing you say will change it."

Mary's Heart sank as the reality of her words settled in. She was alone in this fight, without a single ally to stand by her. But she refused to give up. She had to find a way, even if it meant confronting the very people who sought to destroy her.

Margaret's expression softened, a look of twisted satisfaction playing on her face. "If you truly cared about this family, Mary, you would do the right thing. Leave. Sign the divorce papers and let us move on. Perhaps then, I might consider letting you keep a fraction of your dignity."

Mary's Gaze hardened, her voice steady and unwavering. "I won't sign those papers. I love Benjamin, and I'll fight for what's mine, even if it means standing alone."

Margaret's smile faded, replaced by a look of irritation. "So stubborn," she muttered, shaking her head. "Very well, Mary. If you want to ruin what little is left of your reputation, be my guest. But remember that you are nothing to this family, and we will make sure you know it."

With that, Margaret turned away, dismissing Mary without another word. Mary stood there, her mind racing with a mix of anger, heartbreak, and a determination she hadn't felt in years. She wouldn't let them take everything from her. She had sacrificed too much to walk away now.

As she walked out of the room, her phone buzzed with a new notification. She glanced down, her heart pounding as she read the words that appeared on her screen:

Notice of Emergency Shareholders' Meeting: Impeachment of CEO Position.

The words blurred before her eyes as her mind reeled, the weight of betrayal crushing down on her. The meeting was scheduled for tomorrow morning.