rass like tiny jewels. In the backyard, children played with the carefree joy only innocence could bring, laughter echoing throu

s in a messy bun, eyes lined with exhaustion, but sharp as ever. She had been up all night. Plans,

now. Not when everything wa

ing mugs of coffee. She paused at the

't sleep,

sleep," she murmured, voice hoar

. "Then let's do it right this time. No sho

. The gratitude in her eyes was quiet, but

d was a stor

e humiliation. Each one had taught her something about the industry, about people, about herself. They revised the mission statement, polished the mark

ame th

ndal the scene Richard's fiancée had caused when she stormed into a boardroom mid-pitch and publicly in

't the same w

hakable strength. She didn't beg. She didn't grovel. S

how I looked when I walked out of that room two years ago. But I'm not the woman they pain

line. Then a reply: "You've

oon, the inbo

But a few a precious, gleaming few were c

stretching her arms. "God, I for

but a smile tugged at the corner of

studying her friend. "Y

d. "What do

id, quietly. "Power. Like... you know who you are

er like a revelation. She smiled faintly

-

news trav

uel memes, rumors, endless think pieces were su

n a small busi

he Phoenix Risi

a financial

Ex-Wife Makes S

t, until one caught the attention of so

ch

line view behind him and a tablet in hand. He'd been scro

ne. The article load

beside a group of children. She was smiling, radiant and poised, dressed

mbered. He stared at

he thick glass. His secretary buzzed in throug

answer i

of his penthouse, tears in her eyes, fire in her voice. She hadn

, she'd

k in his chair, and stared ou

nderesti

-

h the windows as Ella stepped out of the office, phone presse

reviewed your revised proposal. We were impressed by your resilience,

breath

's rollout," the voice continued. "The tra

"I... thank you. I

all e

world spinning slightly. The air f

ll

away, concern on her face. Then she

"It's happening, Mom," she whispered, her voice crack

-

athered in the dining hall f

Ella shyly, holding something behind he

elt dow

rd, glitter, and bits of ribbon. "Becau

and giggles as Ella took th

cally, and said, "Then I promise to prot

ldren c

hter and warmth, Ella knew:

ard's ex-wife. No long