Stuart said softly, “You look beautiful tonight. Just like the day we met. Do you remember what you said to me then?”
Angelina smiled, but there was a hint of unease in her eyes. “Of course. I said I’d love you forever.”
“Forever…!” Stuart repeated, his voice hollow. “Such a meaningful word, isn’t it?”
Angelina smiled, unaware of the significance behind his words.
As the evening went on, Stuart tapped his glass to get everyone’s attention. The room fell silent as he cleared his throat.
“I want to thank you all for coming tonight,” he began. “This party is special to me… not just because it’s my first since the accident, but because it marks a turning point in my life.”
Angelina beamed at him, her eyes bright.
“A new beginning,” Stuart declared, “because I’ve decided to make some major changes in my life. Starting with my company.”
He turned to Martin, who was standing near the fireplace. “Martin, effective immediately, you’re FIRED.”
The room was filled with murmurs. Martin’s face turned red. “What? Stuart, what are you talking about?”
Stuart said coldly, “You heard me. You’re fired. And I’ll make sure no one in this industry ever hires you again.”
Martin stammered, “This has to be some kind of joke —”
“Oh, it’s no joke,” Stuart cut him off. “I know what you’ve been doing behind my back. With HER.”
The room went silent in shock. All eyes turned to Angelina as her champagne glass slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor with a loud, jarring noise.