My Composure After Divorce Became His Greatest Torment Chapter 26
On the day the no-contact order was granted, the Prescott Group’s investigation concluded.
Nathan had allowed a private relationship to interfere with company business, resulting in a non-employee gaining access to confidential files and internal communications.
The board removed him as head of North American operations and mandated a full year of governance review.
Caroline, meanwhile, was required to return all documents obtained from company personnel and sign a legally binding commitment never again to contact anyone in the name of the group, the family, or Nathan.
She didn’t get the wedding she wanted.
And the Prescott family took back the emerald brooch.
Tessa read the results to me over the phone, her voice cheerful.
“Any regrets? The stock might dip with him gone. Your dividends could take a hit.”
I was reviewing the incorporation documents for the gallery’s new company.
On the equity page, I held absolute controlling interest.
“No regrets.”
“What about the money?”
“What’s mine is mine. But if a revenue stream depends on concealing risk, it’s not an asset. It’s just another form of control.”
I took the shareholder ballot and checked the box supporting an independent audit and stronger information-access controls.
It was the first time I had formally exercised my rights as a shareholder.
Not to help Nathan make money.
But to stop anyone else from bending the rules in the name of family or feelings.
After the vote, Nathan sent me an email.
He didn’t ask to get back together. He didn’t try to explain himself.
He only wrote:
“You made the right vote.”
Attached was the sales listing for the villa next door.
He said he would be gone before it sold and that he wouldn’t come to the gallery again.
I forwarded the email to my lawyer for the record and did not reply.
Three months later, the company completed its reforms, and the stock stabilized.
A representative from the Prescott family offered to buy back my shares at a price well above market value.
They probably thought a premium would be enough to buy my silence.
I refused the extra money and sold my shares in batches at the public market price.
When the final transaction cleared, a confirmation alert lit up my phone.
From that moment on, there were no more shares between me and the Prescott Group, no more dividends, no more one of us working for the other.
I sat alone in my office for a long time.
I didn’t feel loss.
Only relief.
Tessa pushed the door open and set a glass of champagne on my desk.
“This time, you can drink.”
I took the glass and clinked it against hers.
“What are we celebrating?”
“The fact that you’re finally not Miss Shareholder anymore.”
She smiled at me.
“Now, you’re the boss.”