The board’s decision came swiftly—and harshly.
Despite Liam’s impassioned defense, they voted to suspend him as CEO, citing “reputational risk and emotional conflict of interest.” The same people who had once praised his leadership now looked at him like a liability. All because he chose to stand beside the woman he loved.
Liam left the boardroom with controlled fury in his stride.
When he walked into his penthouse, Ariana knew. One look in his eyes told her everything.
“They’ve removed you,” she whispered.
He nodded. “Temporary, they say. Until the ‘dust settles.’”
Ariana’s heart broke. “I’m so sorry, Liam.”
He took her hands, kissed her knuckles gently. “Don’t apologize. I made my choice. And I’d make it again.”
“But you lost everything—”
“No,” he said, cutting her off. “I still
