Back then, to help my parents accept her faster, I'd withdrawn my candidacy.
I handed her the victory.
Claire Vance had won. No suspense there.
She claimed gratitude for my contributions, using her shiny new VP title to "escort and protect" my team.
In reality, my team had provided the ink for every stroke of brilliance on her resume.
Only I knew the truth: I never needed her protection. I'd played the supporting role solely to feed her fragile ego.
And now she was weaponizing that concession against me?
Ridiculous.
I didn't bother arguing. I gave her one cold look, turned, and walked into the bedroom to grab my suitcase.
Claire frowned, composure slipping. "Where are you going?"
I ignored her and walked out.
In the corridor, a small figure was curled in the corner. When the child saw me, his eyes lit up—then panic replaced the gloom.
"Auntie Ruby... Daddy! Mommy!"
My footsteps froze. I turned slowly to face the two people behind me.
Claire went rigid. Beside her, Colin flushed a deep, guilty crimson.