I was a talented biomedical engineer, handpicked by my father to lead the company's new R&D division. But Darren had systematically sidelined me after seizing control.
I began packing the gifts Darren had given me over the years into boxes. Jewelry. Designer bags. Trinkets. And the likes.
Darren walked back in then, his forehead creased in confusion.
"What's going on?"
I didn’t even look at him. "Throwing away some old stuff."
He picked up one of the office boxes, dismissing it with a half-smile. "Oh... these things? I'm happy you're coming to your senses. It was always a waste of time. You'd go nowhere with it."
As he moved to wrap an arm around me, I stepped back.
“Don’t.”
He blinked. “What’s wrong?”
I lifted my chin, voice flat. “What’s wrong is that I was beaten half to death in jail while you sided with Sally. You didn’t even notice the bruises. You’re not blind, Darren, just heartless.”
His jaw tightened, but then he crouched down, attempting softness. “I’m sorry that happened. But you didn’t have to steal from me. My success is your success. You know what? I’ll even give you a new position in the company. A chance to redeem yourself.”