“Get out of here, and take your bastards with you!” my mother-in-law yelled, spitting in my direction, as my husband shoved me and my ten-day-old twins out into the freezing night.

At noon, Natalie walked through the glass doors of Aurora Holdings main office. She wore a simple cream coat and her hair tied neatly back. A nanny followed with the twins in a stroller.

Employees stood in surprise. Many had never seen the chief executive in person. Natalie had built a culture of trust and remote leadership. Now she stood before them, calm and controlled.

“Prepare the board room,” she instructed. “And notify Helix Systems that I will attend their executive review.”

Helix Systems was the company where Brian worked.

At one thirty, Brian entered the board room, escorted by security. When he saw Natalie seated at the head of the table, his face drained of color.

“Natalie,” he stammered. “Why are you here.”

Natalie folded her hands. “This is my company.”

Nervous murmurs passed around the table. Brian looked from one executive to another. No one met his eyes.

“I am the chief executive of Aurora Holdings,” Natalie continued. “Aurora owns Helix Systems. Effective immediately, your employment is terminated due to ethical violations and conflict of interest.”

Brian sank into a chair. “This is a joke.”