PART 1: THE NIGHT MY HUSBAND ERASED ME
My husband dismissed me before four hundred witnesses.
His fatal assumption was that the business was his alone.
Camden Royce chose a packed ballroom for my humiliation.
Not behind closed doors.
Not with compassion.
Not even in the privacy of an office.
Under the Grand Meridian’s crystal chandeliers, before clients, directors, cameras, champagne towers, and employees he’d trained to ignore me for two years, he made his announcement.
The gala was meant to crown Camden.
The board was expected to appoint him Vale & Royce International’s Global CEO by midnight.
Camden ensured everyone knew.
His navy velvet tuxedo was Milan-tailored, his hair immaculate, his cuff links inherited from his father. Whenever a prominent guest arrived, he appeared with an outstretched hand and a conveniently positioned photographer.
Sloane Mercer occupied the table nearest the stage.
Vice President of Brand Strategy.
Thirty-three years old.
