Chapter 2: The Collapse
Chapter 2: The Collapse
The news spread by sunrise.
Financial media reported the leadership change.
Investors responded positively.
The company's stock climbed.
That hurt Daniel more than anything.
Because it proved something he never wanted to admit.
The company wasn't succeeding because of him.
It had survived despite him.
Meanwhile, Patricia began calling everyone she knew.
Old friends.
Business contacts.
Former allies.
Most never returned her calls.
The social circle she spent years protecting disappeared almost overnight.
Chloe lasted exactly twelve days.
Twelve.
On the thirteenth day she left.
No dramatic farewell.
No tears.
No loyalty.
She simply packed her designer bags and moved on.
Just as she had done before.
People like Chloe don't fall in love with people.
They fall in love with lifestyles.
And Daniel no longer had one.
Months passed.
The mansion was sold.
The sports cars disappeared.
The invitations stopped arriving.
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For the first time in his life, Daniel experienced something unfamiliar.
Consequences.
