His Favoritism Bankrupted Him

My husband, Keaton Smyth, CEO of Orion Corp, ran the company under strict rules. I brought in a $10 million investment. But I clocked in one second late, so bye-bye VP promotion. I got accused of disrespecting company policy, demoted, and slapped with a pay cut. Then there was Evie Larsen, his shiny new assistant. She ditched work on the day of a huge contract signing and trashed Orion's only shot with a public company. Keaton's response? No punishment. No write-up. He called it "personality," promoted her right there, gave her a raise, and tossed her a river-view apartment as company housing. Evie still wanted more. She pushed to take over Orion's core project, all so she could "prove herself." I shut her down. That same day, she marched into Keaton's office and accused me of power-tripping, insulting her, and refusing to train her. I thought Keaton would see through it. The next morning, my name was gone from the project team. My file access was revoked, too. "Since you're too senior to mentor new hires, you're starting over. Entry-level sales rep. Same level as them." Everyone waited for me to snap. I just smiled and handed over the flash drive with the project data. Keaton nodded, pleased. "Don't let it happen again." What he didn't know? That data wasn't complete. The second they uploaded it, the errors would tank the project—and trigger a breach-of-contract penalty big enough to bury them. Chapter 1 Keaton took the flash drive from my hand, smiled at the teary-eyed Evie, and placed it in hers. Then he looked at me, his face going cold. "This demotion is your warning. Screw up again, and I won't go easy on you." After a brief pause, he added, "I hope everyone takes this as a lesson. Just because you've been here longer doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. Don't end up like Tessa." I stayed quiet. My teammates didn't. "Mr. Smyth, this isn't fair. Everyone knows Tessa built this project. Why does Evie get to take it over when she hasn't even been here six months?" "Tessa lived at the office for this project. She worked herself so hard she nearly ruined her eyes. How does Evie get all the credit just by saying a few words?" "She's brand-new. She barely knows how anything works. If she takes over a project this big and blows it—or misses the deadline—we're the ones who'll pay for it." Keaton frowned. "Enough. This is a company, not a circus. Stop making a scene. If Tessa can run the project, someone else can too. Evie's new, but she's every bit as capable. Get her up to speed, and she'll do even better. "And that's final. Anyone who keeps arguing can join Tessa in entry-level sales." The room slowly fell silent. My teammates still looked ready to fight for me, but I lifted a hand and stopped them. Keaton had already made up his mind. Pushing him now would only get them dragged down with me. Evie's eyes filled with grateful tears. "Mr. Smyth, I won't let you down. I'll prove you made the right choice. I'm just as good as anyone else." Chapter 2 Keaton's face lit up. I let out a cold laugh and shook my head. Did Evie seriously think she could learn this overnight? If it were that easy, the client wouldn't need us. Keaton wouldn't have made it Orion's core project. Evie caught my laugh and instantly played victim. "Tessa, I know you're mad about losing the project, but I just wanted a chance to prove myself to Mr. Smyth. Why do you always act like you're better than me? "Yeah, I speak my mind. That's on me. If I messed up, you could've just told me. Why give me attitude? I'm not that petty. I can take criticism." Then she squeezed out two tears. And shifted just enough for Keaton to see. Sure enough, the second Keaton saw her tears, his expression softened. "Tessa Thorne, did you already forget what I just said? Or are you trying to get yourself fired? Check your attitude. No wonder your team's so unprofessional. They learned it from you. Write me a ten-page reflection and have it on my desk before the day's over." I clenched my fists. My teammates defended me for all of two seconds, and somehow they were the unprofessional ones. But Evie? She strolled in late, left early, and never had to clock in. She skipped work whenever she felt like it. Even when she tanked a project and cost the company money, nothing happened. Me? I spent countless late nights landing Orion a $10 million investment. One second late. One missed punch. That was enough for Keaton to mark me absent, yank the VP position he'd promised me, accuse me of breaking company policy, slash my pay, and demote me. Now, after hearing nothing but Evie's side of the story, he'd dumped me into entry-level sales. Super professional. Guess I should be ashamed. My bad. Then Keaton pulled out a gift box and handed it to Evie. "You're taking over the project, so consider this a little encouragement. I know you'll do great." Evie opened the box. Inside was a limited-edition jewelry set. The room instantly buzzed. "Isn't that set over a hundred grand? Mr. Smyth really knows how to spoil people." "I'm so jealous of Ms. Larsen. With Mr. Smyth backing her, she's set." My eyes locked on the necklace in Evie's hands. I knew that set. I'd wanted it forever, but the price always stopped me. Keaton found out and kept promising he'd buy it for me someday. He never did. Yesterday, I'd found the receipt at home. I'd actually thought he was planning to surprise me. Turns out... It was never meant for me. Keaton looked around the room. "From now on, follow Evie's example. Perform well, and you'll be rewarded the same way. And let me be clear one last time—don't pull what Tessa did. Seniority doesn't give you the right to bully new employees. If it happens again, there won't be a warning." Chapter 3 That was Keaton's management style: punish hard, reward loudly, and keep everyone fighting to stay on his good side. I'd gotten used to it. The second he walked away, the office erupted in whispers. "Ms. Larsen, I'm so jealous. First the river-view apartment, now limited-edition jewelry? You're seriously winning." "I know, right?" Evie soaked up every word. When her eyes met mine, they gleamed with smug satisfaction. I looked away. I had no interest in watching her gloat. I'd won project after project for Orion Corp, bringing in millions for the company. Everything I'd earned was worth far more than the rewards Evie got handed for free. None of it mattered to Keaton. He always chose her. Whenever I called him out, he'd say Evie reminded him of his late sister, so he couldn't help wanting to look after her. That was his excuse for everything. She blew Orion's only shot at partnering with a public company, and he still covered for her, praised her, and rewarded her with a river-view apartment. When I questioned him, he humiliated me in front of everyone, accused me of having a twisted mind... Then moved out and froze me out. My teammates muttered beside me. "Tessa, why did you give her that flash drive? You spent forever pulling that data from round after round of testing. She's getting it way too easy." "Exactly. If every new hire cuts corners like Evie, this company is done." "Mr. Smyth can pretend he doesn't see what you did for this project, but we do." "Say the word, and we'll get that flash drive back. We're not letting Evie keep it." "And once she steps into the project lab, I'll make sure she regrets it." I just shook my head. They didn't have to do a thing. Evie would tank the project all on her own. The second Keaton handed it to her, its fate was sealed. There was no way someone who'd barely been at the company—and spent most of that time slacking off—could handle a project this big. This wasn't just signing paperwork. Keaton's voice cut through the room. "Tessa, what are you waiting for? Pack your stuff and move to the main office. You're not management anymore, so you don't get a private office. You're an entry-level sales rep now. Start acting like one, and quit setting a bad example." His words were almost funny. Evie had been at Orion for a few months, and she already had her own private office. So she deserved one, but I didn't? His double standard couldn't be louder. Then I saw the cold look in his eyes. This wasn't just favoritism anymore. Keaton had already given Evie his whole heart. He was the only one still pretending he hadn't. I was about to fire back when he turned to HR. "If she refuses to move, make her." Then he walked straight back to his office. The second he was gone, Evie's face changed. She looked me up and down like I was trash. "Tessa, if you'd handed over the project sooner, you wouldn't be here. I told you from the start Mr. Smyth values me. He tossed you aside ages ago. You're too old to compete with someone like me. It's honestly pathetic." I ignored her. She wasn't wrong. Keaton did value her. Otherwise, she never would've gotten this arrogant. Chapter 4 I'd barely said a few words to Evie, and Keaton had already rushed to her defense like he was ready to rip me apart for her. Evie strolled to my desk, dropped into my chair, and lifted her wrist. The bracelet Keaton had just clasped on her glittered there. She smiled like she'd won. "I heard this set's been on your wish list forever, but you never bought it. I mentioned it to Mr. Smyth once, and the next day, he bought the whole thing and gave it to me himself. Guess I'm the one he cares about most." I said nothing. Let her enjoy it. I used to think I knew Keaton. These past few days proved I'd been giving myself way too much credit. Maybe in his eyes, there was no room left for this marriage. Or for me. Seeing I wouldn't react, she smirked. "You look like you've never seen real luxury. Admit you're not on my level, and maybe I'll let you get a closer look." My face went cold. Keaton and I had been married for years. We'd built everything we had together. I treasured our marriage. Whatever he asked for, I gave without hesitation. When he wanted half my shares in Orion Corp, I signed them over without a second thought. To me, family always mattered more than business. I honestly thought we'd grow old together. Then Evie showed up. Just days after Keaton hired her, everything changed. He grew distant. Cold. Every little thing she said became another reason to blame me. And every time she caused trouble... He took her side. Despite everyone pushing back, Keaton insisted she get a private office. After that, he stopped caring about Orion's best interests. He let Evie wreck project after project, even when the company's future was on the line. Then he hid behind "work" while showering her with one perk after another. I'd spent years at Orion. I'd never been treated like that. Did he really think someone who spent all day slacking off could handle a project like this? What a joke. When I still didn't react, Evie just smiled. She pulled out the flash drive and casually tossed it in the air. I glanced at it coldly. She had no clue the data on that drive was incomplete. It still needed rounds of testing before it could be finalized. The latest version was on my phone. I just hadn't updated the flash drive yet. Since Keaton trusted Evie so much and wanted her to prove herself, she clearly didn't need my data. Wasn't she supposed to be capable? A small smile touched my lips. I unlocked my phone and quietly deleted the final data file. Then I looked at her. "No thanks. That bracelet fits you perfectly. Don't waste Mr. Smyth's gift. Besides, you won't be wearing that jewelry much longer." Evie's face twisted. "Ungrateful." She stood, kicked my desk, and stormed off. *** After work, I was about to leave when I heard a familiar voice. I looked up. Evie was coming down from the company gym with her little squad. Her face was pure contempt. "Tessa's nothing. She just met Mr. Smyth before I did. What does she have that I don't? The apartment, the project—I mentioned them once, and Mr. Smyth rushed to give them to me. Tell me, how could she ever compete?" Chapter 5 "Besides, Mr. Smyth told me he's been sick of Tessa for a long time. If they hadn't been married for so many years, he would've divorced her already." Like she needed proof, Evie pulled up her texts and flashed her phone at everyone. A new message popped up. One of the coworkers read it out loud. "I booked us a table tonight. Dinner?" Evie smirked. "See? That's how much Mr. Smyth cares about me. And Tessa thinks she can compete?" The group instantly started sucking up to her, saying they wanted to stay on her good side from now on. Surrounded by her little fan club, Evie walked away. I clenched my fists until my nails bit into my palms. Then I packed up my things and walked out of Orion Corp. *** The second I walked into the living room, I spotted an elegant gift box on the table. Inside was an expensive ring. The brand looked familiar. I froze. Was this for me? He was actually willing to spend this much on me? Usually, the gifts Keaton gave me didn't even cost ten bucks. A sticky note sat beside the ring. In Keaton's handwriting, it read: [You're still the one.] A bitter laugh escaped me. I set the note back where I'd found it. Keaton had always been like this. As long as I did what he wanted, he'd throw me a reward whenever the mood struck. This wasn't new. I'd gotten used to it. I was about to head upstairs when Keaton came down. He smiled. "Do you like it? I had a friend overseas track it down for me. It wasn't cheap." As he spoke, he picked up the ring and reached for my hand. I pulled away. He froze. A few seconds later, he pulled his hand back and set the ring on the table. His expression hardened. Then his voice softened. "I know I made you feel humiliated at the office today, but I didn't have a choice. I'm the CEO. I can't play favorites. I'm doing this for our future... and for Orion's. Can't you help me out? Teach Evie. She's talented. Give her a few months, and she'll bring even more value to the company. She just needs a chance—" I cut him off. "Not happening. I won't do it." He must've thought I was still hung up on the jewelry set he'd given Evie. After a long pause, he tried again. "If you'll mentor Evie and help her finish the project, I'll take you to see the Northern Lights. You've always wanted to go. You just never had the time. Say yes, and I'll approve two weeks off." As he spoke, he pulled out his phone and booked the trip. I watched him. Did he really think I couldn't say no? The confirmation popped onto the screen. He smiled and held it out to me. "I said no." Keaton's smile vanished. His face went ice-cold. "Tessa, say that again. Everything I'm doing is for our future. If you can't understand that, or even think about what's best for us, then you don't need these tickets. I'll give them to Evie. At least she actually cares about the company. You can stay at work and regret it." Chapter 6 Then Keaton slammed the door and left. I watched the door swing back and forth and let out a bitter laugh. So taking Evie to see the Northern Lights had been the plan all along. Why else would he give me such an expensive ring? Not long after, Evie sent me a post. A photo of her and Keaton boarding the plane together. My fists clenched until my fingers went white. Fine. There was no point holding on to a marriage that had already meant nothing for a long time. *** A week later, I walked into Orion Corp to the sound of laughter. I looked up. Keaton and Evie. Our eyes met. Keaton strolled over, a smug smile on his face. "Tessa, turns out Evie handled the project just fine without you. Did you really think this company couldn't survive without you? If anything, you're the one who can't survive without Orion. That's why you kept trying to make yourself look indispensable." Evie slipped in beside him, smiling like she'd already won. "Mr. Smyth, why argue with her? She's just hiding behind seniority. Honestly, most of the new hires are better than she is. They just never got the chance to prove themselves... just like me." She made sure everyone could hear. The coworkers who'd been talking about the celebration party all turned to look. Whispers spread fast. Someone even sneered right at me. "Looks like Evie's not below Tessa at all. Tessa was probably scared Evie would outshine her, so she refused to hand over the project." Laughter rippled through the room. Keaton didn't stop them. He just let everyone mock me. Then he spoke. "All right, organize the project files. Nova Corp will be here any minute." Right then, Nova Corp's team walked in. Keaton froze for half a second, then hurried forward. "Mr. Linden, you're early. Come in. We just finished the final data set. Once the files are organized, everything will be ready for handoff." Mr. Linden nodded. "No rush. Take your time." Keaton smiled and introduced Evie. "Evie is the reason this project got finished. Without her, we never would've moved this fast." Then he shot me a look full of disgust. "Unlike Tessa. She sat on this project for half a month and got nowhere. Complete waste of time. Luckily, Evie took over and sped everything up. She's one of the most talented people in this company." Just then, the assistant team lead handed Mr. Linden the project files and the flash drive. Mr. Linden nodded and gave the paperwork a quick look. Satisfied, he handed the flash drive to his secretary. She plugged it into her laptop to verify the data. Keaton, Evie, and the rest watched with confident smiles. They were sure the project was flawless. Then the data started loading. A second later— Smoke poured out of the laptop. The screen went black. Silence slammed across the room. Someone tried to joke that Nova Corp must've brought a broken laptop. One look from Keaton shut them up. A second later, the laptop powered back on. Everyone held their breath. The Nova Corp logo slowly appeared on the screen. Keaton and the others had just started to relax— Smoke poured out again. Then— Boom. The laptop exploded right in front of everyone. The room erupted in screams.