The hotel ballroom sparkled with lights.
Executives, investors, and VIPs filled the room.
Gary was the star of the night. Wearing a tuxedo, holding Tiffany’s hand—the stolen necklace shining around her neck. They sat at the center table, laughing, drinking expensive wine.
And me?
I stood at the side, head bowed, carrying a heavy tray of champagne.
“Waiter! More wine here!” Gary shouted.
I approached. “Yes, sir.”
Gary deliberately humiliated me. As I poured the wine, he bumped my elbow on purpose. Some wine spilled on the table.
“IDIOT!” Gary shouted in front of everyone. “Such a simple job and you still can’t do it right?! Clean that up!”
Tiffany and their friends laughed.
“That maid of yours is awful, Gary. Where did you even find her?”
“On the street,” Gary replied with disgust. “I just picked her up out of pity.”
I knelt to wipe the table. I felt the burning stares. The pain of his cruelty stabbed my chest like a knife.
Then suddenly—the music stopped.
The grand doors opened.
The CEO of the Asia-Pacific Region arrived—Gary’s boss’s boss.
Mr. Arthur Sterling.
The most respected and feared man in the company.
Gary immediately stood up, straightened his coat, and pulled Tiffany closer.
“Mr. Sterling!” Gary greeted enthusiastically. “Welcome! Thank you for coming to my celebration! This is Tiffany, my… fiancée.”
Mr. Sterling didn’t shake Gary’s hand.
He simply scanned the room, as if searching for someone.
“Where is the Board of Directors?” Mr. Sterling asked.
“They’re not here, sir. Just us executives,” Gary replied.
Mr. Sterling continued walking. He passed Gary’s table.
And then—he saw me.
I stood at the side, holding a cloth and a tray, wearing a maid’s uniform.
Mr. Sterling’s eyes widened. His face went pale. He stopped.
Gary thought Mr. Sterling was angry because of me.
“Sir, I’m sorry about that maid!” Gary shouted. “She’s extremely stupid! Should I have her removed? Hey! Move away! You’re blocking Sir Arthur!”
Gary raised his hand to push me.
“DON’T YOU DARE TOUCH THAT WOMAN!” Mr. Sterling’s voice thundered.
The entire ballroom froze.
Slowly, Mr. Sterling walked toward me.
The powerful CEO—the man Gary feared most—stopped in front of me… and bowed deeply. A full 90-degree bow of respect.
He remained bowed for several seconds before lifting his head.
“Good evening…” Mr. Sterling said with a trembling voice.
“…Madam Chairwoman.”
Gary’s jaw dropped.
“M-Madam… Chairwoman?”
Tiffany dropped her glass. It shattered on the floor.
I slowly removed the apron. Took off the headband. Fixed my hair and stood tall. My posture was no longer that of a servant—but of a woman who owned everything they stood on.
“Good evening, Arthur,” I said calmly. “Looks like our employee is having quite a party.”
“E-Employee…?” Gary whispered. “Isabella… what’s happening?”
I turned to him. His face was completely drained of color.
“Gary,” I said, “the company you work for—Vanguard Holdings—is mine. I signed your promotion papers. And I will also sign your termination.”
“That’s not true! You’re just a housewife!” he screamed, but his voice was full of fear.
“Mr. Sterling,” I said without looking at Gary. “Explain.”
“Mr. Gary,” Sterling said. “Ma’am Isabella Valderama is the owner of the entire conglomerate. Her net worth is $5 billion. She pays your salary. She gave you your position—at her request—despite the fact that you were not qualified.”
Gary collapsed to his knees.
