Elena turned to the esteemed guests gathered for Mark’s promotion party. “Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Elena Morgan, Chairwoman of the board and the founder of the very company that supports your careers and ambitions. NovaStream wasn’t built on the back of Mark’s work, but on mine.”

The room erupted in gasps and whispers as realization dawned on everyone present. Jessica, the mistress who had been perched comfortably at Mark’s side, now looked as though she wished the ground would swallow her whole. The diamond necklace, the “Star of the North,” suddenly felt like a weight around her neck, a symbol of deceit and stolen dreams.