My Father Fired Me to Favor My Sister, but I Was Ready for Him

The dining hall of the Vance estate was a masterpiece of old-money opulence, dominated by a massive mahogany table and an ornate crystal chandelier that cast a sharp, cold light over the family gathering. But tonight, the atmosphere was thick with hostility. Natalie stood at the foot of the table, her posture rigid, her cream silk blouse contrasting sharply with the dark, tense energy in the room.

At the head of the table stood Arthur, his silver hair catching the chandelier's glow. His face was flushed with a mixture of rage and betrayal. Beside him, his new wife Victoria and his younger daughter Claire watched with poorly concealed anticipation.

The Ultimatum

Arthur pointed a trembling, furious finger directly at Natalie.

"Get out of here! And resign as CEO," he bellowed, his voice echoing off the high ceilings. "You are stripped of your duties, effective immediately. Claire will be taking over your position."

Natalie didn't flinch. During his outburst, Arthur had slammed his heavy tumbler onto the table, sending a sharp shard of glass flying. It had grazed Natalie’s lower lip. She reached up, her slender fingers touching the small bead of blood, a cold, calculated smile spreading across her face.

She didn't argue. She didn't plead. Instead, she stepped closer to her father, pulling out her smartphone.

"Dad... did you forget?" she asked, her voice dangerously calm.

Before Arthur could react, Natalie tapped her screen.

"Evelyn, activate the board's emergency protocol."

Victoria’s eyes widened in sudden terror. She gasped, stepping forward.

"Natalie, what are you doing?" she shrieked.

Natalie didn't look back. She turned on her heel and walked out through the large glass French doors, the sound of her heels clicking rhythmically against the marble floor, leaving behind a room paralyzed by sudden fear.