— Block all access and activate the security protocol. And call our legal team, I ordered.
Thirty minutes later, the technicians confirmed that the sabotage attempt had been stopped in time. No losses. Only a digital trace leading directly to Laurent Dubois’ user.
The company was safe.
Me too.
At dawn, I returned home. Our home. Or rather, the one we once shared.
The lights were off. An open suitcase in the living room indicated that he had come back to collect some belongings. When I entered, he appeared in the hallway, disheveled, his eyes red.
There was no more arrogance. Only fear.
— Eleanor… I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was… desperate.
I looked at him in silence.
« You haven’t lost your job tonight, Laurent, » I said calmly. « You’ve lost the person who believed in you the most. »
His voice broke.
— I love you… I got carried away.
I shook my head gently.
— No. You fell in love with the image of yourself that you believed to be superior. And to feel great, you needed to make me feel small.
Silence filled the room.
I took my grandmother’s necklace, which was still in my bag, and held it for a moment.
— This necklace has survived wars, bankruptcies, and losses in my family. My grandmother used to say that true value isn’t gold… but knowing who you are when no one is looking.
I put it away.
— And I know who I am.
He lowered his eyes.
— What’s going to happen to me?
I answered honestly:
— The same as for anyone who falls: you can get back up… but you will have to do it alone.
I grabbed my suitcase, which had been ready for hours.
The divorce will happen in a few days. The house will remain yours until you’re settled. I don’t need anything from here.
He remained motionless, as if he finally understood that the end was real.
