Ares slammed his palm on the conference table, the sound ripping through the room. Every executive froze. His jaw was tight, eyes cold as he scanned the faces in front of him.

“My assistant just told me everything,” Ares announced. “While I was missing, Winona stepped in for me. She handled the operations. She faced the public for me. She kept this company standing. And some of you chose not to respect her.”

The silence grew heavier. No one dared to breathe.

“She represented me. ...