Chapter 7
I stood at my floor–to–ceiling windows, gazing over the city skyline, feeling lighter than I had in
months.
Josh walked into my office clutching a fresh report, barely containing his excitement.
“Ms. Sullivan, another thirty Hampton Industries core staff submitted applications today,” he announced with barely suppressed glee.
“That brings our total to one hundred key technical personnel poached from Hampton.”
“Hampton’s stock hit the limit down again this morning–fifth consecutive trading day of maximum
losses.”
“Plus, they’ve had to suspend multiple flagship projects due to the talent exodus. Market rumors are
already circulating that Hampton Industries is on the verge of bankruptcy.”
I nodded slightly. Everything was unfolding exactly as I’d anticipated.
Without Sullivan Enterprises‘ backing and without their core technical teams, Hampton Industries
was like a fish out of water–floundering helplessly while waiting for death.
“Oh, and Mrs. Sullivan, here’s something juicy,” Josh added, unable to suppress a smirk. “Apparently
Brianna went full Dunning–Kruger at a Hampton executive meeting, proposing the company pivot to
tech development.”
“The initiative crashed and burned spectacularly within days. Hampton’s internal structure is
absolute chaos now.”
I let out a cold laugh. “An arts graduate trying to dictate technical strategy? The audacity is almost
impressive.”
This outcome was inevitable.
Brianna was nothing but a shiny, empty shell–zero technical knowledge, zero business acumen.
Ryker had been so blinded he’d entrusted critical company decisions to someone like her.
My phone screen lit up–Ryker calling again.
15.10
Gave My Office to His intern? Divorce It al
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Chapter 7
This marked his fifteenth missed call today alone.
I added him to my blocklist without hesitation.
I had zero interest in his explanations or apologies, and even less in how he was faring.
Word had it that after Hampton’s stock continued to plummet and multiple projects collapsed, he’d finally snapped out of his delusion and fired Brianna.
Too little, too late. Hampton Industries was already critically wounded, with nearly half its market value evaporated.
That afternoon, security called: “Ms. Sullivan, Mr. Hampton is in the lobby, demanding to see you.”
“Denied.”
“He says he won’t leave until he sees you,” the guard replied uncomfortably.
“Then let him stand there. Have someone watch him to make sure he doesn’t cause a scene.”
I hung up and refocused on my work.
Didn’t he understand? It was over.
Later that night, Josh texted that Ryker had stood in the lobby for two hours before security forcibly
removed him.
The next day, security called again. This time, it was Ryker’s father requesting to see me.
After a moment’s reflection, I nodded, instructing my assistant to escort him up.
Despite everything, Ryker’s parents had always treated me well over the years.
The elder Mr. Hampton looked haggard, his eyes bloodshot from what I assumed were sleepless
nights.
He got straight to the point the moment he entered.
“Mila, I know Ryker fucked up–badly. But he’s finally realized his mistake. Couldn’t you give him-
one more chance?”
His voice carried a plea, his eyes filled with desperate hope.
His Intern? Divort
Chapter
“Mr. Hampton, I respect you deeply, but this situation is beyond repair.”
“I understand Ryker made mistakes, but he genuinely recognizes his error. For the sake of your five years together-”
I cut him off: “Mr. Hampton, you know as well as I do that some lines, once crossed, can never be uncrossed.”
“He’s fired Brianna. He deeply regrets everything,” the older man persisted.
“This goes far beyond firing Brianna.”
“Ryker didn’t just disrespect me–he betrayed the very foundation of our relationship.”
“I cannot–will not–tolerate even the slightest betrayal. There’s no going back for us.”
“If he continues refusing to sign the divorce papers, I’ll keep dismantling Hampton Industries until there’s nothing left.”
The elder Mr. Hampton’s face fell dramatically. “I understand. I’ll convince him to sign.”
“I’ll raise our son, and the Hampton family is welcome to visit him anytime.”
Though I felt for the older man, my principles wouldn’t waver.
I wanted nothing more to do with Ryker.
The elder Mr. Hampton sighed deeply, nodded, and walked toward the door, his shoulders slumped.
Three days later, the fully signed divorce papers landed on my desk.
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