“Good afternoon.”
He opened the door without question. For forty years, people had opened doors for me because I was Richard Lawson’s wife. Today, I walked through that door because I had something much stronger. Control.
The lobby was busy. Employees were setting up decorations. Waiters carried trays of food. A large stage had been built for Richard’s speech. I saw Linda standing near the front desk. She wore a sparkling red dress and high heels. Her hair was perfect. Her smile was bright. She looked like someone who believed she had won a grand prize. When she saw me, the smile disappeared.
“Margaret.”
Her voice sounded shocked. I smiled politely.
“Hello, Linda.”
Several employees nearby began whispering. Everyone in the company knew Richard had divorced me. Seeing me here clearly confused them. Linda walked closer.
“What are you doing here?”
I tilted my head slightly.
“I came to the celebration.”
Her eyes narrowed.
“You were not invited.”
Before I could answer, a familiar voice came from behind her.
“Actually, I think she should stay.”
We both turned. It was my son, David. He worked as operations manager at Keller Manufacturing. David looked uncomfortable seeing me.
“Mom, why are you here?”
His voice was not angry, but it was not welcoming either. I looked at him carefully because I wanted to see something. Did my son feel any guilt at all?
“I came to see the company,” I said calmly.
Linda crossed her arms.
“You should leave before Richard sees you.”
But at that moment, the elevator doors opened and Richard Lawson stepped out. He wore a dark blue suit, the kind he always wore for important events. When his eyes landed on me, he froze.
“Margaret.”
The room became quiet. Employees stopped moving. Waiters stopped walking. Everyone could feel the tension. I smiled gently.
“Hello, Richard.”
He walked closer, his face tight with irritation.
“What are you doing here?”
His voice was low but angry.
“I thought I would come see your big celebration.”
Richard looked around quickly. People were watching. He forced a smile for the crowd.
“Margaret, this is not appropriate. You should go home.”
I looked at him calmly.
“I do not have a home, remember?”
That made several employees shift uncomfortably. Richard’s jaw tightened. He leaned closer to me and whispered,
“You are embarrassing yourself. Please leave.”
For a moment, I considered it. Walking away. Letting him continue believing he was the most powerful man in the room. But then Linda spoke.
“Maybe she came to beg,” she said loudly.
A few people laughed nervously. Linda looked pleased with herself.
“It must be hard losing everything at your age.”
My hands stayed calm at my side. But inside, something cold was forming. I remembered my father’s voice.
“Do not use this power for anger. Use it only if you must protect yourself.”
I looked at Linda and smiled.
“You seem very confident,” I said.
“Of course she is,” Richard said quickly. “Linda will soon be part of this company.”
Part of the company. I nodded slowly.
“That sounds interesting.”
Richard turned toward the stage.
“The guests are arriving. I do not have time for this.”
He looked back at me.
“Security will escort you out if you do not leave.”
David shifted nervously beside him.
“Mom, maybe it is better if you go.”
