ManyWriters

After dedicating years to helping the company prepare for its initial public offering, my girlfriend was finally ready to reveal our relationship publicly. She was on the verge of making the announcement.
However, before she could do so, her arrogant assistant, who had always disliked me, preempted her. He confidently strode onto the stage, placed his arm around her waist, and flashed a victorious grin.
"I thought we agreed to wait a few more years? Couldn't resist any longer, could you?" he taunted, his voice laced with sarcasm.
My girlfriend didn't bother to explain. Instead, she handed him a document—the share transfer agreement—and declared to the audience that he was now the company's newest stakeholder.
The room exploded with astonishment, whispers and murmurs spreading rapidly.
The assistant, clearly reveling in the attention, directed his smugness towards me, throwing subtle insults my way.
And my girlfriend? She made no effort to stop him. In fact, her voice was ice-cold as she added, "You've contributed greatly to the company, but his skills are what we need for a more prosperous future."
I remained stoic, offering no argument. Instead, I smiled, nodded, and graciously handed over my remaining shares to the assistant as well.
"Let's see," I mused internally, "how they'll manage this company without its primary investor."
With that thought, I made my exit.

The IPO Betrayal, Love, Shares, and Corporate Backstabbing

The animated conversation in the chamber abruptly ceased. Nervous glances were exchanged among the attendees.


As the group struggled to comprehend the recent revelation, Ryan emitted a scornful laugh, dismissing it casually.


"You can't be serious. We just went public—how could there possibly be monetary troubles? Someone's clearly made an error."


Emily, seemingly reassured, exhaled and addressed the financial head with a piercing look.


"Don't circulate unsubstantiated claims without verification. You're only inciting needless alarm."


"But it's accurate..." the finance director attempted to clarify, their voice quavering.


Emily silenced them with a dismissive gesture. "That's enough. Return to your station."


Ryan chimed in, his tone oozing arrogance. "Indeed, get your information straight before barging in here crying disaster. Next instance, there'll be consequences for such conduct."


Chapter 5