Chapter 1

The noise of the gala was a dull roar in my ears, a stark contrast to the quiet hum of servers in my lab just hours ago.

We' d done it, Innovatech Solutions had secured the $50 million Series B funding.

My AI algorithm was the core, the reason those investors opened their wallets.

Bella, my wife, our CEO, had promised me a significant bonus, public acknowledgment.

She stood on the stage, lights glinting off her sequined dress.

"And for the brilliant mind who made tonight possible," she announced, her voice echoing.

My heart beat a little faster.

She called my name, I walked up.

She handed me a small, flat envelope.

Inside, a $50 Amazon gift card.

The applause felt like static.

I managed a smile, said my thanks, and walked off stage.

Later, scrolling through Instagram on a colleague' s phone, I saw Bella' s latest post.

A picture of Julian Vance, our new Chief Branding Officer, grinning beside a new Tesla Model S Plaid.

Another shot: a limited-edition Audemars Piguet watch on his wrist.

A third: Julian in a bespoke designer suit, looking like a magazine cover.

All expensed to the company, the geotag showing a luxury dealership from earlier that day.

Bella' s caption: "To my star, the future of Innovatech! So proud of your contributions to our Series B success!"

I quietly double-tapped the screen, liking the post.

My phone buzzed. It was Bella.

"Liam, darling, don't misunderstand about Julian's gifts," her voice was smooth, practiced.

"It's all necessary for his role, to uphold the company image, you know? Networking, schmoozing. It's an investment."

I said nothing.

"Your real bonus, the $20,000, it's coming, by year-end, I promise. Things are just a bit tight with the new expenditures."

"Bella," I said, my voice flat, "I want a divorce."

Silence. Then, her tone sharpened.

"A divorce? Now? Are you trying to sabotage the company, Liam? After everything we' ve built?"

"This isn't about the company," I replied.

"It's always about the company with you! You' re not being a team player! Is this about that stupid gift card? So petty!"

"No, it's about a Tesla, a watch, and a suit, Bella. It's about respect."

"Julian earned those! He was instrumental in the pitch deck!"

I almost laughed, I wrote that deck, every slide, every projection.

"We have a prenup, Bella," I reminded her.

We' d signed it years ago, when Innovatech was just a dream in a garage, stipulating a clean break if things went south, or if we did.

"You wouldn't dare," she hissed. "You'll destroy everything."

"You already are," I said, and ended the call.

My $50 gift card felt heavy in my pocket.