At his promotion gala, my husband splashed champagne across my dress and introduced his mistress. He had no idea I held the power to destroy his entire career with one phone call.

I could feel the room waiting for me to cry or leave. Part of me wanted to do both. My skin was cold beneath the wet fabric, and I knew that by morning strangers would have watched this moment a thousand times.

But I also remembered an email Eleanor, Harlow’s corporate counsel, had sent me that afternoon.

She wanted to discuss concerns about the regional promotion. I had told her it could wait until morning. I had wanted one evening to celebrate my husband.

I would not let it wait now.

I reached into my purse and found my phone. Daniel barely noticed. He was lifting another glass while Vanessa leaned against him.

“Eleanor?” I said when she answered.

“Yes, Mrs. Mercer?”

The name made Vanessa glance over. Daniel looked annoyed.

“Is Robert with you?” Eleanor asked.

“He’s here,” I said. “So is Daniel. The promotion was announced.”

A pause.

“Claire, I still need you to review what I sent.”

“I know.”

Daniel raised his glass toward the crowd.

I looked at the man I had married, then at the chairman waiting across the room.

“Eleanor,” I said, “put the emergency board procedure in motion. I want the promotion suspended tonight, before Daniel exercises any authority under that title.”