During our divorce signing, my ex-husband mocked my thrift-store dress while his shiny new fiancée

David Lin’s voice was steady as he continued, “The condition is that you must personally oversee the company for at least one year. If you choose not to, the inheritance will be forfeited to various charities that your great-uncle supported.”

The weight of his words settled into the silence that stretched between us. A year? In a world I knew nothing about? The thought was both terrifying and exhilarating. But how could I possibly refuse? This was a chance to redefine my life, to step out of the shadows of my past and into a new light.

“Ms. Hayes, are you still with me?” David’s voice pulled me back to the present.“Yes, I’m here,” I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. “I—I accept the condition.”

“Wonderful,” David said, a hint of relief in his tone. “I’ll send over all necessary documents and arrange for a meeting with the board. They’re eager to meet you.”