Olga once again scrutinized her reflection.
She was wearing an elegant dark blue dress that perfectly accentuated her figure. Pearly earrings—a birthday gift from her mother-in-law—added a special charm to her fair skin.
Today, she had to look impeccable. Nervously, she adjusted a stray lock of hair and took a deep breath.
«Sweetheart, you’ve been standing in front of the mirror for an hour,» Ivan gently placed his hands on her shoulders. «Trust me, you look amazing! Everything will be fine.»
«Are you sure?» she asked anxiously, looking at her husband. «Today will decide the fate of everything I’ve worked for the past five years.»
«Don’t doubt it. The position of head of the economic department is definitely yours. You’re the best in the company.»
She gave a weak smile, remembering her first day at ‘StroyInvest.’ Back then, she was a young economist with a red diploma, full of energy and ambition. It was there that she met Ivan—the son of the CEO, Sergey Sergeyevich Vorontsov.
«Do you remember what your father said at our wedding?» Olga turned to her husband. «‘A typical gold digger of my son.’»
«Stop. We’ve been married for five years. You’re doing great. Even he can see it, though he remains silent.»
«Of course, that’s why he picks at every little thing I do,» she replied bitterly.
Olga remembered every demeaning comment from her father-in-law. His ostentatious checks on her reports, sarcastic remarks in meetings, cold greetings when they met. If it hadn’t been for the support of Marina Alexandrovna, Sergey Sergeyevich’s wife, she wouldn’t have been able to endure such treatment.
«Mom believes in you!» Ivan said, as if reading her thoughts. «She says you’re one of the most promising employees!»
«Thank your mom. She’s amazing.»
Olga fondly remembered how her mother-in-law had defended them when Sergey Sergeyevich tried to forbid their wedding.
«You’ve forgotten, dear, that you came from a humble family?» she had told her husband back then. «My parents accepted you despite their status and wealth. And now? You’re running their company successfully. I believe in Olga just as they believed in you.»
«It’s time to go,» Ivan glanced at the clock. «Ready to shine at the corporate event?»
«I’m as nervous as a schoolgirl!» she admitted. «You don’t become a department head every day.»
«Hey!» Ivan turned her towards him. «Listen to me carefully. You’re smart, beautiful, and a fantastic professional. In five years, you’ve implemented a new accounting system, optimized expenses, and raised the department’s work to a new level. This position is yours! Our future children need a strong mom!»
Olga gratefully snuggled into her husband. She was so lucky to have him! He always supported her, believed in her, and protected her from her father’s attacks.
«How do you manage to think of everything?» she smiled playfully. «Everything seems so harmonious with you!»
«I think about them constantly!» Ivan kissed her affectionately. «I’ve even come up with names.»
«First, let’s wait for the appointment. Then we can make plans for the future! Agreed? Don’t rush!»
Olga took one last look in the mirror, touched up her makeup, and nodded decisively at her reflection.
Tonight was a special evening. The day when all her efforts would be rewarded. She couldn’t afford to miss this chance.
As she descended the stairs of their country house, she froze for a moment.
Her father-in-law’s disdainful face flashed in her mind again, his biting remarks, his constant nitpicking.
«It doesn’t matter! Today, everything will change. I will prove to you, Sergey Sergeyevich, that I deserve to be part of your family and your company.»
The banquet hall at the «Metropol» hotel gleamed with lights, like a festive showcase. The employees of «StroyInvest» had gathered not only to celebrate the successful completion of the quarter but also to discuss the long-awaited changes in management.
Holding Ivan’s hand, Olga confidently stepped into the hall.
«Olya! I’m so glad to see you!» Marina Alexandrovna hurried to her daughter-in-law. «You look absolutely stunning today! The pearls perfectly complement this dress.»
«Thank you, Marina Alexandrovna,» Olga smiled warmly. «I specifically wore your gift. It always brings me luck.»
Her mother-in-law winked conspiratorially.
«I’m sure fortune will be on your side today. Your recent projects have impressed even our Swiss financial consultant.»
Ivan looked proudly at his wife.
«I told you! Everyone is whispering about it.»
At that moment, Ilona—Olga’s main rival for the position of head of the economic department—approached them. A tall blonde in a provocative red dress.
«Good evening!» she purred. «What a wonderful celebration, isn’t it? Marina Alexandrovna, you’ve outdone yourself with the organization!»
Olga involuntarily tensed up. There was something unsettling about Ilona’s behavior: too much self-confidence and a victorious smile.
«Ilona, darling,» the owner of the company barely suppressed a frown. «The dress is certainly striking, but doesn’t it seem more appropriate for a nightclub?»
The blonde seemed to ignore the sharp remark.
«Oh, what are you saying! This is the latest Valentino collection. Sergey Sergeyevich highly praised my choice.»
Olga felt Ivan tense up. It was indeed strange that her father-in-law was discussing outfits with subordinates.
«And here comes Dad!» Ivan exclaimed, noticing his father climbing onto the stage.
Sergey Sergeyevich, impeccable in his expensive suit, took the microphone.
«Dear colleagues! Today is a special day for our company. We are not only celebrating the successful completion of the quarter but also important personnel decisions.»
Olga froze. Everything would be decided now! She felt Ivan’s hand tighten around hers.
Her father-in-law methodically announced appointments in various departments. Finally, he reached the economic department.
«And now, the most important decision. The head of the economic department will be… » he paused dramatically, «Ilona Sergeyevna Krasnova!»
Olga’s world went dark. Her head spun. She heard gasps of surprise, Ilona’s triumphant squeal, and Marina Alexandrovna’s quiet «What the hell?»
«This is a mistake,» Ivan whispered. «I’ll figure this out.»
But Olga was no longer listening. She was looking at Ilona’s triumphant smile, her father-in-law’s pleased face, and she realized—this wasn’t a mistake. This was yet another humiliation. The most painful one in all these years.
«I want to speak to your father, face to face!» she said firmly to her husband.
«Maybe not now?» her husband tried to stop her.
«It’s time! I’ve been silent for five years. No more!»
Straightening her shoulders, the daughter-in-law made her way to her father-in-law, who was just coming down from the stage. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed how Ilona was practically hanging on his arm, whispering something in his ear.
«It doesn’t matter,» Olga thought, «now we’re going to talk. And I’ll finally say everything I’ve been holding back all these years.»
She didn’t even realize how much this conversation would change the lives of the entire family.
«Sergey Sergeyevich, may I speak with you?» she asked, trying to keep her voice calm and confident.
Her father-in-law slowly turned, giving her a mocking look.
«Of course, dear. Are you here to congratulate Ilona Sergeyevna on her appointment?»
Ilona, still holding onto the boss’s hand, gave her a victorious smile.
«Yes, Olya, congratulate me! I’m sure we’ll make a great team.»
«I’d like to speak privately,» Olga said firmly, ignoring the blonde.
Ivan and Marina Alexandrovna approached them. The expression on her mother-in-law’s face was one of undisguised indignation.
«Sergei, what’s going on?» she asked her husband sharply. «Why wasn’t this decision discussed at the board meeting?»
«Dear,» Sergey Sergeyevich replied condescendingly, «as CEO, I have the right to make personnel decisions on my own. Ilona has proven herself to be a promising specialist with a modern approach.»
«In one year?» her son couldn’t hold back. «Dad, my wife has more experience and better results!»
Her father-in-law made a show of grimacing.
«Ivan, you know my position well. I never promote family members. It negatively affects business.»
«Really?» Olga’s anger bubbled up. «Maybe the real reason is something else? Maybe I just don’t meet your… personal criteria?»
Ilona flinched but quickly regained her composure. Sergey Sergeyevich suddenly turned pale.
«What are you implying?» he spat.
«Nothing. Just curious: why does an employee with one year of experience suddenly get such a promotion? What are her… special achievements?»
«Watch your words!» her father-in-law barked. «You can’t handle this position. All your reports need revisions. You always miss deadlines. And most importantly—you don’t know how to make tough decisions.»
Each word stung like a slap. Olga felt humiliation spreading over her body like a hot wave.
«That’s not true!» Marina Alexandrovna defended her. «Sergei, you’re being unfair!»
«I’ve never been so fair!» he snapped. «Let’s close this subject. The decision has been made.»
Olga slowly scanned the room: the triumphant Ilona, the confused husband, the outraged mother-in-law, and her self-satisfied father-in-law.
«You know,» she quietly said, «you’re right. I really don’t know how to make tough decisions. Not yet. But that’s easy to fix.»
She turned and walked out. No one noticed the single tear that slipped down her cheek. No one saw the dangerous gleam in her eyes.
«Olya, wait!» Ivan ran after her.
«Don’t. Please, I need to be alone. And… I need to do something.»
When she got home, she took a folder with photos from the safe. The very photos that the «specially hired person» had given her a month ago.
Her father-in-law and Ilona in a restaurant, at a hotel, in a car. Passionate embraces, kisses—undeniable evidence of infidelity.
At the time, Olga had decided not to get involved in family conflicts to avoid upsetting her mother-in-law. But now everything had changed.
«You started this game yourself, Sergey Sergeyevich,» she thought as she laid out the photographs. «Now, it’s my move.»
Marina Alexandrovna silently examined the photos laid out before her on the table. Her hands trembled slightly, but her face remained impassive.
«How long have you known about this?» she asked her daughter-in-law.
«Over a month. I didn’t want to… I really didn’t want to upset you. But yesterday’s corporate event was the last straw.»
Her mother-in-law nodded slowly.
«I understand. And I appreciate your honesty. Now, please leave me alone. I need to think.»
A week later, an emergency board meeting was held at «StroyInvest.»
Marina Alexandrovna, as the major shareholder, announced radical changes in management.
Sergey Sergeyevich sat in his office, shoulders slumped. Before him lay a resignation letter and documents transferring all assets to his wife.
«You understand,» she said coldly, «that if you don’t sign these documents, I’ll make public not only your affair with this… woman, but also all the shady dealings with the tenders. Yes, I know everything. I’ve just been silent, hoping you’d come to your senses.»
The man silently picked up the pen and signed the papers.
«Good! And one more thing,» the company owner added. «Your ‘beloved’ is also fired. I advise you both to stay away from the company. And from our family. Do you understand?»
Sergey Sergeyevich slowly nodded.
The main conference hall of «StroyInvest» buzzed like a disturbed beehive.
Whispers about the recent events circulated through the office. Some felt sorry for Sergey Sergeyevich, some gossiped with glee, but most just wondered what would happen to the company now.
As soon as Marina Alexandrovna stepped onto the stage, everyone fell silent.
In her gray business suit, she looked poised and elegant. Only the closest ones could understand how much effort these two weeks had cost her.
«Good afternoon, dear colleagues!» she began confidently. «Today, we are opening a new chapter in the history of ‘StroyInvest.’ I, as the major shareholder, have made several important decisions.»
She paused, surveying the hushed employees.
«I want to say right away: our company has always been built on principles of honesty and professionalism. And it will continue that way. Every employee should be confident that they will be evaluated for their actual achievements, not for family ties or personal relationships.»
A murmur of approval rippled through the hall. Many nodded.
«Therefore, today I am announcing the appointment of the new CEO of the company. It is Ivan Sergeyevich Vorontsov!»
Ivan rose to the stage to loud applause. Tall, fit, in a dark blue suit, he radiated confidence and strength.
«Over ten years working in the company,» Marina Alexandrovna continued, «my son has risen from an ordinary manager to the deputy director. He knows every mechanism of our business. And, most importantly, he knows how to value people and their talents.»
She turned to her son and warmly added:
«Ivan, I’m sure you will take ‘StroyInvest’ to a new level. Because you have never betrayed the work, nor the people.»
Olga, sitting in the front row, looked at her husband with pride. His eyes were suspiciously bright.
«And now,» Marina Alexandrovna smiled wider, «another important decision. The head of the economic department will be Olga Vorontsova!»
The hall exploded in applause. Many stood up. Olga felt tears welling up in her eyes. She slowly got to her feet and walked toward the stage.
«This fragile woman,» her mother-in-law’s voice quivered, «has shown us all what true professionalism and human dignity mean. She earned this promotion through her hard work and talent.»
The daughter-in-law climbed onto the stage. Her heart was pounding wildly. The moment she had dreamed of for so long had finally arrived! But…
«Marina Alexandrovna,» Olga stepped to the microphone, «I am endlessly grateful for your trust. But I must request a deferral. At least two years.»
Her mother-in-law raised an eyebrow in surprise. Whispers spread through the hall.
«The thing is,» Olga smiled joyfully, feeling tears trickle down her cheeks, «I’m expecting a baby. And I want to devote myself to my family.»
The silence lasted only a second. Then the hall literally exploded with congratulations and applause. Ivan, tears streaming down his face, embraced his wife. And Marina Alexandrovna, forgetting her status as the owner of the company, cried and rushed to hug both of them.
«I’m going to be a grandmother!» she exclaimed through her tears. «Finally!»
The employees applauded standing. Some yelled «Bitter!» some whistled. And Olga, pressing close to her husband and mother-in-law, thought that today truly began a new chapter. And this chapter would be beautiful.
Later that evening, Olga sat in the favorite chair they both loved, gently stroking her still-flat stomach.
«You know,» she said thoughtfully, «I’m grateful to your father.»
«For what?» her husband asked, surprised.
«If it weren’t for his stunt at the corporate event, I wouldn’t have dared to tell your mom the truth. And she would have kept living with a man who didn’t appreciate her. And I wouldn’t have realized that there are things more important than a career.»
«Like what?» Ivan smiled softly.
«Like our family. And this baby,» Olga lovingly ran her hand over her stomach. «By the way, you said you came up with names.»
«If it’s a girl, Marina, after my mom. And if it’s a boy…»
«Just not Sergey!» Olga laughed.
«No, of course! Alexander. The protector. Because you taught me how to protect what really matters.»
Olga nestled closer to her husband. She thought about how life is an amazing thing. Sometimes you have to go through pain and betrayal to understand the true values. To find the strength not only to stand up for yourself but to protect those you love.
And the position of leader can wait. She now had a far more important job—to become a mother. And that was the most important appointment of her life.
