“You Don’t Fit My World Anymore” — He Divorced His Billionaire Wife on a $41 Cab Fare. She Owned…
Chapter 2
Daniel woke the next morning believing he had finally taken control of his life.
For the first time in years, he felt strangely light.
He showered, put on a tailored suit, and stood before the mirror.
No more pretending.
No more walking behind Mia.
No more feeling like an accessory to his wife’s success.
He had decided that their divorce would be clean.
Professional.
Mutual.
At least, that was what he told himself.
By eight-thirty, Daniel was inside Mercer Holdings, the company where he served as senior strategy director.
Technically, the company had nothing to do with Mia.
That was what everyone believed.
Mercer Holdings had been founded twenty-five years earlier by a man named Richard Mercer, Daniel’s mentor and former boss.
Richard had passed away three years ago.
Since then, the board had run the company.
Daniel had worked hard to rise through the ranks.
He believed he had earned his position.
He also believed Mia had never understood how hard he had worked.
At nine, he entered a conference room.
His colleague Jason looked up.
“You look weirdly happy.”
“Divorce,” Daniel said.
Jason nearly dropped his coffee.
“What?”
“I’m ending my marriage.”
Jason stared.
“To Mia?”
“Yes.”
“Are you insane?”
Daniel frowned.
“Why?”
Jason lowered his voice.
“Because she’s incredible.”
“You’ve met her twice.”
“Exactly. Twice was enough.”
Daniel rolled his eyes.
Before Jason could answer, the conference room doors opened.
Alex Reed, the company’s chief operating officer, entered.
Behind him were several lawyers.
Alex placed a thick document on the table.
“Everyone, we have an update.”
Daniel leaned back.
The room became silent.
“Effective immediately, the controlling shareholder of Mercer Holdings has changed.”
Daniel looked confused.
“Changed to who?”
Alex opened a file.
“The Hawthorne Family Trust.”
Several executives exchanged glances.
Daniel barely paid attention.
The Hawthorne Family Trust was an investment entity that had appeared in business reports for years.
It owned stakes in banks, hotels, technology firms, property groups, and shipping companies.
But no one knew exactly who controlled it.
Alex continued.
“The trust has acquired additional voting shares.”
“How many?” someone asked.
Alex looked down.
“Enough to control the company.”
Daniel’s stomach tightened.
“And the owner?” another executive asked.
Alex gave a small, uncomfortable smile.
“That’s classified for now.”
Daniel laughed.
“Classified?”
“It’s a private family trust.”
“Then who’s representing them?”
The door opened again.
Everyone turned.
Mia walked in.
She wore a navy business suit.
No wedding ring.
Daniel froze.
Mia looked at him.
For the briefest moment, her expression changed.
Then she turned to the room.
“Good morning.”
Daniel stood.
“What are you doing here?”
Mia looked at him calmly.
“I work here.”
He almost laughed.
“You haven’t worked here in years.”
“I never stopped.”
Silence.
Alex cleared his throat.
“Mrs. Mercer is here in an official capacity.”
Daniel looked between them.
“Mrs. Mercer?”
Mia corrected him.
“Not anymore.”
Daniel felt the floor disappear beneath him.
Mia walked toward the head of the table.
Alex handed her the documents.
Daniel watched as she signed.
Then Alex said the words that made every face in the room turn toward him.
“Everyone, this is Mia Hawthorne.”
Daniel’s breath caught.
Alex continued.
“Controlling owner of Mercer Holdings.”
Nobody moved.
Daniel stared at his soon-to-be ex-wife.
Mia quietly looked down at the papers.
She had never lied about being rich.
She had only let him believe that his version of her was the whole truth.
