"Shelagh will be taking over the presentation and her duties going forward."
"She's a top graduate from an elite program and has been working at my side for quite some time now."
"She's every bit as capable and sharp as Delilah. I'd appreciate it if everyone gave her a fair chance."
The spotlight swung to Shelagh.
The audience erupted in applause.
Shelagh lifted her chin, triumph written across her face.
As she passed me, she dropped her voice just low enough for only me to hear.
"Delilah, if you can't keep up, you step aside."
"I hope you don't mind if I don't hold back."
"We can't have our clients thinking Stellaris Group is staffed by pathetic women who reek of piss."
One sentence, and everything I'd built was hers.
I clenched my teeth and looked at Drew one last time.
Waiting for him to do something for me.
The way he had ten years ago, when he'd pushed back against everyone to bring me into the company.
The way he'd just done for Shelagh, backing her without a second's hesitation.
He didn't.
His gaze dropped to my soaked pant leg for a moment.
Then quietly looked away.
Behind me, security guards moved in on cue, pressing me to leave the stage.