His expression darkened. “This is ridiculous. I’m your husband.”
My tone hardened. “What’s ridiculous is that you still believe being my husband means you get to control me.”
For a split second, something flickered in his eyes — unease. Because he realized I wasn’t backing down.
“You are not firing her,” he barked. “I won’t allow it!”
“I already did,” I replied coolly. “It’s effective immediately.”
His hand slammed against the wall beside my head, close enough that I felt the air shift.
“You’re testing my patience, Isabella,” he warned.
I held his gaze steadily. “Maybe I am.”
His breath faltered slightly. He saw it then — the change in me. Something he couldn’t manipulate anymore.
After a moment, he stepped back, forcing his expression to soften.
“Alright,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. “If that’s what you want… we’ll go with your decision. For now.”
Candela lowered her head, wiping at imaginary tears. “Ma’am… I’ll pack my things. Thank you for the opportunity. I’m sorry if I did anything that upset you.”
I didn’t respond.