My company.

Derek stared at her in disbelief. “That’s impossible,” he said sharply. “Claire doesn’t even have a job.”

Vanessa’s expression hardened. “She founded the company. Built the business model. Secured the funding. Personally hired me. Do you actually know who you married?”

I swallowed. I hadn’t planned to reveal any of this while holding my newborn son in a hospital bed. But Derek had brought chaos into the room, and now the truth had no choice but to surface.

Two years earlier, I had quietly started a consulting business from my laptop. Derek dismissed it constantly, mocking anything that didn’t look like a “real career.” As the business grew, I shifted into healthcare staffing. I founded Morgan Clinical Solutions and kept it discreet. Within a year, hospitals across three states were contracting us for emergency room support.

I stayed silent because the finances were sensitive—and because Derek couldn’t tolerate the idea of my success existing independently of him.

When my grandfather’s lawyer contacted me about the inheritance, my own attorney advised me to protect everything through a trust. The restructuring was already underway. It just hadn’t gone public yet.

Vanessa glanced at my baby and smiled gently. “Congratulations. I didn’t realize today was your delivery day. The board meeting was moved, and I wanted to bring these documents in person. When I saw Derek in the hallway, I assumed he was here supporting you.”

“Board meeting?” Derek barked.

I exhaled slowly. “My board, Derek.”

He scoffed. “You’re lying.”

Vanessa raised the folder in her hand. “These are the finalized trust documents, property deeds, and confirmation of her latest acquisition.”

Derek snatched the papers and flipped through them. His face shifted—red, then pale.