The words landed heavily between them.
She continued after a brief pause. "And your assistant will temporarily oversee the office in your place."
Alex's eyes widened instantly in shock. "Removed?" he repeated slowly, unable to hide the disbelief in his voice.
Lady Monica nodded tiredly.
"With the scandal currently surrounding you, it is best for you to step back for now, breathe properly, and reorganize yourself."
Alex immediately shook his head in denial. Slowly, almost mechanically, he rose to his feet.
For several seconds, he simply stood there silently as though struggling to process everything he had just heard.
The position of vice president had never simply been a title to him. It represented years of preparation. Years of sacrifice. Years of expectation.
And now, within a single day, it had all been stripped away from him.
Without saying another word, Alex slowly turned and walked toward the door in a complete daze.
