The second annual Techvision conference arrived with perfect timing, providing a welcome distraction from the intensity of her feelings. Victoria stood in the lobby of the convention center, her professional mask firmly in place as she surveyed the bustling crowd of industry professionals.
"Amara," she called to her assistant, who was busy organizing their presentation materials. "I want you to enjoy yourself today. Network, socialize, make connections. This is as much about building relationships as it is about business."
Amara beamed at the instruction. "Thank you, Ms. Sharp. I won't let you down."
Victoria's eyes found James across the room, and she felt the familiar flutter of attraction mixed with affection. He looked handsome in his pressed polo and blazer, his confidence evident in the way he moved through the crowd. The fact that he was here with her, as her partner in both business and life, filled her with a sense of completeness that still surprised her.
As the conference officially began, Victoria took the stage alongside James, her CEO persona taking full control. The audience was receptive, their interest in Sharp Innovations' latest product evident in their attentive expressions and engaged questions.
"The response to our new line has exceeded all projections," Victoria announced, her voice carrying clearly through the auditorium. "We're seeing unprecedented demand across all demographics, with particular strength in the twenty-five to forty-five age bracket."
James stepped forward to address the technical specifications, his expertise adding credibility to their presentation. Victoria watched him work the crowd with growing admiration, marveling at how seamlessly they complemented each other in this professional setting.
The presentation concluded to enthusiastic applause, and Victoria felt the familiar rush of success. However more than that, she felt pride in what she and James had built together, both professionally and personally.
The remainder of the conference passed in a blur of meetings with potential clients and investors. Victoria found herself in her element, negotiating deals and forging partnerships with the kind of sharp focus that had made her a formidable business woman.
As the afternoon wore on, she excused herself to use the restroom, needing a moment to regroup before the final round of meetings. The facility was empty when she entered, providing a welcome respite from the constant demands of networking and deal-making.
She had barely begun to freshen up when she heard footsteps behind her. Victoria turned to find Elena Vasquez blocking the entrance, her expression unreadable but her presence unmistakably intentional.
"Elena," Victoria said carefully, her instincts immediately sharpening. "What can I do for you?"
Elena's smile was cold as she stepped further into the restroom, effectively cornering Victoria against the row of sinks.
"Your face is as annoying as it's ever been." Elena starts arm folded. Victoria already knew how this would end. Honestly, she thought the little anonymous threat sent would scare her off. Well it proved effective as she had peace of mind for a few months at least.
Victoria exhaled slowly, refusing to take the bait. "It's been ten years, Elena. I've moved on. Perhaps you should too."
"Moved on?" Elena laughed, a brittle sound that echoed off the tiled walls. "Is that what you call systematically undermining my company? Poaching our clients? Copying our innovations?"
"I've never copied anything in my life," Victoria replied coolly. "And your clients came to me because they wanted results, not promises backed by daddy's money."
Elena's face flushed with anger. "Always so superior. So convinced of your own brilliance. You were nothing when we met, a scholarship case with secondhand clothes and desperation rolling off you in waves."
"And yet here I am," Victoria said evenly, "building something of my own instead of inheriting it."
Elena stepped closer, invading Victoria's space. "You wouldn't have gotten through business school without me. Without my notes, my connections, my friendship."
"Your control, you mean," Victoria corrected, standing her ground despite the prickle of adrenaline along her spine. "Everything came with strings attached. Your 'help' was just another way to keep me dependent, to make sure I knew my place."
"Your place was supposed to be at Meridian, with me," Elena hissed. "We had plans."
"No, you had plans," Victoria countered. "You never asked what I wanted."
"Because you didn't know what you wanted!" Elena's voice rose sharply. "You were lost, uncertain. I gave you direction."
Victoria shook her head, a sad smile touching her lips. "That's what you needed to believe. That I needed you more than you needed me. That my success was because of you, not in spite of you."
Something dangerous flashed in Elena's eyes. "You think you're so perfect, don't you? The great Victoria Sharp, self-made success story. Everyone in that room admires you, wants you, wants to be you." She stepped even closer. "If they only knew the real Victoria, the one who slept her way through funding rounds, who betrayed the only real friend she ever had."
Victoria's composure slipped for a fraction of a second. "Don't you dare. That's a lie. I may be the girl that everyone wants but at least I'm not the girl that everyone's had and you know it."
"Do I?" Elena's smile was venomous. "Or is it just another inconvenient truth you've rewritten to fit your carefully constructed narrative?"
"We're done here," Victoria said firmly, attempting to move past Elena toward the door.
Elena grabbed her arm, her manicured nails digging into Victoria's skin. "We're done when I say we're done."
Victoria reacted instinctively, twisting her arm to break Elena's grip while simultaneously creating distance between them, a defensive move from the self-defense classes she'd taken.
"Don't touch me," Victoria warned, her voice low and controlled despite the rapid beating of her heart.
Elena's face contorted with rage. She lunged forward, shoving Victoria hard against the marble counter. "Still think you're better than me? Still think you can just dismiss me?"
Victoria side-stepped quickly, using Elena's momentum against her. "This is absurd. We're not in college anymore, Elena."
"No, we're not," Elena seethed. "Now I have to watch you play queen bee out there, everyone hanging on your every word, while Meridian struggles because you've systematically undercut us at every turn."
"Meridian struggles because you spend more time obsessing over competitors than innovating," Victoria replied, trying to maintain her calm. "This isn't about me. It's about your own insecurities."
With a wordless cry of fury, Elena grabbed for Victoria again, catching the fabric of her gown. Victoria twisted away, but Elena's grip on the delicate material was too strong. There was a sickening sound of tearing fabric, and suddenly Victoria's dress gave way, the bodice ripping down from the halter neck neckline.
Victoria gasped, clutching at the torn fabric as cold air hit her exposed skin. The dress hung in tatters from her shoulders to her waist, leaving her upper body exposed. Instinctively, she crossed her arms over her chest, shock rendering her momentarily speechless.
Elena stepped back, a look of momentary surprise giving way to cruel satisfaction. "Not so perfect now, are you?" she said softly. "Enjoy explaining this to your adoring public."
With that, she turned and walked out, leaving Victoria alone in the restroom, half-dressed and humiliated.