Chapter 51: Standing Alone

Scarlett announced the separation of Whitmore Industries and the Moretti Empire on a cold Monday morning.

The decision shocked investors, reporters, and enemies who had grown comfortable calling her Alexander's puppet. She stood before the press in the lobby of Whitmore Industries, seated in her wheelchair, spine straight, eyes steady.

'Whitmore Industries will continue its internal restructuring independently,' she said. 'Any cooperation with outside partners will be reviewed by the board under full transparency.'

A reporter raised his voice. 'Does this mean your relationship with Alexander Moretti is over?'

Scarlett did not flinch. 'My personal life is not a corporate asset.'

That line became the headline by noon.

Alexander watched the press conference from Moretti House. He did not call her afterward. He sent only one message.

Proud of you.

Scarlett stared at the words longer than she should have. Love felt harder when it respected distance.

At the office, some directors tested her immediately. Without Alexander visibly beside her, they expected uncertainty. Instead, Scarlett fired two executives connected to Project Swan, suspended three contracts tied to Carter accounts, and ordered a complete ethics review.

By evening, the building understood.

Chairwoman Whitmore did not need the Godfather in the room to be dangerous.

Still, when Scarlett returned home that night, loneliness waited like an old enemy. Alexander's absence was everywhere—in the quiet hallway, in the empty chair near the fireplace, in the silence where his calm voice used to steady her.

Dr. Cross found her in the therapy room after midnight.

'You are not training at this hour,' the doctor said.

Scarlett wiped her eyes quickly. 'I am not crying either.'

'Obviously.'

Scarlett laughed despite herself.

She gripped the bars and rose slowly. Her legs trembled, but she held herself upright.

One second. Two. Three.

No cameras. No Alexander. No enemies watching.

Just Scarlett.

She took one step forward.

Then another.

For the first time, she did not think about proving anyone wrong. She only thought about moving toward herself.