Shorting My Billionaire Ex To Zero

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I severed ties with my family to be with Blair.

The day I was thrown out, my father, Mr. Harrington, had only a cold sneer for me.

Cameron, hed said. Youve been far too protected. You dont know the first thing about people. Ill give it six monthslets see how long your little rebellion lasts.

Six years. Six years, I was right beside Blair as she clawed her way upfrom the dusty basement office to the cramped rental, from splitting lukewarm instant ramen to occasionally being able to spring for a decent meal. I held her hair back when she drank until she threw up for a client. I stayed up all night, hovering over a pot of hangover soup.

Her company, Ascend Tech, finally went public.

The celebration was held in the Grand Ballroom of the citys top hotel. I arrived early, the dutiful fianc, to handle the final details.

But the moment I walked in, I saw someone already seated at the head tableRonan, the infamous Co-Pilot.

He was dressed in a crisp linen blazer, laughing easily with one of the key investors. His composure was unnerving, the attitude of a half-owner.

He barely glanced at me before issuing a casual order. Cam is here? Good. Could you chase the kitchen? Mr. Liu is allergic to shellfish; the menu needs a final check.

Blair, standing next to him, didnt miss a beat. She naturally took the wine glass from Ronans hand, finished the liquid, and murmured, Youre always so on top of things, Ronan. I almost forgot about Mr. Liu.

During the dinner, their conversation flowed in a torrent of industry jargon and capital strategy. They talked about the dizzying ascent of Ascend Tech as if they were reading from a shared scriptBlairs most shocking, exhilarating chapters, with Ronan as the absolute co-star.

I found myself perpetually several steps behind, unable to insert a word.

After the third round of drinks, Blair stood up to propose a final toast.

Ronan, instead of letting her, slipped an arm around her waist, all charm and dazzling smiles. Everyone! Blairs got it allcareer and love. Shouldnt we bachelors punish her for her good fortune?

The room exploded in cheers and playful taunts.

A few of the senior executives, fueled by alcohol, got loud.

Ive been saying it for years! You and Ronan are the real power couple! The way you communicatea single look, thats all it takes!

They started out sharing ramen, now theyre ringing the NASDAQ bell together. What do they call that? Shared hardship, shared fortune!

Blair laughed, letting the atmosphere simmer, refusing to deny the bond.

I watched the celebration that was ostensibly for her but felt entirely for them. I was the accessory, the furniture in the background of their joint success story.

It looks like your companys celebration doesnt require an actual husband. I kept my voice low, but the bitterness was a toxic cloud. You and your best partner can enjoy the victory.

I picked up my jacket and walked out, ignoring the sudden silence and the surprised faces.

She caught me in the hallway, grabbing my arm, her voice a soft, cajoling purr. Cam, stop. Dont ruin this.

I shrugged her off, my eyes stinging.

A couple of directors followed us, trying to smooth things over. Mr. Harrison, the oldest, patted Blairs shoulder. Blair, talk it out. Dont let Cam feel unappreciated.

Blair took a deep breath, her eyes clearing with sudden seriousness. Ronan was just carried away with the excitement, and I apologize for him. But Cam, six years of us are you really going to invalidate everything over one careless night?

Her voice dropped, laced with a familiar panic. You remember what we promised? Once the company went public, wed go see the Northern Lights in Norway, have a wedding in Troms?.

A sliver of pain pierced me. We had clawed our way through so much hell, only to finally reach this day.

She stroked the back of my hand, a gesture I knew well. You dont want to go to Norway with me anymore, Cam?

That line, that promise, was my ultimate soft spot.

Mr. Harrison sighed again. Cam, you were mistreated tonight. Ronan is fiercely devoted to the company; he just sees it as his own. He lost his perspective.

Ronan finally sauntered up, standing a few feet away, his tone smooth and professional. Cam, I apologize for my oversight just now. I didnt mean to create any misunderstanding. Let me buy you a drink. He raised a glass from seemingly nowhere, his posture generous and open.

The tension eased, momentarily.

As the directors left, Mr. Harrison made one final suggestion. Blair, the team is going to the Spring House Lodge tomorrow for a retreat. Bring Cam. He needs a chance to relax.

Blair immediately nodded, clinging tightly to my arm. Of course. Ill make sure hes there.

We went home that night.

In the steam-filled bathroom, she held my neck and whispered Im sorry over and over, kissing me urgently, desperately. Later, in bed, she took me several times, demanding a roughness that felt less like passion and more like a feverish attempt to smash all the lingering insecurities that now floated between us.

I closed my eyes, but the sliver of pain had become a needle, digging deeper into my heart.

We arrived at the Spring House Lodge late the next afternoon.

Ronan was already poolside, in a silk robe, nursing a glass of red wine. He smiled faintly when he saw us. Blair, did you remember your swimsuit this time? You always forget.

He then addressed me, the statement sounding entirely natural to him. Last time we were on a business trip, I had to buy her a bikini on the fly.

Blair looked momentarily awkward, shaking my hand slightly. That was ages ago, Cam.

It was a younger, more casual crowd this time. Everyone gathered around the hot spring pool, sipping wine, chatting.

Someone piped up, Ronan, tell us some of your classic startup stories with Blair!

Ronan grinned. The most memorable night was when we closed our Series A. Blair was so excited, she insisted I spin her around, and we both ended up falling fully clothed into the office pool.

The group roared with laughter.

Blair gave a soft, knowing laugh. You were pretty tipsy that night, too.

The teasing continued.

A project manager, clearly tipsy, slurred his words. Come on, Ronan, Blair! Be honest. Did you two really never date? Confess, while the fianc is here! Confess!

Another chimed in, Exactly! I remember one night, working till three a.m., I saw you two hugging in the office!

Ronan took a sip of wine, his face flushed, his gaze drifting toward Blair.

We we did kiss.

I snapped my head up. The sound of water, of laughtereverythingwent dead silent.

Blair leaned against the pools edge, eyes closed, seemingly oblivious.

Ronan smiled, his tone a dangerous mix of truth and jest.

It was the night the company almost folded. She said if we managed to turn things around, she would leave her boyfriend and be with me.

His eyes dropped to my pale, frozen face. He spoke slowly, emphasizing every word. And then

She leaned over and kissed me.

That sentence was a bucket of ice water dumped directly onto my skull.

The silence was deafening.

I lunged to my feet, glaring at a bleary-eyed Blair. Is he telling the truth?

The warm spring water felt suddenly absent, replaced by a deep, bone-chilling cold.

The woman who had clung to me and declared her love just last night now looked disoriented. She looked at Ronan, then at me.

Then, she smiled widely and mumbled unconsciously, Truth about what? It was just one kiss, Cam!

Ronnies lips were so soft it broke my heart.

Every drop of blood in my body turned to ice. Ronnie.

So, when the company turned around, you were supposed to be with him? My voice trembled.

She seemed to regain a sliver of consciousness. She rubbed her temples with a frustrated sigh. Cam, stop dredging up old history that was just the stress talking

Before she could finish, Ronan was there, helping her stand.

He was still wearing that mask of concern and sincerity. That time was incredibly difficult, Cam. Some words said under that kind of pressure dont count. Please dont take it to heart.

His words were genuine, but the blatant, undisguised love in his eyes for Blair was impossible to miss. He helped her out of the pool, his voice gentle. Blair, your stomach is sensitive. Dont stay in the hot water too long.

She leaned into him, hazy and compliant. It was an intimacy I had never felt entitled to.

An older employee sighed. Cam, you just werent there for that period. The company was on the verge of collapse. Ronan didnt sleep for three days straight, right alongside Blair.

At the worst point, they truly depended on each other.

Ronan spoke softly. Its all in the past. The company is great now, and shes with you. Im genuinely happy for her.

He said he was happy, but his eyes were filled with smug, unconcealed defiance.

Another executive, drunk, raised a hand. Ill vouch for that! Blair even said at the time, if they pulled through, she would never let Ronan down!

Amidst the few ambiguous chuckles, Blair rested her head on Ronans shoulder and mumbled, Mmm wont let Ronnie down.

That scene shattered whatever was left of me.

I grabbed my robe, pulled it on, and walked away.

Behind me, the murmurs rose.

He cant handle the truth?

They were never in the same league anyway.

Ronans the one who truly sacrificed for her.

I slammed the door and locked it behind me. The night outside the Spring House was cold and silent.

I flashed back to our ten-square-meter apartment, splitting one bowl of instant noodles. Shed been curled up in my arms. Cam, once I make it, Ill never let you suffer, not even a little bit.

I remembered her first failed funding attempt, sitting with her on an overpass at three in the morning, watching the cars below. Thank God I still have you, shed said.

Now she had made it. But somewhere along the path of loving me, she had fallen in love with someone else.

I stared into the thick darkness, sitting motionless until dawn.

Blair never returned to the room that night.

I didn't expect an apology. I didnt expect this.

The next afternoon, she burst in, fury radiating off her, followed by Ronan, his eyes slightly red.

She slammed her tablet down in front of me. The company websites homepage was defaced with a video: [SEE THE REAL FACE OF ASCENDS OTHER MAN RONAN!]

It was the clip of Ronan confessing they had kissed and her drunken admission to not letting Ronnie down. The comments section was a wildfire of condemnation.

Cameron! Blairs eyes were bloodshot. Our main website was hacked! The whole industry is laughing at us!

She stabbed a finger at the screen. Doesnt your childhood friend do security and hacking? Using this kind of dirty trick is despicable!

I froze. She was so quick to assign me guilt, based only on a connection.

Ronan stepped forward, his eyes watery but his posture rigid with dignity. Cam, if youre angry, just say so. But this company is the lifeblood of everyone here. You shouldnt retaliate like this.

Every word was calculated, making him seem the victim and me the petty villain.

I looked at the woman I had loved for six years. She was damning me without hesitation, all for him.

My heart died in that moment.

I slowly raised my eyes. Blair, are you here to bring him to me for an inquisition?

I took a deep, steadying breath, trying to stifle the sob in my throat. Or did you forget that you owe me an explanation first?

Or, I pressed, do you just want to tell me you want to break up?

Break up?

Blairs brow furrowed. Cameron, we are talking about the website hack right now!

And how youve ruined Ronans reputation.

She pinched the bridge of her nose, her tone heavy with annoyance. Is this how you act when youve done something wrong?

Ronan stood beside her, his voice quiet but sharp. Cam, I understand youre hurting. But attacking a company system is illegal, and it could destroy everything Blair has worked for.

The comment struck its target. Blair immediately moved to stand between Ronan and me, staring at me with profound disappointment.

Hes being this magnanimous, and youre still being this stubborn? Apologize!

I looked at the two of them, standing shoulder-to-shoulder.

I didnt do it, my voice was cold.

Who else? Blair bit back, utterly convinced. Your hacker friend is in that business!

Her absolute certainty sliced through me. I was shaking, and I finally lost control. I raised my hand

SMACK!

The sound was sharp and final as my palm connected with Blairs cheek. Her left cheek instantly blossomed crimson.

Blair! Ronan rushed to her side.

The senior executives heard the noise and flooded the room, shouting.

Cam, how could you lay a hand on her?

You caused the trouble, and now youre being violent!

Ronan is willing to let it go, what else do you want?

I looked at their united front, their righteous indignation, and let out a harsh, bitter laugh. You say I hacked your website? Do you have proof?

A room full of supposed leaders, yet youre all so quick to make baseless accusations!

As the chaos escalated, Ronan stepped in, playing the peacemaker. Everyone, calm down. Cam is just emotional.

Hes probably just upset about being overlooked by Blair.

He tried to excuse me, but in doing so, he cemented my guilt.

He spoke sincerely. But Cam, why make things this ugly over a private relationship issue?

In the confusion, my briefcase was knocked over. A small velvet box rolled outthe engagement ring Blair had bought me with her first successful round of funding.

Crunch.

A distinct, sickening sound of something breaking.

Ronans polished leather shoe had accidentally stepped on it. The diamond flew off, and the platinum band buckled.

The world went silent.

My apologies, Ronan took a step back, his tone feather-light. Didnt see that.

I bent down and picked up the mangled ring. My hand was shaking. Six years of love, crushed so easily.

Blair finally looked stunned, reaching for me. Cam

Before she could finish, I looked up, my eyes bloodshot. I gasped, then swung my hand, hitting Ronan with a blow that was louder and harder than the one Id given Blair.

SMACK!

He stumbled backward, crashing into the coffee table. Red wine from the spilled glasses stained his white linen blazer.

You He stared, his face a mask of disbelief.

That, I advanced a step, is for your calculated malice.

The executives collectively sucked in a breath.

Ronan struggled to stand. Doing this will only embarrass Blair

Shut up! I cut him off.

Blair softened her voice. Cam, lets talk about this properly.

Talk about what? I sneered. How you were kissing and relying on him?

The pain in my chest felt like my heart was tearing open. All the suppressed emotion exploded. I swung my hand one last time.

And this one, you parasite, is for being the other man!

Ronan cried out, falling to the floor. The red wine soaked into his white blazer, a picture of pathetic ruin. He finally dropped the mask. Cameron, youve lost your mind!

I didnt look at him again. I pulled out my phone and dialed.

Dad. My voice was ice. Initiate the short-sell on Ascend Tech. Buy up every available share.