Called a Mooch, I Answered with Fire

It was our fifth year of marriage when Olivia Evans, my wife and the CEO of Evans Innovations, hired a fresh-out-of-college junior, Ryan Cooper, to be the new Vice President.

And just like that, I—Ethan Carter—became the so-called gold-digger who “lived off his wife’s money.”

At a corporate gala.

In front of everyone.

While a full glass of red wine was dumped on me.

Ryan looked at me with open disdain.

“I heard you’ve been married to Olivia for five years and still accomplished nothing. Just leeching off the company payroll. Guys like you—social climbers who think they can climb to the top by clinging onto a powerful woman—I’ve seen plenty.”

“CEO Evans might put up with you because she’s generous, but I don’t tolerate dead weight. Starting today—you’re fired.”

Fired?

From my own company?

I froze, then instinctively turned to Olivia.

She hesitated only a second before stepping beside me, whispering,

“Ryan doesn’t understand your contributions to the company. He spoke too harshly—don’t take it personally.”

“But you’ve worked yourself to the bone all these years… taking a break at home for a while wouldn’t hurt.”

I stared at her, stunned, unable to believe what I was hearing.

After a long moment, I nodded.

“Alright.”

But I wondered…

Without me, could this company even survive a week?

At the celebration dinner for Ryan’s promotion, he made a rousing introductory speech—then aimed his words straight at me.

“I don’t tolerate sand in my eyes. Anyone who slacks off and contributes nothing will be removed. This company has no place for parasites.”

When he finished, his eyes immediately landed on me.

Heads turned—first toward me, then toward Ryan.

Their expressions grew peculiar.

Everyone here knew I funded the company.

I brought in all the partnerships.

Olivia may be the public-facing CEO, but the real power behind Evans Innovations was me.

Without me, there would be no Evans Innovations.

Touch me—and you’re ripping out the company’s roots.

Sensing the tension, Olivia forced a smile to break the ice:

“Vice President Cooper spoke a little strongly just now, but his intentions are good. We all must do our part and grow the company together.”

She lifted her glass.

“Let’s all toast to VP Cooper and wish him great success leading us to new heights!”

People politely raised their glasses.

Everyone except me.

Olivia begged me with her eyes.

I sighed, expressionless, and slowly raised mine.

“Hold on. One more thing.”

Ryan suddenly stepped forward, wine glass in hand, heading straight toward me.

“Mr. Carter, as far as I know, you’ve been our Business Manager for five years and never once initiated a networking dinner with partners. Care to explain?”

Explain?

There was nothing to explain.

As the heir to Carter Global Holdings, a multi-billion-dollar empire, partners begged me for meetings—never the other way around.

This company wasn’t even qualified to demand that from me.

My silence only irritated Ryan further.

“I’m speaking to you. Why aren’t you answering?”

I turned toward Olivia instead.

He snapped, “I’m the one questioning you! CEO Evans may tolerate you, but I don’t. Your inaction is nothing but incompetence.”

“Originally, I wanted to fire you on the spot. But since our CEO thinks I’m being too harsh, I’ll spare you… for now. Consider this a small punishment—your performance will decide your future here.”