The moment I walked into that party, I knew something was off. Dominic was standing there with a woman I’d never seen before, her hand on his arm like she owned him. “Ivonne, I bet you found out Dominic landed the director position at Scott Group. That’s why you’re here sniffing around him, isn’t it?
” she said. I stared at her. “Director? Then you must be the vice president.
”
“So now you understand why he picked me over you. ”
I looked at my ex-husband. The man who’d divorced me while I was pregnant. The man who’d called me worthless.
“So the top company you kept bragging about was Scott Group. ”
“Lexi, as far as I know, Dominic’s resume isn’t director material. Did the CEO approve it, or are you abusing your power to get your lover hired? ”
“Shut up,” Lexi snapped.
I wasn’t done. “I can’t believe the man who saved me from that car crash turned out to be a kept man. A sugar boy. ”
Dominic stepped forward, his face twisted with rage.
“Shut up. Lexi has skills, connections, and a real background. And you, you’re just a good-for-nothing loser. Of course I chose her.
”
“Good for nothing? Do you even know who I am? ”
He laughed. “What do you think you are?
Just a lowlife nobody wants around. Security. Get her out of here. ”
Two guards grabbed my arms.
I shook them off and pulled out my offer letter. “This is my offer letter and resume. I’m the new intern at Scott Group. Who dares to throw me out?
”
I held up my MBA from Libus University and my finance certifications. “I bet you can’t even use Excel. ”
Lexi sneered. “That resume is fake.
She’s nothing but a housewife who knows housework and cooking. ”
“How dare you forge qualifications? ” Dominic added. “I’ll make you regret this.
”
“What about the mistress who recognizes my ex-husband? ” I said, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Everyone, this is your vice president and director. Not only do you show no remorse, but now you dare slander me in public.
”
Lexi’s face went pale then red. “Stop lying. ”
“Lexi, you killed my child. I will personally kick you and Dominic out of this company.
I’ll make you pay. ”
“Who do you think you are? I was appointed vice president by the chairman. Only the chairman decides if I stay.
”
I looked her straight in the eye. “I am the chairman. ”
The room went silent. Then Dominic burst out laughing.
“Unbelievable. You’re getting better at making things up. Why don’t you say you’re the president of the world? ”
“Von, you’re really good at lying,” Lexi said.
“Our chairman is a middle-aged man who only shows up at the quarterly board meetings. ”
“That’s my agent. ”
“All right, stop spouting nonsense. No one will believe you.
Get out of here, or don’t blame me for not showing mercy. ”
I stood my ground. “You made your pregnant wife have a miscarriage, nearly killing her. What more is there to talk about?
”
Dominic lunged at me. “Shut up! ”
“Go on, scream louder. I’ll tell Mr.
Scott. And you just wait to be fired by him. ”
One of the bystanders whispered, “This really is Mr. Scott’s number.
Could she really be the chairman? ”
“Don’t be fooled by her,” Dominic said. “She’s my ex-wife. Nobody knows her better than I do.
There’s no way she’s the chairman. ”
“I got it,” Lexi said, a sick smile spreading across her face. “She must be Mr. Scott’s mistress.
No wonder she dares to say stuff like getting the CEO to kick us out of the company. ”
Dominic’s eyes widened. “No wonder you agreed to the divorce so easily. Turns out you were the one cheating on me first.
You’re just a mistress. How dare you act so cocky. ”
“You will pay dearly for your ignorance and stupidity. Just wait until Mr.
Scott arrives. You’ll be begging on your knees. ”
Lexi laughed. “We can’t let her win.
This woman has no status, no connections. I don’t buy that Mr. Scott would punish me, the vice president, for just some scared mistress. You’re done, Ivonne.
”
“Dominic, grab her. Security. Cut the cameras. ”
The guards grabbed me again.
“Let go of me. Get off! ”
Dominic stepped closer, running his eyes over my face. “That face of yours is quite pretty.
No wonder you managed to seduce the CEO. ”
“What are you doing? ”
“Are you scared now? Weren’t you acting so cocky earlier?
Flaunting your status as the mistress, swaggering about the company as if you’re above everyone. Let’s see if the CEO still wants you after I ruin this face. ”
“Mr. Scott!
Mr. Scott! ” someone yelled from the doorway. A tall man in a suit walked in.
“What can I do for you? ”
Jonathan looked around. “There’s a new intern at the company. She was at the party today too.
Is she all right? ”
Lexi stepped in front of me. “Oh, she had an emergency and left earlier. ”
“That was strange,” Jonathan said.
“Was that Ivonne’s voice I heard? ”
“No, it’s nothing. Just the party. Colleagues getting carried away celebrating.
”
Jonathan looked at her for a long moment. “As long as all is well. Remember, take good care of Ivonne. ”
He left.
As soon as he was gone, Lexi turned to me, her eyes burning with hate. “Looks like you’ve really got him wrapped around your finger. Well, that just means I can’t keep you clinging to Mr. Scott any longer.
”
She grabbed my hair and dragged me to the back of the villa. “You’re acting all prim and proper, but you’ve got quite a wild side hidden away, huh? So you went after the rich guy? That baby wasn’t even mine, was it?
Serves you right that you lost it. ”
I struggled against her grip. “Something’s wrong. I feel like Ivonne’s in danger.
”
Dominic laughed. “In danger? She’s exactly where she belongs. ”
“Let me tell you,” I said, spit and blood in my mouth, “I really am Jonathan Scott’s sister.
Jonathan is my brother. Everyone, we’re really a family. I’m the real chairman of Scott Group behind the scenes. Don’t let these two scammers fool you.
”
Lexi backhanded me. “I never heard Mr. Scott had a sister. ”
“After my father passed, he wanted me to run things from the shadows.
You’ve got to believe me. Please call the police. ”
“Stop making things up. Nobody’s buying your lies.
”
Dominic grabbed me by the throat. “You had your chance. How dare you fight me now? You’re just the homewrecker.
I’m ruining your face today. ”
“Jonathan! Jonathan, help me! ” I screamed, but they clamped a hand over my mouth.
“Oh no, it’s Mr. Scott again,” someone hissed. “Quick, get her inside. If Mr.
Scott finds us, we’re finished. ”
They shoved me into a storage room, and the door locked behind me. I could hear Jonathan’s voice outside, muffled and distant. Then footsteps fading away.
Then silence. They kept me locked in that room for hours. When they finally dragged me out, Dominic grabbed my arms and Lexi pulled out a bottle. “If you want proof,” I said, my voice cracking, “call him back and ask yourselves.
”
“Stop talking nonsense. Get out of here now. Don’t let me catch you near Mr. Scott ever again.
”
I pointed to a framed photo on the wall, covered with red cloth. “You want to know my relationship with Jonathan? Lift this red cloth. It’s my family photo inside.
”
“That’s it? A picture frame covered with a red cloth as your proof of identity? ”
“That’s a group photo of the Scott family. Jonathan and I are in it.
Solid proof we’re biological siblings. ”
Dominic yanked the cloth off—and my face in the photo was scratched out. Completely blurred. I stared at it, my heart sinking.
Jonathan had scratched my face out of the family photo years ago, to protect me from being recognized. And now it was proof of nothing. “What a coincidence,” Lexi said, smirking. “Why is only your face scratched out?
”
“Oh, I know. She must have scratched it intentionally just now to fool us. ”
“Everyone, please believe me. It’s really me,” I pleaded.
“This is unclear. The photo doesn’t prove anything. ”
“You’ve ruined Mr. Scott’s treasured photo.
I’m telling you, it’s over. ”
Lexi smiled. “Drag her out. Mess up her face.
I want Mr. Scott never to see her face again. ”
“Wait,” I said, pulling out an envelope. “I found something to prove my identity.
This is the signature of the Scott Group chairman, filed with the bank for authorization purposes. Every important document in the company has this. You should remember it, right? ”
For a moment, the room was quiet.
A woman named Yvon took the paper and compared it. “Hold on. This really looks like the chairman’s signature. ”
Another man pulled out a contract.
“Let me compare it to the electronic contract the chairman signed this week. ”
He looked up, his face pale. “It’s definitely a perfect match. This is genuinely the CEO’s signature.
No doubt about it. ”
“Are you all crazy? ” Dominic screamed. “How could she possibly be the chairman?
”
“But this signature is absolutely authentic. If you offend the chairman, you will be in trouble. ”
“So now you believe me? Please hurry up and call the police.
Have these two frauds arrested. ”
“One signature doesn’t prove anything,” Lexi said. “Besides, you probably studied it in advance. You’re so close to Mr.
Scott, isn’t it normal you’d know his signature? ”
“Then why don’t you and Dominic try to copy the Scott Group chairman’s signature for everyone to see? ”
“Shut up. I wouldn’t stoop to such dirty tricks like you.
”
“What wouldn’t you stoop to? Being the other woman, abusing the innocent, trying to run roughshod over everyone in the company. I will put you behind bars. ”
Dominic’s eyes went cold.
“Enough. You won’t make it out of here today. Ruin her face. ”
They dragged me toward the pool at the back of the villa.
“Hey, call the police! Don’t let her run away! ”
“Where do you think you’re going? ” Dominic grabbed my wrist, twisting it hard.
“Dominic, let me go. Don’t be in cahoots with this woman anymore. You’ll regret it. ”
“She’s saying you’ll regret it, Dominic.
Do you regret divorcing her? ” Lexi asked, her voice dripping with poison. “Of course not. I’m devoted to you.
Don’t listen to her nonsense. ”
“Then push her down. ”
He shoved me. I stumbled, caught my balance, and slashed at Lexi’s face with my nails.
She screamed, clutching her cheek. “You b*tch! You hurt my face! ”
“Lexi, your face is bleeding,” Dominic said.
“For a b*tch like her, killing her is too easy. I’ve got a better way to teach her a lesson. I’ll help you handle her,” said a man I didn’t recognize. They dragged me out of the villa and shoved me into a car.
“With a figure like that, no wonder you can seduce men. ”
“What? What do you want to do? ”
“We’re taking you somewhere perfect for you.
You’ll see. ”
When the car stopped, I saw the garish neon signs. The red light district. “You’re insane.
Bringing me to a place like this. ”
“You’re so good at seducing men in bed. So today, let’s see what you’re really capable of. ”
“You can’t do this.
”
They shoved me into a dingy room full of men. “Here’s a gift for you. ”
“She’s hot,” one of them said. “Yeah, she’s feisty.
”
“Sorry about that, gentlemen. Don’t mind her. A woman with an attitude is more fun, right? Ivonne, help me entertain our guests properly.
”
They drugged me. Through the fog, I heard Lexi’s voice: “If Mr. Scott sees her again, post this video online. Let’s go.
”
I don’t know how long I was in that room. But somehow, I got out. I stumbled into the street, covered in bruises, and forced myself to think. I couldn’t call Jonathan.
I couldn’t drag him into this while he was fighting for his life in the hospital. I went to the police station and filed a report. Then I walked into Scott Group headquarters, flanked by officers. “Get Lexi Gordon and Dominic Flynn out here,” I said.
The receptionist’s face went white. “Hello. We are police officers. We’re here regarding a case.
”
Lexi came out, flanked by her father, Wayne Gordon. “What’s wrong, Lexi? What happened? ” he asked.
“Dad, I taught some intern a lesson yesterday. She claimed she was the group chairman. Now she’s called the police. ”
“An intern dared to claim she’s the chairman?
Who does she think she is? She deserved that lesson. So why are you panicking? ”
“Dad, I sent her to the red light district, but that woman got out, and now she’s brought people here to cause me trouble.
Dad, they won’t arrest me, will they? ”
“What are you scared of? You’re my daughter. Do you think I can’t protect you?
And who are you calling my daughter so intimately? ”
Lexi gestured at Dominic. “Dad, this is my boyfriend, Dominic Flynn. He’s also the company’s director now.
”
“What? I was wondering how a clueless guy became a director. So it was you who got him in there. ”
“Dad, Mr.
Scott can get his mistress into the company as an intern. Why can’t I? That arrogant intern was Mr. Scott’s mistress.
She even threatened to kick Dominic and me out of the company. ”
Wayne Gordon’s face went pale. “You messed with Mr. Scott’s woman?
”
“Just a lover. You’ll get bored with her soon enough. Who’s the big deal? ”
Dominic stepped forward.
“Mr. Gordon, that woman is my ex-wife. She’s been stalking me since the divorce. She’s jealous of Lexi.
That’s why she pulled this stunt to cause trouble for us. ”
Wayne Gordon waved his hand. “You’re always causing me headaches. Later.
Don’t admit to anything. I’ll handle this. ”
The officers stepped forward. “Lexi Gordon and Dominic Flynn.
You’re suspected of illegal confinement and intentional injury. Please come with us. ”
“That’s absurd. We haven’t done any of those things,” Dominic sputtered.
Lexi turned to her father. “Dad! ”
Wayne Gordon stepped in front of them. “Officer, why are you arresting my company’s vice president?
”
“Mr. Gordon, this lady accuses Miss Lexi Gordon and Mr. Dominic Flynn of kidnapping and harming her. ”
“That’s impossible.
She’s lying. ”
I turned to the employees standing around. “Ask them. They were all there that day.
Don’t believe him. ”
“Were you all present when she was abused? ” the officer asked. There was a long silence.
Then someone mumbled, “We were there that day. Yes. ”
“See, they’re all witnesses. ”
“Think carefully,” Wayne Gordon growled.
“What really happened that day? It was her. She kept pestering and harassing Lexi. Lexi wanted her to leave.
And she even got physical with Lexi and Dominic. ”
“You’re lying,” I said. “Tell me, was that lady causing trouble? ” Wayne Gordon said.
One of the employees nodded. “I saw it. She claimed to be the chairman and threatened to fire Lexi and Dominic. ”
“Exactly.
She was the one causing all the trouble. ”
I stared at Wayne Gordon. “Wait. Wayne Gordon, you’re Lexi Gordon’s father.
”
“Well, that has nothing to do with the current situation. ”
“No wonder Lexi acts so arrogantly in the company. She has you as her backing. Officer, their family is covering for each other.
”
“Watch your words. Accusing us without any evidence. I’ll sue you for slander. ”
“Mr.
Gordon, does Mr. Scott know you’re lying in public? ” I demanded. Wayne Gordon smiled.
“Mr. Scott was involved in a serious car accident last night. He’s fighting for his life right now. ”
My heart stopped.
“Jonathan was in an accident? You didn’t even know about this? How dare you claim you’re part of the Scott family? ”
“No wonder he’s not answering his phone.
After an emergency board meeting, it has been decided that the vice president and I will temporarily oversee company affairs during his recovery. ”
“You have no right. I’m the chairman. ”
A woman’s voice cut through the room.
“I heard people came to the company to arrest the vice president. What’s going on? ”
She was elegant, expensive, and furious. Mia Wheeler—Jonathan’s wife.
One of Lexi’s cronies leaned in. “Mrs. Scott, that woman, she’s Mr. Scott’s mistress.
You probably don’t know this, but Mr. Scott arranged an internship for her at the company. He pays her a lot of attention. ”
Mia’s eyes narrowed.
“Interesting. I was only out of the country for a week, and my husband managed to prepare such a big surprise for me. ”
I stepped forward. “Mia, I’m Jonathan’s sister.
My name is Ivonne Scott. ”
“His sister? I was abroad when Jonathan got married, so you wouldn’t know me,” I added. “Mrs.
Scott doesn’t even know you. How dare you claim to be his sister? ” one of the employees sneered. “That’s because Jonathan hasn’t formally introduced me to you yet.
”
“Shameless. Standing right in front of our Mrs. Scott, calling her husband’s name repeatedly. It’s disgusting.
Mrs. Scott, this b*tch crashed our company party before and caused trouble. I can’t stand homewreckers like her. ”
Mia turned to the officers.
“Officer, I am Jonathan Scott’s legal wife. I accuse her of lying about her identity and all her accusations. ”
The officer cleared his throat. “Miss Gordon, I’m sorry, regarding the accusations of kidnapping and assault, I’m afraid we need more concrete evidence.
”
They left. Mia turned to Lexi. “Lexi, come here. ”
Lexi handed her something.
Mia walked over to me and slapped the bottle of insecticide across my face. “So, let’s see how you act so high and mighty now. ”
I spat out the chemical taste. “I’m warning you.
If Jonathan finds out, he’ll make you pay for this. ”
“Oh, you dare to threaten me? My husband is in the hospital. I left the company in your hands, and I know exactly what happened.
For people like this sneaking into our company, you know how to get rid of them, right? ”
Lexi smiled. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Scott.
We’ll handle her properly. ”
They grabbed me again and dragged me into the conference room on the top floor. Wayne Gordon locked the door behind us. “Dad, what should we do with her?
”
“This woman is too dangerous. We need to take care of her permanently. ”
Dominic shoved me against the wall. “Let me make this clear again.
I am the chairman of this company. If you think you can replace Jonathan, I’m telling you, it’s not going to happen. ”
“Are you still sticking to that story? ” Wayne Gordon sneered.
“How dare you impersonate the chairman at this point? Are you out of your mind? ”
“Wayne, I remember every document you touched. Last year’s Q3 financial report adjustments.
The Singapore project budget revisions. I not only remember them, I approved some myself. ”
He paused. “Oh, I get it.
Jonathan must have told you all of this. What did he promise you? What position? How many company secrets did he spill?
”
“Some files even Jonathan hasn’t seen. So which board member did you sleep with? I never knew you were this ambitious, Ivonne. ”
“Having three scumbags like you in Scott Group is my failure as a CEO.
”
“Cut the act. I met the real chairman multiple times. ”
“If you’ve met him, call him right now. Let’s settle this face to face.
Guess you won’t give up until you see the proof. Fine. I’m calling him now. ”
Wayne Gordon went pale.
“Hold on. Don’t call him. Who do you think you are? You’re not worthy to see the chairman.
”
“Are you scared? I knew it. ”
Dominic stepped in. “Mr.
Gordon, no need to bother the chairman. She’s my ex-wife. I know all about her. You are right.
The chairman rarely makes public appearances and dislikes being disturbed. ”
“So this is your scheme, huh? ” I said. “Wayne, you’re acting all meek at the company while waiting to seize power.
You two are equally disgusting. ”
“Shut up. How dare you speak about my father like that? ” Lexi snapped.
“I’ll give you one last chance,” Wayne Gordon said, sliding a paper across the table. “Admit in writing that all your accusations are false. Then leave the city. If you refuse, I have ways to make you regret it.
”
“Ivonne, if you know what’s good for you, you’d better agree now,” Dominic said. “I’m not signing anything. ”
“Keep refusing, and I can give you money—more than you ever dreamed of. As long as you sign, it gets transferred to you right now.
If you don’t cooperate well, you won’t leave this building. I swear all of you will pay for this false imprisonment and coercion. Business fraud. That’s enough to put you away for half your life.
”
“Shut up! You could have taken the money and disappeared. You’re really asking for it, huh? Since you want to push your luck, don’t expect us to play nice.
Dominic, get the bleach from the bathroom. ”
My blood ran cold. “You’re trying to wreck my vocal cords. ”
“You asked for this.
Don’t blame us if things get ugly. After you drink it, I’ll ruin your eyes and hands too. You won’t be pointing fingers at anyone anymore. ”
Dominic hesitated for just a second.
“Wait, isn’t this too far? If she dies, we have blood on our hands. ”
“Dominic, do you want to be my son-in-law? ” Wayne Gordon said, his voice smooth as poison.
“Then prove yourself to me. Make her drink it. Show me what you’re made of. We’re family after this.
Go on. ”
“Dominic, they’re using you! ” I shouted. “If Lexi and I take control of the company, I’ll make you vice president right away.
After you two get married, I’ll give you some stocks too. ”
Dominic’s hands shook. “Ivonne, you messed with the wrong person. You did this.
You pushed me this far. ”
He grabbed the bottle. I kicked him in the groin, twisted free, and lunged for the door. “Grab her!
” Wayne Gordon shouted. I made it three steps before Dominic tackled me from behind. “Open your mouth now. Lexi, feed her.
”
“Go to hell! ” I screamed, fighting them both. Then the door burst open. Jonathan stood there, his face bandaged, his hospital gown still on.
“Stop it. What are you doing? ”
Everyone froze. “Mr.
Scott,” Dominic whispered. Jonathan walked straight to me and pulled me to my feet. “Ivonne, are you all right? ”
“Jonathan, your injuries haven’t healed yet.
You shouldn’t be discharged this soon. ”
“I’m fine. I went to the police station. They said you came back here after filing a report.
What’s going on? ”
“Mr. Scott, this is all a misunderstanding,” Wayne Gordon started. Jonathan’s eyes were ice.
“Shut up. None of you are getting away with this today. ”
“Boss, shall I call the family doctor? ” his assistant asked.
Jonathan looked at me. “Take your dirty hands off her, you fool. Miss Scott is the executive chairman of Scott Group. I’m merely her agent.
”
The room went completely silent. “How is that possible? ” Lexi whispered. “How could Ivonne be the chairman?
”
“Impossible. If she’s the chairman, how could I not know? ”
“She’s so poor. How could you be the head of a major corporation?
”
Jonathan pulled out a folder. “This is Miss Scott’s letter of appointment and the board of directors’ resolution. I heard you were causing a scene at the company, so I brought this. Miss Scott, for her own personal safety, has always had me act on her behalf in public.
She is our true boss. ”
“That’s right,” I said, my voice steady for the first time in days. “She is my sister. The ultimate authority at Scott Group.
”
“We are finished,” Wayne Gordon muttered. “This time we’re really finished. ”
“I don’t believe it. I don’t believe it!
How can she be the chairman? ” Dominic screamed. Jonathan looked at him coldly. “Who is he?
”
“Jonathan, that’s Dominic, my ex-husband. ”
“What? So you’re the one who abandoned my sister. You cheating bastard.
”
Dominic fell to his knees. “Ivonne! Ivonne, I was wrong. I was blind.
I lost my mind. I went on the wrong path. I’m so sorry. Jonathan, I’m the man Ivonne loved.
You can’t do this to me. ”
“She doesn’t love you anymore. Look how pathetic you are now. ”
“Let me go!
Lexi, help me! Lexi! ”
Lexi backed away, her face white. “Mr.
Scott, it wasn’t me. It was her. She made me do it. ”
“You coward.
You told me you didn’t love Ivonne. You said you loved me. That you’d do anything for me. ”
“Shut up!
You seduced me. You dragged me into this. Ivonne, I had a job for so long. She tempted me.
She said she gave me work. That’s why I went down the wrong path. ”
Lexi lunged at Dominic, slapping him. “How could you do this to me?
You bastard! ”
Leon, Lexi’s father, stepped forward. “You let go of my daughter! ”
This was Li again.
“I’m dead, I’m dead,” Li muttered. “Since it’s come to this,” Lexi said, her voice cold, “let me tell everyone. He tried to seduce me using every method at his disposal just to curry favor with me and my dad, using us to climb the ladder. Now that he’s messed up, he’s dumping all the blame on me.
”
“Ivonne, she’s slandering me! ” Dominic shouted. “Dominic, now you see Ivonne became chairperson, and you want to live off her too? Let me tell you, someone like you will never be a vice president.
Not in a lifetime. All you know how to do is suck up and seduce women. ”
I raised my hand. “Enough.
Stop fighting like losers in front of me right now. I’m holding you all legally responsible. ”
“Ivonne, I can be a witness. Give me a chance to make up for my mistakes,” one of the employees said.
“An accomplice as a witness? ”
Dominic crawled toward me. “Ivonne, you see, Lexi and I are so done. You’re my only love.
Leaving you was the biggest mistake I’ve ever made. I wanted to make money, gain status, and then come back for you. I’m sorry. I was wrong.
Let’s start over. I’ll do anything to make it right. Give me another chance, please. ”
I looked at him, and I felt nothing.
“Dominic, answer me. If I were just an ordinary housewife without my status. If I weren’t the chairman of Scott Group. If I were someone you could toss aside, would you still act like this?
”
He didn’t answer. “You won’t. Because you’re a greedy opportunist. You abandoned me and our child for Lexi’s benefits.
Now that you know who I am, you’re crawling back like a dog. Truth is, if you hadn’t betrayed me, our child had lived. I was going to let you run my other company. You could have been the CEO.
”
I turned to the officers. “Arrest them. They’re guilty of assault and illegal confinement. ”
“You’ve got no evidence!
You can’t arrest us! I’ll sue you! ” Dominic screamed. “That’s right.
They’ve got no proof,” Wayne Gordon added. “Officer, here’s all the surveillance footage from the conference hall and my villa. This is more than enough to arrest these scumbags. ”
“No way.
This video has to be fake. ”
“What’s the point in denying it? ” Jonathan said. “Mr.
Scott, please. Considering I’ve devoted my life to the company for over a decade, just let us off this once,” Wayne Gordon begged. “Let you off? When you and your daughter were bullying my sister, did you ever stop to think about all the chances Scott Group gave you?
Who exactly did you rely on to climb this high? ”
“We can pay compensation. We will apologize. Lexi, apologize to Miss Scott and Mr.
Scott. Come on. ”
“It’s pointless,” Lexi spat. “I specifically had people delete the footage.
”
“Well, isn’t that unfortunate? Our home security system automatically backs up to the cloud,” I said. “Mr. Scott, let me go.
It was Dominic. He said Ivonne was your mistress,” Wayne Gordon whined. Jonathan stared at him. “The video shows everything perfectly clear, and you still want to deny it?
”
“So you’re showing me no mercy? ”
“You don’t deserve it. ”
Dominic pointed at me. “Fine.
You tricked me. You hid your identity. I’ll sue for marriage fraud. She hid her assets before the wedding.
”
The officer shook his head. “Divorce cases aren’t something we handle. ”
I looked at Dominic. “You want to sue?
I’ve been begging you to save me for days. And what did you do? Officer, take them away. I’ve had enough.
”
Jonathan stepped forward. “Dominic, let me tell you something. I saw a snake like you coming a mile away. Before you married my sister, I transferred every single asset in Ivonne’s name away.
”
Dominic’s face went white. “What? ”
“The Scott Group is our life’s work. I won’t let scum like you get a single cent.
”
“Impossible! When Jonathan did this, I thought he was just biased against you. Now I see he was right to be cautious. I was wrong.
I must have been possessed to marry someone like you. ”
“Shut up! You said you loved me. But from the start, you were lying to me, scheming against me.
”
“Dominic, I did love you, but now you disgust me. You useless waste of space. You actually thought you could steal the Scott fortune. Must hurt seeing that dream vanish.
”
“Stop lying! You’re all ganging up to scare me off suing. Forget it. I don’t believe it.
If we divorce, I get nothing. No way. ”
“You won’t believe it until you see it with your own eyes. Fine.
Since you’re so stubborn, get a lawyer over here. See if we’re bluffing. ”
“Trying to scare me? You think I won’t?
”
Jonathan’s assistant smiled. “Dominic, I can find you a lawyer. ”
Lexi looked up. “I’m not helping you.
Since the truth is out, even if I go to jail, I’m taking you down with me. Dad. ”
She pulled out her phone. “Hello, Miss Buckley.
I have a civil dispute case here. Please come over. ”
Miss Buckley arrived within the hour. Dominic explained it all: “This woman scammed me.
She hid her identity when we got married. That’s marriage fraud. Win this case for me, and I’ll cut you a huge payout. Way better than working like a slave at Scott Group.
”
Miss Buckley looked at Jonathan. “You’re Mr. Scott, right? I’d like to get some details from you.
”
Jonathan nodded. “This is my sister Ivonne’s ex-husband. Now he knows who she really is and wants a piece of her premarital assets. Trying to get a piece of the pie from Scott Group.
”
I said, “Miss Buckley, the Scott Group was founded before I married Dominic. It has nothing to do with him. After marriage, I wasn’t involved in any business operations. I was only fulfilling my duties and responsibilities as chairman.
”
Jonathan added, “And before Ivonne married, I transferred all assets under her name into my accounts. ”
Miss Buckley nodded. “Mr. Flynn, based on what you’ve described, you can’t claim Miss Scott’s premarital assets.
Premarital property falls outside joint marital assets. ”
Dominic’s eyes bulged. “Miss Buckley, just because West Sherman and the other CEOs sit with them, you’re going to screw me over? ”
A woman stepped forward.
“Hold on. When Dominic was married to Ivonne, the Scott Group launched several major projects. As chairman, she signed off on them, and these projects generated income. The profits during that period should count as joint marital assets.
That’s right. ”
Dominic smiled. “Exactly, Ivonne. Every penny you made during that time still has to end up in my pocket.
”
I shook my head. “Not necessarily, Miss Buckley. After marriage, there were no deposits in my personal accounts. All company matters were handled by my representative director.
Project payments never hit my bank statements. And Dominic committed adultery during our marriage, which can be proved by witnesses and evidence. I even miscarried because of him. The hospital can confirm.
”
Miss Buckley looked at Dominic. “Mr. Flynn, if Miss Scott’s accounts have no transaction records, you cannot claim marital assets. More importantly, whether adultery occurred is critical.
A significant fault can negatively impact property division. ”
Dominic sputtered. “Absolutely not. Lexi and I only got together after my divorce from Ivonne.
”
“Your mistress is right there. Yeah, you lie so smoothly. Impressive,” I said. “Ivonne, you can’t accuse me of adultery without proof.
Miss Buckley, she’s slandering me. Lexi and I started after the divorce. She needs evidence to claim adultery. ”
Jonathan pulled out a phone.
“You want proof? I have it. Ivonne had this habit of recording daily life. That day, she planned to surprise you at home while recording, but accidentally captured proof of your affair with Lexi.
”
A recording played. Dominic’s voice: “When are you divorcing your wife? ” Lexi’s voice: “Once you do, I’ll get you into the Scott Group. ”
“Relax.
I want to ditch that b*tch more than you do. If you hadn’t been with me after I lost my job, I’d have lost my mind. ”
Dominic lunged for the phone. “Turn it off!
”
“You wanted evidence. Well, here’s the evidence you asked for with this recording. I don’t need to show timestamps, do I? ”
“Ivonne, you violated my privacy.
That recording can’t be used as evidence. ”
“Are you insane? I recorded this in my own home. What privacy did I violate?
If you hadn’t done these dirty deeds, I’d have never caught such solid proof. ”
Miss Buckley nodded. “Mr. Flynn, your adultery during marriage constitutes serious misconduct.
Under relevant laws, 60% or more of all assets earned during your marriage must be awarded to Miss Scott. ”
Dominic went pale. “What? Why should I give her the money I earned?
”
“Such a loser. Totally useless. Serves you right for bringing this on yourself,” Lexi said. One of the officers stepped forward.
“Mr. Scott, Miss Scott, I just heard screams on a voice recorder. What happened? ”
I swallowed.
“That was me. What happened at the time? It was Lexi. She shoved me into the bathtub.
That’s why I lost the baby. ”
“Miss Gordon, is this true? ” the officer asked. Lexi sneered.
“That’s not true. Why would I cause her to lose the baby? Don’t listen to her nonsense. ”
Wayne Gordon nodded.
“That’s right, officer. My daughter would never hurt a pregnant woman. ”
Dominic stepped forward. “I can testify.
It was Lexi who killed my child with Ivonne. You were there? I saw it with my own eyes. Lexi pushed Ivonne to the bathtub.
Officer, you must punish Lexi. Do what’s right for my child who never got to see the world. My poor child died before they ever got a chance to live. ”
“Dominic, you betrayed her,” I said quietly.
“Miss Gordon,” the officer said, “combined with the previous charges of abuse and unlawful imprisonment, we need you to come with us to the station for further questioning. ”
“Ivonne, you b*tch! You’re going to keep your husband happy? That’s not my problem.
Why should I go to jail for you? ”
“Miss Scott, please let Lexi go. I won’t take her salary anymore. I’ll work my fingers to the bone for you.
Just let her go this time,” Wayne Gordon begged. “My company doesn’t need trash like you. ”
The officer turned to Dominic. “Sir, you need to come with us as well.
”
“Why take me? I’m the victim here! ”
“You came here treating me like this. Have you forgotten?
I was the one who saved you in that car accident. If it weren’t for me, you would have died. It was raining that day, and I was the one who shielded you from the rain. You can’t be ungrateful.
”
I looked at him. “Dominic, you really saved me. That’s why you should let me go. A life-saving favor can never be repaid.
”
“But I’ve already done everything I could for you. You saved me. I married you. I lived with you.
I carried your child. I’ve repaid the debt. ”
“What do you mean by that? You can’t really repay a life-saving debt.
”
“Isn’t this enough? You cheated, betrayed me, and abandoned me while I was pregnant. You even teamed up with Lexi to torment me. And you killed your child.
Dominic, I’ll never forgive you for what you and Lexi did to me. Officer, I don’t want to talk to him anymore. Please take him away. ”
“No!
Ivonne! You can’t treat me like this. I saved your life! You’re so ungrateful!
Karma will catch up with you! ”
Jonathan raised his hand. “Wait a second. Dominic, are you sure you were the one who saved Ivonne back then?
”
“Jonathan, are you really going to deny this as well? Deny it all you want. Should I tell everyone the truth? ”
Jonathan walked over to me.
“After you got divorced, I had someone look into the car accident. I just haven’t had the chance to tell you yet. ”
“Jonathan, did you find anything? ”
“On that day, after Ivonne lost consciousness, the first person to arrive at the scene was a passing nurse named Emily.
”
“Emily? How come I’ve never heard that name before? ”
“She’s the one who gave you first aid and called the ambulance. ”
“No way.
I was the only one there at the scene,” Dominic insisted. “After that nurse saved the person, she hurried to the hospital for her shift. She happened to run into you on the way. She asked you to take Ivonne to the hospital.
Do you remember what you said at that time? ”
“I… I forgot. ”
“You said, ‘What’s it got to do with me? Why should I bother with this?
’ The nurse had no choice. She pulled 500 bucks out and handed it to you, asking you to take care of Ivonne, then hurried off. ”
Dominic’s face went white. “Is that right?
So that’s how it is. You threw away your last thread of dignity just for the money. You were planning to take the money and leave, but then the ambulance arrived. ”
“No, it’s impossible.
I saved Ivonne! So she owes me one! ”
“I was puzzled from the start,” Jonathan said. “How could someone who’s always willing to help others cause his wife to miscarry and then go on to mistreat his ex-wife with his mistress?
You were a jerk all along. So everything was a lie. ”
I looked at Dominic. “Since you weren’t the one who saved me back then, why did you lie to me?
If you look down on me, why did you marry me? ”
“He just wants to find a wife to scam money from her parents,” Jonathan said. “I’ve never seen such a shameless person,” someone muttered. “Officer, I have nothing more to say to him.
Please take him away. ”
“No! No, you can’t do this! You’re ruining me!
If you don’t let me go, I won’t back up either. Ivonne, Jonathan, I will kill you! I’ll kill all of you! ”
“Cut it out.
You think you can kill someone right in front of us? That’s insane. ”
The officers dragged them all away. The room fell silent.
Mia Wheeler stood in the corner, her face ashen. “What’s going on, Jonathan? You just finished sticking up for your mistress, didn’t you? Now you bring her into the company like it’s nothing.
I see you don’t give a damn about me. ”
“Mia, you’ve got it all wrong. ”
“What? Did I say something wrong?
I know all about you two. And you’re just a homewrecker. You’re quite the schemer, huh? Seems like I didn’t teach you enough of a lesson, did I?
Now you came running to Jonathan playing the victim. You really are. ”
“Mia,” Jonathan said, his voice dangerously quiet, “what are you saying? You mean you just taught Ivonne a lesson?
”
“Yes. What else? She’s just a mistress who’s been bullying me. If I didn’t teach her a lesson, you’re saying I should wait to serve her?
It seems you really don’t respect me or the Wheeler Group. ”
“What exactly did you do? ”
“Not much. Just slapped her a few times.
Oh, and sprayed some insecticide on her. After all, she’s just a bug. ”
Jonathan’s jaw tightened. “Mia, she is my sister.
”
“Jonathan, do you really think I’m that easy to fool? Men always like to call their lovers different nicknames. Am I also part of your play? ”
“She really is my sister.
Ivonne Scott. My full-blood sister. The real chairman of Scott Group. I was too busy with work before to formally introduce her to you.
I planned to do it at the right time, but I didn’t expect you to be deceived by Lexi and her crew. ”
Mia’s mouth opened and closed. “She really is your sister? No way.
You’re actually lying for her now, right? I don’t believe it. It’s not true. ”
Jonathan held up a folder.
“If you don’t believe it, then look at this. This is Ivonne’s official appointment as chairman of the Scott Group, unanimously approved by the board. And this is our family photo from 10 years ago—with our parents, me and Ivonne. Look at Ivonne.
She looks the same as now. Can’t you see it clearly? ”
“Mia, I really am Jonathan’s biological sister. Why don’t you believe anything we say, but you believe whatever others say?
” I said. Mia sank into a chair. “No, this can’t be. How could this happen?
”
“Mia, I never thought the daughter of the Wheeler Group could be so stupid, letting others use you as a pawn. ”
Mia grabbed Jonathan’s arm. “No, it’s not like that, Jonathan. I was just anxious at the moment.
I was out of my mind. Please forgive me. Forgive me this once. ”
Jonathan pulled his arm away.
“Our marriage was just a business alliance from the start. I think the Scott Group can’t and dare not continue to partner with someone like you. The future mother of my children can’t be someone as foolish as you two. So let’s get divorced.
”
“Jonathan, what do you mean by this? ”
“I say let’s get a divorce. You’re not fit to be my wife, and you hurt my sister—the real chairman of Scott Group. I don’t think she wants to see you at the company anymore either.
”
“No! Jonathan, I can apologize. I can apologize to Ivonne. It’s all my fault.
I was deceived. I was blind. We can’t get divorced! ”
“Also, all cooperation between the Scott Group and the Wheeler Group is over.
We’ll have no more dealings from now on. That’s the consequence of you hurting Ivonne. ”
“No! Jonathan, it’s all my fault.
Please forgive me. Ivonne! I mean, Miss Scott, help me out. Say something for me.
I really didn’t know you’re Jonathan’s sister. It was that Lexi who tricked me. Help me! Help me out!
”
I looked at her. “Miss Wheeler, as chairman, I’m not comfortable handing projects to your company again. You’re biased and gullible, and your methods are cruel. A partner who lacks basic judgment and gets manipulated easily isn’t trustworthy.
First be a good person to do good work. How can we trust you or your company again? ”
“No, that’s not true! Jonathan, we’re still married!
We can’t get divorced! Jonathan! ”
Jonathan turned to his assistant. “The divorce papers.
I’ll have Fia deliver them to your place. You’d better sign them quickly. If you do, I might give you a larger share of the assets. ”
“No!
Please, Jonathan! Jonathan, I know I was wrong! We can’t get divorced! ”
“See her out.
”
They dragged Mia out of the boardroom, her screams echoing down the hall. Jonathan turned to me. “Ivonne, are you all right? Let me see your face.
”
I touched my bruised cheek. “Jonathan, I’m fine. Don’t worry. The person responsible has been punished now, and I feel much better.
”
“Going through this made me realize a large part of our company is filled with bootlickers like Lexi and Wayne. I need to clean house. Get rid of them all. ”
The employees who had stayed shuffled their feet.
“Madam, we just had a moment of weakness. ”
“A moment of weakness? If I were really just an intern, you not only turned a blind eye when Lexi abused me, you helped fabricate evidence. What talented person would ever want to join Scott Group after this?
What we need are people with strong ethics and real ability, not useless sycophants who only care about saving their own skin. ”
Jonathan nodded. “Ivonne, you’re absolutely right. The company does need a complete overhaul.
You have real business acumen. I only kept you working behind the scenes before to protect you. ”
“Jonathan, I’ve decided I won’t hide in the background anymore. This whole situation showed me that only by taking direct control can I properly manage our business.
”
Jonathan’s face broke into a genuine smile. “That’s great news, Ivonne. Welcome back to the forefront as chairman. Starting today, we’ll be working together and definitely take Scott Group to new heights.
”
For the first time in months, I felt the weight lift off my shoulders. I was no longer the pregnant housewife abandoned by her husband. I was the chairman of Scott Group.
And I was done hiding.
