Across the city, in a private lounge at an upscale hotel, Isabella Downey sat across from Frederick Ashford. She'd called this meeting with hope in her heart—hope that Frederick would be her ally in taking down Pervis Tyler.But one look at his face told her she was going to be disappointed."You've changed," Isabella said accusingly. "The Frederick I knew would never back down from a fight.""The Frederick you knew was an arrogant fool," Frederick replied tiredly. "And that fool nearly destroyed his entire family legacy in a single afternoon.""So you're just giving up?" Isabella's voice rose. "You're going to let that nobody humiliate you? Make you kneel in front of dozens of witnesses?""He's not a nobody," Frederick said. "That's what I was trying to tell you before. Pervis Tyler is the lost Coleman heir. William Coleman's son. That makes him one of the most powerful young men in the country.""I don't care who his father is!" Isabella snapped. "He made you look weak! He destroyed

By noon, the entire Whitewater Corporation workforce had gathered at the Grand Meridian, a five-star restaurant that Aria had rented out for the occasion. The space was elegant—crystal chandeliers, white tablecloths, professional waitstaff gliding between tables with appetizers and drinks.It was the kind of event designed to boost morale, celebrate quarterly achievements, and foster company unity. The employees mingled, chatted, and enjoyed the rare treat of an expensive meal on the company dime.Gerald Roden stood near the bar with Collin Hayes, both men drinking heavily and looking pleased with themselves. They had no idea what was coming.Chris Devoe arrived fashionably late, making an entrance that drew attention. He'd always loved being the center of focus, even though he didn't technically work for Whitewater. His presence was tolerated because of his family's business connections, though that relationship had been severely damaged recently.Linda Mercier sat at a corner table,

While Pervis was exposing Gerald and his accomplices at the Whitewater lunch, across the city at Morrison Enterprises, a different kind of scheme was reaching its culmination.Noah Patterson sat behind the desk in Anna's office—a liberty she'd granted him months ago when their relationship had deepened. He leaned back in the leather chair, scrolling through his phone with a satisfied smile playing at his lips.Anna sat on the couch across from him, her head in her hands, looking exhausted and miserable."I just don't understand how this could happen," Anna said for the third time. "Half a million dollars, Noah. How did I not notice half a million dollars disappearing?""Hey, hey," Noah said, standing and moving to sit beside her on the couch. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You can't blame yourself for this. You've been under enormous stress. The divorce, rebuilding your social life, managing a multi-million dollar company—anyone would miss some accounting irregularities

Chapter 173The evening air was cool as Daniel Watson returned to the family estate, his mood sour after the disastrous meeting with Anna Morrison. He'd been thoroughly rejected, humiliated even, and the memory of it stung his pride.He walked through the front door to find Ricky waiting in the study, sitting in what had always been Daniel's chair—a deliberate provocation."Get out of my seat," Daniel said coldly.Ricky looked up with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Your seat? I think you mean the heir's seat. And soon, that won't be yours anymore."Daniel's jaw clenched. "What are you talking about?""I'm talking about the future," Ricky said, leaning back and making himself comfortable. "The near future, actually. When I become the heir to Watson Enterprises and you're left with nothing but your wounded pride and failed marriage prospects.""You're delusional," Daniel said, though unease flickered in his chest. "Father chose me as heir years ago. That's not changing.""Isn't it

The news of Pervis Tyler's kidnapping spread through the city's business circles like wildfire. By midnight, everyone who mattered knew that the Coleman heir had been taken, that a taxi driver had been killed, and that the powerful Coleman family was mobilizing every resource to find him.In the city jail, Gerald Roden, Chris Devoe, and Collin Hayes sat in their respective cells, and despite their circumstances, they were smiling."Did you hear?" Gerald said to the guard who brought their evening meal. "Pervis Tyler was kidnapped. That bottom-feeder finally got what was coming to him.""Shut up, Roden," the guard replied tiredly. "You're in here for embezzlement. Worry about yourself."But Gerald couldn't stop smiling. Pervis had destroyed them, exposed their schemes, sent them to prison. And now he was suffering too. There was justice in that, however twisted.Chris Devoe, in a cell three doors down, heard the news from his lawyer during their consultation."They took him right off t