"For eight years, Beatrice has been diverting roughly six percent of Vance Tech’s monthly operational budget into four secondary consulting firms registered in her maiden name. Total siphoned capital exceeds forty-two million yuan."Roxana’s eyes narrowed as she flipped through the stamped bank receipts and fraudulent invoice logs. Beatrice had been bleeding her late mother’s company dry, using the stolen money to fund her own lavish lifestyle."Every invoice is forged," Roxana noted, her voice icy. "No services were ever rendered. This isn't just a corporate policy violation; this is grand larceny and corporate fraud.""We have enough here to file a criminal complaint with the municipal prosecutor tomorrow," Dennis noted. "It will completely destroy Beatrice’s standing on the family council.""Get the legal team ready," Roxana commanded coldly, closing the file with a decisive snap. "We file the criminal charges and civil asset freezes simultaneously at nine o'clock tomorrow morning.

Less than five minutes later, the low, steady hum of an electric scooter cut through the rustle of the falling rain.Lorenzo pulled up along the curb, switching off the motor and instantly kicking down the kickstand. He wore a casual jacket, his dark hair slightly damp from the drizzle.The moment he stepped toward her, Roxana couldn't hold the wall up any longer.She stepped forward, burying her face directly against his chest. Lorenzo didn't hesitate; his long arms wrapped firmly around her shoulders, pulling her close, shielding her from the wind and rain like an impenetrable fortress."He let her take everything, Lorenzo," Roxana sobbed against his jacket, her hands clutching the fabric tightly as her body trembled."He knew Beatrice was stealing millions from my mother's firm, and he just...he let her do it because he thought I was useless! He thought I was just going to marry someone and disappear!"Lorenzo held her tight, his hand resting gently against the back of her head. Hi

The following afternoon, the grand council hall of the regional corporate alliance was packed to maximum capacity.Floor-to-ceiling stained glass cast amber light over the sprawling amphitheater where the executive leaders of the capital’s prominent families were gathered.The mood was electric, buzzing with intense, low-frequency speculation.The main dais was presided over by the senior council of the Hawthorne Family. At the center of the stage, stood the Patriarch’s butler."By decree of the ultimate authority of the Hawthorne Family," his voice echoed clearly through the vaulted hall, amplified by the state-of-the-art acoustics."The restructuring of our regional corporate alliance has reached its final phase. The selection of the primary commercial heir to lead the integrated trade network will take place at Friday’s Grand Succession Banquet."A collective murmur swept through the room.In the front row of the Hawthorne family section, Chloe sat up straight, her chin lifted high

Inside the opulent fitting suite of the city’s premier bridal and eveningwear salon, soft instrumental music drifted through the air, completely eclipsed by the loud, triumphant pop of a vintage champagne cork.Chloe turned smoothly before a three-sided gilded mirror, her eyes glowing with vanity as she smoothed down the waist of her bespoke red evening gown.The gown was a masterwork, embroidered with threads, cascading into a dramatically flared silk train designed specifically to command the grand ballroom at Friday’s Grand Succession Banquet.Standing nearby, holding a crystal flute, was Justin. Dressed in a sharply tailored tuxedo, he leaned back against a velvet lounge chair, his expression oozing arrogance."It’s exquisite, Chloe," Justin said, his voice dripping with condescension as he raised his glass toward her reflection."When you walk onto the stage on Friday, no one will doubt who belongs at the head of the secondary families. You look like an heiress born to inherit."

They stepped out into the quiet, shaded terrace outside the gallery. The cool evening breeze rustled the leaves of the oak trees surrounding the cobblestone plaza.Roxana walked in silence for several paces, her heels clicking softly against the stone. Though she had stood her ground back inside, the unshakeable confidence in Chloe’s eyes had left a heavy shadow lingering in the back of her mind.She stopped near the stone balustrade, looking out over the city lights, her grip tightening slightly around her leather folder."Lorenzo..." Roxana began softly, her voice wavering with a vulnerable thread of hesitation. "What if...what if Chloe isn't just boasting?"Lorenzo stopped beside her, leaning his shoulder against the stone pillar, watching her quietly. "What do you mean?""She was so certain," Roxana whispered, looking up into his calm, dark eyes. "She genuinely believes the Patriarch has already chosen her. Justin’s family is actively lobbying the board, and my father has spent ye