LAPDOG HUSBAND IS A TRILLIONAIRE HEIR

CHAPTER 6

Marcus stood as soon as Yemin entered, his expression shifting from its usual calm professionalism to genuine respect.

"Chairman Ravol," Marcus greeted smoothly, stepping aside to allow him entry. "We've been expecting you."

The Ravol Company CEO immediately rose to his feet, nearly knocking his chair backward in his haste. Despite being a man who commanded respect in boardrooms across the country, his demeanor instantly transformed to one of deference. His eyes, normally sharp and commanding, now held a mixture of reverence and careful restraint.

"Chairman Ravol," the CEO said, his voice softer than when addressing his own board members. He bowed his head slightly—a gesture he rarely offered to anyone. "It's truly an honor to be in your presence again."

The older man's hands, which typically gestured with authority during his own meetings, now remained carefully positioned at his sides, as if afraid that any sudden movement might displease Yemin.

Yemin returned the nod but wasted no time with pleasantries. He took his seat at the table, his demeanor unreadable.

The CEO waited until Yemin was fully seated before cautiously lowering himself back into his chair, positioning himself at an angle that suggested both attentiveness and submission.

Marcus, ever the efficient subordinate, got straight to the point.

"I've gathered new information about your mother's death," Marcus said carefully. "It's not much, but it's... significant."

A beat of silence.

Yemin's fingers tightened slightly on the stem of his glass.

"Finally."

The CEO watched this exchange with silent attentiveness, not daring to interrupt. Though he was accustomed to speaking first in most situations, here he knew his place—to listen and speak only when addressed. His usual commanding presence had diminished entirely in Yemin's shadow.

For years, Yemin had searched for answers. His mother's death had always been labeled an accident, but something had never felt right. Every attempt to investigate had led to dead ends, as if someone had deliberately erased the truth.

Now, there was finally a lead.

"Go on," Yemin said, his voice controlled but firm.

The CEO straightened slightly at the tone, recognizing the subtle shift in Yemin's demeanor. Anyone else might have missed it, but the CEO had learned to read even the slightest changes in Chairman Ravol's expressions—a survival skill in his position.

Marcus reached into his briefcase and slid a thin folder across the table.

Yemin opened it.

Inside were only a few pages—newspaper clippings, financial records, and a photograph of a man he didn’t recognize.

Marcus gestured toward the photo. "This man—his name is Elias Grant—was in the same city the night your mother died. Not only that, but records show he received a large sum of money immediately after."

Yemin’s gaze sharpened. "A hired hand?"

"Possibly," Marcus admitted. "We don’t have definitive proof that he was involved, but here’s where it gets interesting."

He flipped to another page.

"Two months later, Elias vanished. No records, no activity, nothing. It’s as if he never existed."

The Ravol Company CEO spoke for the first time. "That kind of disappearance doesn’t happen by chance."

Marcus nodded. "Which means… whoever was behind this had the power to erase someone completely."

Yemin remained silent, his gaze fixed on the photograph.

Elias Grant.A name he would not forget.

It wasn’t the full truth. Not yet. But it was a thread—a piece of the puzzle that, when pulled, would unravel everything.

He closed the folder.

"Find him," he said simply.

Marcus inclined his head. "Already working on it."

The conversation shifted to other matters as their meal continued. But throughout the dinner, Yemin’s mind remained on the new lead.

There was finally a crack in the wall that had kept the truth hidden.

And he would tear it down, no matter what it took.

After the meal, Yemin was the first to leave. The restaurant’s golden lights illuminated the entrance as he stepped outside.

And the moment he did, he heard an all-too-familiar voice.

"You followed me here, didn’t you?!"

Yemin exhaled slowly before turning.

Katherine stood there, arms crossed, her eyes filled with suspicion.

Beside her, James smirked, looking more amused than anything.

Yemin raised a brow. "Why would I waste my time following you?"

Katherine scoffed. "Oh, please. First the divorce, and now you just happen to show up at the exact same restaurant as me? Don’t insult my intelligence."

James chuckled. "It’s pathetic, really," he added, his tone mocking. "Still clinging to the past, are we, Yemin?"

Yemin’s gaze flickered to James for the briefest moment.

A simple look, yet James’s smirk faltered just slightly.

"I came here to eat," Yemin said evenly. "Your presence here is nothing but an unfortunate coincidence."

Katherine crossed her arms, smirking as she looked Yemin up and down. Her eyes gleamed with mockery, convinced that he was lying through his teeth.

"You really expect me to believe that?" she scoffed. "You just ‘happened’ to come here for dinner? Please. Someone must have let you in through the back door, because there’s no way you have the qualifications to be here."

James chuckled beside her, shaking his head. "I almost feel bad for you, Yemin." His tone was laced with amusement and pity. "What, did you slip a few hundred to the waiters to let you in? Is that how you got past the front desk?"

Katherine smirked, her voice dripping with arrogance. "James and I, we don’t need to sneak in. We belong here." She flicked her perfectly styled hair over her shoulder. "James has a platinum card. That means we can dine on the third floor, where the real elite gather. Not that you’d know anything about that."

James gave a lazy nod, slipping his hands into his pockets. "That’s right. The third floor is for people of status—business owners, investors, people who actually contribute to society." He gave Yemin a mock-sympathetic look. "Meanwhile, I’m guessing you were stuck down here in the lobby, weren’t you? Sitting alone, hoping someone wouldn’t recognize you and throw you out?"

Katherine laughed. "I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s not even allowed in the main dining area. The only thing he’s qualified for in this restaurant is cleaning the toilets."

James smirked. "You know, you’re probably right. He could be useful with a mop."

Yemin let them talk. Let them dig their own graves.

Then, finally, he exhaled softly, tilting his head slightly as his lips curled into a sneer.

"You’re right about one thing," he said. "The third floor is for minor figures in the business world—people who think they’re important but are actually just bottom feeders trying to climb the ranks."

Katherine’s brows furrowed. "Excuse me?"

"

James scoffed. "You don’t even know what you’re talking about. The CEO of Ravol Company and Marcus Chen, the president of the city’s business association, are dining on the top floor tonight. They’re entertaining a distinguished guest."

His eyes narrowed with pride as he continued, "Only those of real power can even breathe the same air as them."

He smirked, shaking his head. "But you wouldn’t know anything about that, would you? Because someone like you isn’t even fit to pour their drinks."

Katherine chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Exactly. You’re lucky they didn’t kick you out of the lobby the moment you stepped in."

A beat of silence.

Then—

Yemin laughed.

It was a low, quiet chuckle, one that sent a chill down their spines before they could even process why.

James’s smirk faltered. "What’s so funny?"

Yemin’s gaze sharpened, the amusement in his eyes cutting like a blade.

"That ‘distinguished guest’ they were entertaining?"

He took a step forward, lowering his voice slightly.

"That was me."

James and Katherine froze.