Chapter 9: The Last Card Adrian Had to Play
Victor Hale arrived at Reed Industrial Holdings at 9:30 the following morning.
He looked nothing like the confident executive who had once controlled Mitchell Development's finances.
His expensive suit was wrinkled, his eyes were bloodshot, and he carried a worn leather briefcase.
Daniel escorted him into Marcus's office.
Marcus didn't offer him coffee.
"Sit down.""
Victor sat.
"You said you had information.""
Victor opened his briefcase.
"I have documents proving Adrian planned the entire scheme.""
Marcus remained still.
"Start talking.""
Victor removed several printed emails.
"Adrian knew the company was struggling. He believed his father would eventually lose control, and he wanted money secured before the acquisition.""
Marcus examined the first document.
"Why?""
"Because he wanted to start his own development company.""
"Using stolen money?""
Victor nodded.
"Yes.""
Marcus turned another page.
"Where does Sophia fit into this?""
Victor hesitated.
"Adrian wanted someone whose name wouldn't attract attention. Someone young, inexperienced, and easy to influence.""
Marcus's jaw tightened.
"So he deliberately chose her.""
"Yes.""
"Did Sophia know?""
"I don't think she knew the full arrangement.""
Victor looked down.
"Adrian told me she was in love with him and would sign whatever he put in front of her.""
Marcus closed his eyes briefly.
The words made him think of the woman he had once planned to marry.
He had known Sophia could be ambitious.
He hadn't believed she could be deliberately involved in something like this.
"Continue.""
Victor removed a small envelope.
"This is the most important document.""
Marcus opened it.
Inside was a printed copy of an internal planning memo.
The heading read:
*PROJECT CLEAN EXIT.*
Below it were several bullet points describing how company funds would be transferred before the acquisition.
One line had been highlighted.
If the transaction is discovered, responsibility will be attributed to SB Strategic Media and its registered owner, Sophia Brooks.
Marcus read the sentence twice.
Then he placed the document on his desk.
"Did Adrian write this?""
Victor nodded.
"I watched him prepare it.""
"Why didn't you stop him?""
Victor lowered his head.
"Because I was already involved. I thought I could take my share and leave.""
Marcus stared at him.
"You're telling me you helped him steal money, then came here because you realized you might be blamed.""
Victor didn't deny it.
"Yes.""
"Why should I believe anything you say?""
Victor reached into his briefcase again.
"Because I have the original email files, bank instructions, and recorded conversations. I kept copies in case Adrian tried to turn against me.""
Daniel looked at Marcus.
"That could corroborate the other evidence.""
Marcus nodded.
"Have the legal team review everything. Mr. Hale, you'll need independent counsel. I'm not offering you immunity.""
Victor swallowed.
"I understand.""
Marcus stood.
"Then we're finished for now.""
Victor gathered his belongings.
As he reached the door, he turned.
"There's something else.""
Marcus looked at him.
"Adrian has been telling people that you're trying to destroy his family because of Sophia.""
Marcus's expression remained calm.
"Let him talk.""
Victor shook his head.
"He has something planned. I don't know exactly what, but he believes he can turn the public against you.""
Marcus glanced at Daniel.
"Find out what he's planning.""
Adrian's plan became clear that evening.
A local business journalist received an anonymous email containing photographs from Sophia's graduation ceremony.
One showed Marcus kneeling with the engagement ring.
Another showed Sophia standing beside Adrian.
The email included a dramatic headline:
*BILLIONAIRE BUSINESSMAN USES CORPORATE POWER TO DESTROY EX-GIRLFRIEND AND HER NEW PARTNER.*
The sender claimed Marcus had acquired Mitchell Development purely to take revenge on Adrian.
It also alleged that he had threatened Sophia's career because she rejected his proposal.
The journalist contacted Reed Industrial Holdings for comment.
Daniel brought the email to Marcus.
"Sir, this is spreading.""
Marcus read the headline.
"Who sent it?""
"The account is anonymous. But the original file metadata suggests it was prepared using a device associated with Adrian's office.""
Marcus put the email down.
"Respond with verified facts only. Don't discuss our personal history.""
Daniel nodded.
"Understood.""
"Have the legal team prepare a public statement about the acquisition and the ongoing financial audit.""
Daniel hesitated.
"Should we mention the forged documents?""
"Only if counsel approves it.""
Within hours, the story began appearing on social media.
Some people called Marcus a vindictive billionaire.
Others defended him, pointing out that Adrian's company had been struggling long before the acquisition.
The graduation video resurfaced.
Thousands of people watched Sophia reject Marcus in front of the crowd.
Comments flooded the post.
She embarrassed him before she knew he was rich.
Imagine paying someone's tuition for four years just to be treated like that.
Money didn't change Marcus. It only revealed how little she knew him.
Sophia saw the video while sitting in her apartment.
Her stomach twisted.
She had expected criticism.
But she hadn't expected to see strangers debating the worst moment of her life.
Then a new message appeared.
It was from Adrian.
*Tell everyone Marcus bought the company to punish me. If you don't, I'll release everything I have about you.*
Sophia stared at the screen.
She immediately forwarded the message to her attorney.
A few minutes later, Laura called.
"Don't respond to him.""
"I wasn't going to.""
"Good. We need to preserve this message.""
Sophia looked at the graduation video again.
"Laura, I want to make a statement.""
"About what?""
"Everything.""
"Are you sure?""
Sophia nodded, even though the attorney couldn't see her.
"I don't want Adrian using my silence to hurt anyone else.""
The following morning, Sophia arrived at Reed Industrial Holdings with Laura.
Daniel escorted them into a small meeting room.
Marcus was reviewing financial records when they entered.
He looked up.
"Good morning.""
Sophia nodded.
"Good morning.""
Laura placed a folder on the table.
"Ms. Brooks has prepared a formal statement regarding the SB Strategic Media payments and the forged property agreement.""
Marcus glanced at the document.
"Thank you.""
Sophia remained standing.
"Marcus, there's something I want to say before we begin.""
He looked at her.
"Go ahead.""
She took a breath.
"I know people are talking about what happened at graduation. I know I humiliated you. I know I said things I can never take back.""
Marcus listened without interrupting.
"I was ashamed of your work clothes. I thought being educated made me better than you. I thought Adrian's money meant he was more valuable.""
Her voice trembled.
"But I was wrong.""
Marcus looked down at the document.
Sophia continued.
"You worked harder than anyone I knew. You sacrificed your own future so I could build mine. And I repaid you by treating you like you were beneath me.""
She wiped her eyes.
"I'm not asking you to forgive me. I just want you to know that I finally understand.""
Marcus was quiet for several seconds.
Then he spoke.
"I hope you become someone who never treats another person that way again.""
Sophia nodded.
"I will.""
Laura opened the folder.
"We're ready to provide the statement and supporting evidence.""
Marcus gestured toward the chair.
"Let's proceed.""
For the next hour, Sophia answered questions about the company registration, the payments, and Adrian's requests for blank signatures.
She also provided the message threatening to expose her.
When the meeting ended, Marcus stood.
"Thank you for cooperating.""
Sophia gathered her things.
"Marcus?""
"Yes?""
She looked at him.
"Are you happy?""
The question surprised him.
He considered it.
"I'm building something I can be proud of.""
"That's not what I asked.""
Marcus gave her a faint smile.
"I know.""
He walked toward the door.
Sophia watched him leave.
She had once believed happiness meant standing beside a wealthy man.
Now she understood that the person who had made her feel safest had never needed expensive clothes or impressive titles.
But she had learned that lesson too late.
At 4:15 PM, Daniel entered Marcus's office.
"Sir, the investigators have reviewed the latest documents.""
"And?""
"There's enough evidence to establish that Adrian and Victor coordinated the unauthorized transfers. The legal team is preparing the necessary referrals.""
Marcus nodded.
"Good.""
Daniel placed another document on the desk.
"There's also a problem with the public story.""
"What problem?""
"Adrian has scheduled a press conference for tomorrow morning.""
Marcus frowned.
"What's he planning to announce?""
Daniel opened the invitation.
The headline read:
*ADRIAN MITCHELL TO REVEAL THE TRUTH ABOUT REED INDUSTRIAL'S ACQUISITION.*
Marcus leaned back.
"He's going to make another accusation.""
"Possibly.""
Daniel hesitated.
"But we received a copy of the presentation he plans to use.""
He placed a printed slide on the desk.
Marcus read the first line.
*THE MAN WHO BOUGHT HIS WAY INTO MY FAMILY'S BUSINESS.*
Then he looked at the second slide.
It contained a photograph of Marcus's father.
Beneath it was a claim that Reed Industrial Holdings had acquired Mitchell Development through an illegal financial arrangement.
Marcus's expression darkened.
"Where did he get this photograph?""
Daniel answered quietly.
"From an old company archive.""
Marcus stared at the screen.
His father had been dead for years.
And Adrian was about to drag his name into a scandal.
Marcus stood.
"Get the legal team. I want every document involving the original acquisition ready.""
Daniel nodded.
"Should we attend the press conference?""
Marcus picked up his jacket.
"Yes.""
He looked at the photograph one last time.
"Tomorrow, Adrian is going to learn the difference between making accusations and proving them.""
But just before Daniel left, his phone rang.
He answered, listened for several seconds, and then turned pale.
"Sir?""
Marcus looked at him.
"What is it?""
Daniel lowered the phone.
"The police have just issued a warrant for Victor Hale.""
Marcus frowned.
"On what grounds?""
Daniel swallowed.
"Victor has disappeared. And before leaving, he sent a message to Adrian saying he had the original documents that could bring everyone down.""
Marcus's eyes narrowed.
"Everyone?""
May you like
Daniel nodded.
"Apparently, Victor believes the original acquisition itself contains a secret.""
