Chapter 2

Now, as I looked at this photo, I realized that it was nothing more than a snapshot of this entire scam. It was so glaring I wanted to rip it off the wall and smash it to pieces.

I stood up and walked into the study, turning on the computer to organize whatever financial documents I could find.

The more I reviewed the bank statements, transfer records, property purchase contracts, and equity certificates, the heavier my heart sank.

Vivienne's salary was not high. She basically relied on me to support her.

Under her name was a luxury car worth half a million dollars, along with several designer handbags. These were all things I bought for her because I felt sorry for her, telling her that "a woman should treat herself well."

However, I never imagined that she not only spent my money on herself, but also transferred large amounts to Dylan.

At noon, Owen's call came through. "Nathan, the preliminary investigation results are in.”

"Over the past five years, 15% of your company shares were transferred to Vivienne in three separate transactions, all under the 'gift' designation. The paperwork is complete and looks voluntary on your part, but I checked the dates. They were all processed while you were on business trips or swamped with work at the company.”

"As for your two properties downtown, one already has 50% ownership transferred to Dylan, claiming she was 'saving a wedding house for her brother'. The other is still under your name, but she has already used it as collateral for a loan. Two million dollars. I have no idea where that money went.”

"Then there are your savings. Over the past three years, your salary, bonuses, plus company dividends totaled around eight million. Of that, over six million flowed into Vivienne and Dylan's accounts through various transfers and purchases. Dylan's tuition and tutoring were all paid with your money."

Every sentence Owen spoke landed like a hammer blow to my chest.

Over eight million dollars. Six years of hard work. I scrimped and saved, focused only on building a good life and on giving Vivienne a stable home.

I never imagined that the money I worked so hard to earn all went to support her and someone else's child.

"There's more," Owen added. "We found a bank card under Dylan's name. Over the past year, there were several large deposits totaling over a million dollars. The sources are all unfamiliar accounts. It looks like Vivienne funneled money through third-party accounts to avoid detection."

I leaned back in my chair, feeling completely drained.

Five years of devotion. Five years of trust. All in exchange for such thorough, calculated fraud.

I was a clown, thinking myself a prince rescuing a damsel in distress, yet unknowingly becoming nothing more than her cash cow.

Late in the evening, Vivienne finally came home. She carried several shopping bags, just like always, her face wearing a gentle smile as she walked into the study.

"Honey, why didn't you go to the office today? I bought you those strawberries you love, and a new dress shirt. Try it on and see if it fits."

Her tone was natural, playfully affectionate as always.

I raised my head, suppressing the rage churning inside me. My voice came out calmer than I expected.

"It’s nothing much. I’m just tired so I’m resting at home for a bit."

Vivienne sensed the coldness in my tone. The smile on her face faltered slightly. She walked over, trying to take my arm.

"Honey, what's wrong? Is work not going well? Or did I do something to make you angry?"

The moment her hand touched my arm, I instinctively pulled away.

Vivienne's hand froze mid-air. Her eyes instantly welled up as she started her usual routine.

"Honey, are you disgusted with me now? Do you think I'm too obsessed with my brother because I keep asking you to spend money on Dylan? But I have no choice. Dylan is still young. He's my only brother. If I don't take care of him, who will?”

"My parents never loved me growing up. Only Dylan is close to me. I really can't abandon him..."

As she spoke, she wiped away tears, sobbing dramatically.