Chapter 3

After opening the surveillance feed, I saw customers flooding into the restaurant nonstop. Most of the customers were attracted by the trending topic and showed up to express their support online.

The restaurant's revenue had surged to an extreme level, reaching what the branch normally made in two months within less than six hours.

I had checked the cameras to collect evidence for a police report, but what I found was far more shocking.

Renold was in the staff lounge, holding Layla in his arms as he proudly boasted about his achievements to his father.

"Dad, revenue has increased dozens of times this time. I've skimmed over three million dollars from it. You and Mom can relax and enjoy your trip…"

After exchanging a few casual words, he hung up the call.

Layla immediately leaned in.

"Darling, this huge surge in revenue wouldn't have happened without my contribution, right? You should get me a few designer bags!"

Renold was in high spirits. "You really are my lucky star. That said, I'm planning to buy a small villa in Westville this month, priced at about four million dollars. With the current revenue, I'm still coming up short…"

Draco's professional instincts kicked in when he saw this, and he couldn't help but comment. "Abuse of authority for personal gain combined with large-scale embezzlement qualifies as a criminal offense. That carries a minimum sentence of three years. They've really got some nerve."

I gave a quiet hum in response. At this point, the matter was no longer just defamation. Since that was the case, everything would be settled together.

Layla pouted.

"If I can come up with the remaining 600 thousand dollars, you'll add my name to the villa ownership, won't you?"

A sly glint appeared in Renold's eyes.

"Of course."

With the promise secured, the two of them happily sank onto the sofa together. Half an hour later, I received a private message from Layla.

"I'll give you one more chance. Transfer 600 thousand to me immediately, and I'll publicly clarify to netizens that you're not a gold digger."

Draco couldn't help but comment, "Extortion layered on top of blackmail only makes it worse. It's rare to see someone so eager to commit a crime."

I smirked slightly and replied, "I'll give you the money, but I need to confirm you'll keep your promise. We'll meet at the restaurant tomorrow morning for the exchange."

At the same time, I reached out to Warren Hayman as the general manager of the Eastonia region.

"I've heard your branch's revenue has increased dozens of times. I'll conduct a personal inspection tomorrow. Come to the company to pick me up."

That night, Warren didn't dare delay for even a moment. He boarded a flight back and headed straight to the company upon landing.

As soon as he saw me, he hurried over and addressed me with respect.

I handed him a black case filled with cash. "This contains 600 thousand dollars in cash. It's meant to be distributed to your staff later."

Warren smiled broadly. "The store's performance has indeed been excellent, but there's no need to reward them with this much. Ms. Cole, you've really gone above and beyond."

I simply smiled and said nothing.

En route to the Rosenhall branch, Layla sent me another private message. "Senior management will be here for an inspection this morning. You can't show up. We'll deal with it in the afternoon."

Warren had likely already given Renold a heads-up. I ignored her message. Whether I showed up was not her decision to make.

All the staff were already lined up to greet us, but Renold was nowhere to be seen. I knew he was likely busy covering his tracks and deleting any evidence of his illicit gains.

At that moment, Layla turned and spotted me. Her eyes widened in shock.