Chapter 3

Dad frowned deeply. “Every piece of evidence we have points to you."

I said, "The USB drive was originally in Charles’ custody, and his team prepared the final bid, so why is he still allowed to take over the project?”

Charles immediately rose to his feet. “You can suspend my authority too. I’ll abide by the board’s decision.”

He said it without hesitation, as though he genuinely did not care about power.

However, Dad waved a hand. “Now, stabilizing the situation is what matters most. Charles knows the project inside and out. Effective immediately, he’ll take over the Investment Division and handle the fallout.”

The appointment papers were quickly distributed to everyone in the room.

My team, my office, and all the project files were handed over to Charles as well.

“I object to this appointment.” I pushed the document back across the table. “Please record my objection in full, along with the voting results, in the official minutes.”

Dad’s voice turned cold. “You’re in no position to question the board.

"Whether I have that right is determined by the company’s bylaws, not by your word.”

No one in the room spoke up for me.

However, under everyone’s watchful eyes, the secretary still recorded my objection in the minutes.

After the meeting, Charles caught up with me at the elevator. “Henry, this wasn't something I fought for.”

I pressed the elevator button. “Did you refuse it?”

He was silent for half a second. “The company can’t be left without someone in charge.”

I looked at him. “So you get to take over the benefits, while I take the blame.”

His voice dropped. “The 20 million dollars, the account login records, and the file access logs all point to you. You owe Dad an explanation, at the very least.”

I said, “When the original records come in, I’ll explain everything.”

“The original records won’t save someone who’s already lost everyone’s trust.”

The elevator doors slowly closed.

Through the narrowing gap, I saw him standing outside, looking perfectly calm as though he had already settled comfortably into my old position.

When I returned to my office, my nameplate had already been removed. The security told me I could only retrieve my personal belongings under escort.

Charles was already sitting in my chair, flipping through the list of team members I had been working with for the past three years. When he saw me enter, he closed the file.

I ignored him, opened a drawer, and took out the old fountain pen my mother had left me. Engraved on the inside of the pen was the identification number of the orphanage where I had lived before I was adopted.

Charles’ gaze lingered on the numbers for a second. It was brief, so brief I almost thought I had imagined it. I slipped the pen into my pocket and walked away.

…

When I returned to the Peay residence, two suitcases were already waiting in the foyer. My clothes and personal belongings had been packed with meticulous care, as though someone had prepared them long ago.

The butler kept his head lowered. “Sir says it wouldn’t be appropriate for you to remain in the main house while the investigation is ongoing.”

I did not touch the suitcases. I walked straight to the study.

Dad, Charles, and the group’s legal counsel were all there. A separation agreement lay on the desk.

I was to resign from all my positions, forfeit my family benefits and inheritance rights, and dissolve my engagement with the daughter of the Grant family.

The final clause required me to acknowledge that I alone was responsible for the project’s losses.

Dad pushed a fountain pen toward me. “Sign it, and I’ll hold off on calling the police for now.”

I flipped to the final page. “If the evidence is already sufficient, why not report me directly?”

I closed the agreement. “I’m not signing.”

Dad slammed his hand against the desk. “Henry, do you really intend to drag the entire Peay family down with you?”

“The person dragging the Peay family into this isn’t me.”

Dad said nothing more. He simply ordered someone to escort me out.

As I left the study, Charles followed. It was not until we reached the end of the hallway that the warmth finally disappeared from his face.

“Do you really think Elizabeth will turn against the entire Peay family for you?”

I stopped in my tracks.

“You’re hoping she won’t look into it because once Grant Corporation checks everything themselves, your little setup might not survive scrutiny.”