Chapter 3

I had just changed out of my formal gown when the butler knocked on my door.

"Boss, something has happened to Miss Lauren!"

Her car had gone out of control on the way back to the South District and crashed into a guardrail. Fortunately, she had escaped serious injury, though shattered glass had cut her arm.

Rhett hurried downstairs at once.

Several items recovered from the accident scene had been laid out in the middle of the foyer. Among them was a silver access token that I recognized immediately. It had only ever been used by the Guardia.

Matthew stood nearby.

"This token was issued exclusively to our Guardia. Miss Lauren changed her route at the last minute tonight, and the only people who knew her whereabouts were members of our team."

Rhett's expression darkened.

"What about the car?"

"The brake lines were tampered with."

Just then, Lauren walked in from outside, her arm wrapped in bandages.

"Boss!" Her face was pale, and she spoke urgently. "This definitely has nothing to do with Donna!"

With that single sentence, she managed to turn everyone's attention toward me.

Rhett walked over to her.

"The doctor told you to rest. What are you doing out here?"

"I was afraid you might misunderstand Donna." Her eyes reddened. "After all, the Guardia served under Donna for so many years. Now that they've suddenly been transferred to me, it's only natural that some of them might need time to adjust."

My hands clenched into fists.

"What exactly are you trying to say?"

Lauren immediately shook her head.

"I'm not saying Donna ordered them to do anything. I just think someone might be trying to stand up for her..."

After hearing that, Rhett actually turned to look at me with suspicion.

He ordered someone to escort Lauren back to her room. Only after the foyer had emptied, leaving only our own people behind, did he approach me.

"You argued with me about the Guardia last night, and today Lauren's car was involved in an accident."

I stared at him.

"So?"

"Lauren's theory isn't unreasonable," he said calmly.

A bitter laugh escaped me.

"Rhett, are you actually suspecting me because of something Lauren said?"

His brows drew together.

"I'm just trying to get to the bottom of this."

"Then do it."

I turned to leave.

"Nancy."

Rhett's voice stopped me.

"Until this matter is resolved, I'm suspending you from all family business operations."

I slowly turned around.

"What did you just say?"

"All orders issued under Donna's name must receive my approval for the time being." He avoided my gaze. "It'll only be a few days. Once the investigation is complete, I'll restore your authority."

My chest tightened painfully. I stared at him, unable to believe what I was hearing.

"You already believe her."

"I don't." He sounded almost defensive.

"Then why are you taking away my authority?"

Rhett's expression hardened as well.

"Because someone nearly died! Lauren's father already gave his life for the Wilson Family. I won't let her die under suspicious circumstances on my territory too."

There it was again.

I looked at him as wave after wave of helplessness washed over me.

This time, I did not argue.

Rhett probably thought I had finally accepted his decision. He stroked my hair, his voice softening.

"Get some sleep tonight. I'll finish the investigation tomorrow and come see you myself."

I closed my eyes. After a long silence, I managed a single word.

"Fine."

Rhett lowered his head and kissed me.

"That's my good girl."

After Rhett left, my assistant delivered the final batch of documents to my study.

The divorce papers were ready, and all my personal accounts had been separated from the family's finances. The properties I owned had also been withdrawn from the Wilson Family's shared interests.

I read through the documents page by page, then signed my name.

Outside the window, the world was pitch-black. I collapsed onto the bed.

Only a few hours remained before I left Sicellia for good.