I leaned back in my new chair, closing my eyes for a moment. Finally. I opened them, looking around the room.

"Alright," I told my bodyguards. "Get all of Sarah's stuff out of here. Now."

The two bodyguards nodded, starting to clear Sarah's desk and cabinets. They removed all of Sarah's personal belongings.

A few hours later, my phone buzzed. A text from Ivan.

[Ivan]: Congrats, new Financial Manager. Hope you settle in. Don't forget to eat lunch.

I gave a slight smile.

...

I dove deep into my new role. Studying financial reports, understanding the company structure, and looking for any weaknesses.

For the first month, I was completely immersed in work. Piles of documents, meeting after meeting with division heads, analyzing complex figures. The deeper I dug, the more irregularities I found.

Financial reports were manipulated, fictitious projects, funds diverted to mysterious accounts. It was clear there was massive embezzlement under Sarah's leadership.

I started making a list. Documenting every single irregularity. Then, I called in my financial team. We held intensive discussions and meetings. I wasn't accusing anyone; I just wanted explanations, asked for details, and identified problematic areas.

One afternoon, I was in the employee lounge, enjoying a cup of green tea, when the door opened and Albert Stone walked in.

The fifty-something man was the COO of Young Corporation. He was known for being neutral.

"Scarlet," he greeted. He took a seat across from me. "Looks like you're keeping busy."

"That's one way to put it, Mr. Stone," I replied. "Lots of stuff to sort out."

We exchanged some small talk. After a few minutes, Albert sighed.

"I've heard a lot about your work," he said. "Especially about your efforts to clean up the financial reports. Honestly, that's a very brave move."

"Brave or not, it needed to be done," I countered, looking at him. "A lot of things are messed up around here."

Albert nodded slowly. "We know. Most of us, who've been with this company a long time, suspected financial impropriety. Especially since Sarah took over the finances. Your mother would never have allowed something like this."

His words surprised me. He was on my mother's side. Unbeknownst to me, he was one of her supporters. This was crucial information.

"Miss Clara was an incredible woman," Albert continued, his voice filled with nostalgia. He smiled at me, a genuine smile that was rare to find in this company.

"Thank you, Mr. Stone," I said. This meant a lot. With the COO on my side, it would be easier for me to clean up this company.

As we were deep in conversation, my phone buzzed, an automatic memo flashing on its screen. 'Next week: Dad & Sarah's Wedding Anniversary.'

My eyes fixated on the memo. Wedding anniversary. This meant a big celebration was coming.

"Excuse me, Mr. Stone," I said, standing up. "I have to go. Something urgent came up that I need to handle."

Albert nodded. "Of course."

I quickly walked out of the lounge. Back in my office, I immediately called Mia.

"Next week is Dad and Sarah's wedding anniversary, right?"

"No info about that, Miss."

I scoffed. Mia was the housekeeper who knew the ins and outs of that house better than anyone. There's no way she wouldn't know. "Don't lie to me, Mia," I said.

"I'm sorry, Miss," Mia sounded increasingly uncomfortable. "Master and Madam never discussed it. I think they did it on purpose."

Damn them. They were really trying to isolate me. But it wouldn't work. Vivian must know. And if Vivian knew, Lucas definitely knew.

I hung up the phone. Plan changed.

...

The next day, I got information that Lucas was playing golf at one of the executive courses.

I arrived at the golf course. The atmosphere was calm, green, and expensive-looking. I found Lucas on one of the putting greens. He was preparing to hit a ball. I walked up to him, deliberately disrupting his concentration.

Lucas turned, saw me. His face immediately hardened. "What are you doing here?" he asked. "I told you, I don't want to talk to you. Just leave!"

I didn't care. I just gave a faint smile. Casually, I sat on the edge of the grass area, crossing my legs. "Relax. I just want to talk. Are you scared? I'm not gonna drag you to a hotel, you know."

Lucas clenched his golf club, veins bulging in his neck. "You really have no shame!" he hissed.

I laughed. "I do not." Then I changed my voice, making it sharper. "I want to know. Where's the wedding anniversary party for Dad and Sarah?"

Lucas looked at me. A mocking look appeared in his eyes. "Why should you know? You're not invited."

"Oh, I know that," I countered, unfazed. "But that doesn't mean I don't have the right to know." I stood up, stepping closer to him. "Look, Lucas. Young Corporation has a huge project this year. And I know Becker Group is very interested in collaborating with us, right?"

Lucas's face tensed. I had hit a nerve.

"I'm now the Financial Manager at Young Corporation. I have pretty significant influence there." I looked him straight in the eye. "I can sway the higher-ups at Young Corp to reject any collaboration with Becker Group. I can make that project fall through."

Lucas's eyes widened. He was furious. Absolutely furious. His hand gripped his golf club tightly, as if wanting to hit something.

"You're crazy, Scarlet!" he hissed.

"Maybe," I said casually. "But I'm serious. Tell me where the party is, and I'll make sure all collaborations between Young Corp and Becker Group go smoothly. I can also ensure there are no obstacles whatsoever from Young Corp's side." I offered him a clear exchange.

I stood in front of the huge mirror in my bedroom. This custom-made silver evening gown hugged my curves perfectly. Small crystals glittered with every movement, catching the light.

Done. I took a breath, looked at my reflection. Perfect.

I walked down from my room, descending the stairs. When my feet hit the last step, I saw a tall figure standing in the living room.

"Ivan?" I was surprised. "What are you doing here?"

Ivan turned, a faint smile on his face. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, he looked incredibly sharp and charming. His gray-green eyes swept over me from head to toe, momentarily captivated, then returned to his serious expression. "I'm coming with you," he said simply.

"No need," I said, walking closer. "I'm going alone. I don't need a bodyguard."

Ivan shook his head. "It's dangerous. I know you're going to cause a scene in there. And I know you'll probably stir up trouble. I'm not letting you go alone." He looked at me. "Whatever happens in there, I'll make sure you're safe."

I snorted. "You're too good, Ivan."

"Or just as stubborn as you," he countered, then held out his hand. "Come on. Let's not be late."

I took his hand. He opened his car door for me. I got in.

...

We arrived at a luxurious hotel downtown. Spotlights lit up the building's facade. The valet immediately took Ivan's car. I stepped out, my silver gown sparkling. Ivan quickly offered his arm. I took it, walking side-by-side towards the entrance.

Just as we took a step, my eyes caught something in the distance. Lucas and Vivian. They were walking casually, Lucas's arm around Vivian's waist. They were laughing, looking happy. Too happy. A sharp pang of pain shot through my heart.

Damn it. After all my planning, after all the information I'd dug up, I still had feelings for that bastard. It was disgusting.

Lucas and Vivian didn't see me. They were too engrossed in their own world.

Ivan gave my arm a gentle pat. "Focus," he whispered.

I took a deep breath. Right. I'm not a loser.

We arrived at the main ballroom entrance. An event staff member, a young blonde woman with a 'Silvia' nametag, stopped us.

"Excuse me, sir, ma'am," she said, her smile strained. "May I see your invitation?"

I glared at her. Ivan had warned me not to make a fuss until the right moment. But seeing this Silvia, my temper flared.

"Invitation?" I scoffed. "Do you not know who I am?"

Silvia frowned. "I apologize, ma'am. All guests must show an invitation."

"I am Scarlet Young," I said, cold and sharp. "The daughter of David Young. And you dare ask me for an invitation?!"

Silvia gasped, her face paling. "I-I'm so sorry, ma'am. I didn't know."

I didn't give her a chance. Without hesitation, my hand shot out, slapping Silvia hard across the cheek.

"How dare you disrespect me!" I raged. "I am the eldest daughter of the host of this event! Don't you ever get in my way!"

Silvia winced, clutching her reddened cheek. She was terrified.

A few security guards stepped forward, their faces tense. They were about to restrain me. But Ivan just stared at them, his eyes wide. Ivan was a well-known lawyer among businessmen. In this world, most people knew Ivan Barnes. They froze, hesitating. They knew one wrong move could lead to huge trouble.

I spotted a few local reporters covering the event near the entrance. This was my chance. I immediately turned around, covering my face with my hand, as if trying to hold back tears. Dramatic. I swayed slightly, as if dizzy.

The reporters were immediately intrigued. They aimed their cameras at me, recording the whole scene.

Another staff member, a middle-aged man, emerged from inside, his face panicked. "What's going on?!" he asked Silvia.

I immediately whispered to him, soft enough for only him to hear. "Tell David Young. Let me in now, or I'll cause an even bigger scene in front of all these reporters. You know how desperate I can get."

Ivan, standing beside me, also whispered to me. "This recklessness of yours could backfire, Ice." I just shot him a look, "This isn't the time to back down."

The middle-aged man swallowed hard, looking at me and the reporters who were ready to record. He knew I wasn't bluffing. He nodded quickly. "Alright, Miss. Please come in."

I lowered my hand from my face, wiping away non-existent tears. I gave Silvia, who was still holding her reddened cheek, a cynical smile. I walked in with Ivan by my side.

The moment I stepped into the hall, the festive atmosphere seemed to pause. All eyes were on me. Guests whispered, pointing in my direction. I walked with my head held high, my silver gown sparkling, catching every gaze.

Lucas's eyes, chatting with Vivian and some friends, also fixated on me. He froze. Like a statue. Game on.

I chose a spot in the back, not too conspicuous, but strategic enough to see the main stage. Ivan stayed by my side. His eyes scanned the crowd, as if ready to protect me at any moment.

The event proceeded as usual. Speeches, musical performances. Then, it was time for the main address. Dad stood on stage with Sarah. David Young and Sarah, a couple married for over 20 years, as Dad always emphasized.

Dad began his speech. "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight is a special night. A night where my wife, Sarah, and I celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary..."

I stared at them. A faint smile spread across my lips. Over 20 years. Yes, 20 years full of lies. Mom only died 15 years ago. That meant Dad had been with Sarah long before Mom's death. And Sarah, that mistress, now stood proudly beside him, holding his hand as if she were the most honorable woman in the world.

"Our journey hasn't always been easy, but our love has always made us stronger..." Dad said. He and Sarah held hands, looking at each other with teary eyes.

When the room fell silent, I stood up. My hand raised. I clapped. As loudly as I could. My clapping broke the solemn silence. All eyes turned to me. I didn't care.

Right then, my tears started to fall freely. They were tears of anger. Tears from remembering that it should have been my mother standing there. But that mistress took her place. They were tears of delayed justice.

With determined steps, I began to walk forward, pushing through the crowd of guests. I walked straight towards the stage, where Dad and Sarah stood. My right hand was tucked inside my clutch bag, as if holding something.

Dad saw me. His face instantly panicked. His eyes widened, realizing what I might do. He knew how reckless I was. And, I had no limits.

"Security! Grab her! Now!" Dad screamed, his voice cracking, full of fear. "She's got a weapon in her bag!"

Two security guards immediately moved, tackling me from the side. I was ambushed, my body stumbled, I staggered, and I fell to the cold floor. My clutch bag flew out of my hand. My left arm ached, twisted during the tackle. I struggled, trying to free myself from their strong grip.

"Let go of me! I don't have a weapon!" I yelled.

Just then, something unexpected happened. The two security guards holding me suddenly collapsed. One clutched his stomach, the other gripped his jaw. I was surprised. Who?

A man stood over me. His hand reached out to me. Lucas.

His face was pale, his eyes filled with anxiety. "Are you okay?" he asked, full of concern.

I looked at him. He helped me to my feet. He checked my painful left arm. He was genuinely worried.

A faint smile touched my lips, amidst the pain. Oh, he still loved me. Interesting. Very interesting.