G17
I paced back and forth in my study, jaw clenched, hands curled into tight fists. The rage from yesterday’s humiliation hadn’t settled. My father had been thrown out like a common beggar. Him, the great Stefano Reeds. And Zaverio? That bastard had barely lifted a finger.
“Sir,” a voice interrupted his thoughts. My private investigator stood near the door, shoulders stiff, eyes downcast
I turned sharply. “Tell me you have something.”
The investigator hesitated. “Aside from what Zaverio revealed yesterday, there’s nothing. No trace of his financial dealings, no records of how he built his empire. It’s like he came out of nowhere.”
My nostrils flared “You’re telling me a man with that much power just appeared out of thin air?”
“I’ve searched everywhere, sir. There’s nothing.”
Useless. Absolutely useless.
“You’re incompetent,” I growled. “I’m paying you for results, not excuses. Get out”
The investigator opened his mouth as if to argue but quickly thought better of it. He bowed slightly and walked out, shutting the door behind him.
I let out a sharp breath, my fingers digging into my desk.
Moments later, the door swung open again. Stefano entered, looking just as frustrated.
“Well?” my father demanded
I shook my head. “The idiot found nothing.”
Stefano exhaled harshly, pinching the bridge of his nose. “That man humiliated us, and we don’t even know who he truly is.”
My jaw ticked. “He won’t get away with it.”
Before Stefano could respond, the door opened again, this time revealing Hailey. She sauntered in, arms crossed, her lips pursed in annoyance.
“I’ve been calling you all morning,” she snapped. “You’ve barely looked at me since yesterday.”
I shot her a glare. “Now’s not the time, Hailey.”
“Not the time?” she scoffed. “Tony, we were publicly embarrassed, and you’ve barely said a word to me since! Do
I even matter to you?”
I had no patience for this. “Stop whining.”
Hailey’s eyes flared with anger. “I deserve an explanation-
I slammed my fist on the desk. “Enough!”
She flinched.
Without another word, I stormed past her, shoving the door open and heading downstairs.
The grand ballroom was empty. The extravagant chandeliers glittered, the catering was set, but not a single guest had arrived
My brows furrowed. “Where the hell is everyone?”
Stefano followed behind, his expression dark.
*They’re at another event,” Stefano said bitterly.
I turned to him “What?”
Stefano’s jaw clenched. “There’s an exclusive party tonight–an unveiling of the Salvador heiress and the leader of Guerrilo’s empire.”
My stomach twisted. “You think Zaverio is behind this?”
My father nodded.
I scoffed. “Why would people choose a nobody’s party over ours?”
Just then, one of their security guards rushed in, panting. “Sir! You need to turn on the television. Now!”
I narrowed my
but grabbed the remote and switched on the large flat–screen.
The news broadcast flashed across the screen.
Breaking News: The Reeds Empire in Financial Crisis?
My blood ran cold
The reporter continued,
“An anonymous source has leaked classified financial records, revealing that the once–mighty Reeds Corporation is drowning in debt. Bankruptcy rumors are swirling as stock prices plummet Sources claim the company has been hiding losses for years…”
My grip tightened on the remote until it nearly snapped
“This can’t be real,” Stefano muttered, his face ghostly pale
I turned to the security guard “How did this get out?”
The man swallowed hard. “We… we don’t know, sir. It was leaked anonymously.”
Stefano slammed his fist on the table. “Damn it!”
My head spun. This was sabotage. But by who?
As if the universe was mocking me, the doorbell rang.
A mailman stood outside, holding an envelope
I snatched it out of his hands and ripped it open.
Inside was a pristine black card with gold lettering.
Exclusive Invitation
You are cordially invited to the grand unveiling of the Salvador heiress.
My brows furrowed. Who the hell was the Salvador heiress?
“Who gave you this?” I asked the mailman.
The man shrugged, “I just deliver packages. Please sign.
I grudgingly signed, my mind racing with various thoughts.
Why had the Salvador heiress invited them? And more importantly-
Why would she invite them now despite the recent scandal trending?
