Chapter 3 - Gathering the Arsenal
Julian loudly announced the news of his upcoming grand wedding with Chloe. The media flocked to it, packaging their love story as a model of “breaking worldly prejudices and pursuing true love.”
As for me, the bleak ex-wife exiting the stage, I became the most pathetic background character in their story.
I ignored the outside noise and moved into a modest studio apartment. There was no luxurious decor here, just a wall full of bookshelves and the fastest internet connection.
Like a calm hunter, I began carefully dissecting my prey.
During the day, posing as an ordinary investor, I visited various departments of the company, secretly investigating the books. At night, I compiled and analyzed all the information. A massive network of illicit profit transfers slowly emerged before my eyes.
Julian was greedier, and stupider, than I thought.
Over the past few years, through setting up shell companies in Delaware and the Cayman Islands, signing dual contracts, and various other methods, he had step-by-step transferred the core assets and profits of Vance Enterprises into his personal name.
Many of his tactics were laughably crude, simply because he firmly believed a "bumpkin" like me understood nothing.
One weekend afternoon, an unknown number called. It was Arthur Sterling, my late father’s former subordinate and a company veteran.
“Miss Vance, are... are you holding up okay?” Arthur's voice carried guilt and worry.
“I’m fine, Arthur.” My voice was very calm. “How is the company now?”
“Sigh, it’s a total mess! Julian treats the company like his private playground, stuffing it with random people. Nobody listens to us old guys anymore,” Arthur said angrily. “Miss Vance, as long as you return, we will follow your lead!”
A stream of warmth flowed through my cold heart. “Thank you, Arthur. Soon.”
Not long after hanging up, an unexpected person sought me out. Carter Brooks, Julian’s best buddy and his business partner.
He asked to meet me at a quiet cafe. As soon as he sat down, he handed me a kraft paper folder.
“Olivia, I’m sorry. What Julian did was truly out of line.” His handsome face showed guilt. “I tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn't listen.”
I didn't take the folder, merely stirring the coffee in my cup. “It’s in the past. I’ve let it go.”
Carter looked at me, his eyes full of surprise and admiration. Perhaps he thought he would see an abandoned woman crying and cursing the heavens.
“Inside are the original contracts between Julian and a few European companies, the German versions.” He pushed the folder toward me. “I know you... probably can't read them, but you can have a lawyer look at them. It might help.”
His probing intention was obvious. I looked up and smiled at him.
“Thank you, Carter. But there’s no need.”
Of course, I knew what they were. Those German contracts were the key evidence of Julian hollowing out the company. He thought his actions were watertight, not knowing his best brother had long been dissatisfied with his deeds.
And I, as it happened, could read them perfectly.
Meanwhile, Chloe’s social media played out a drama of happiness every day. Today showing off a limited-edition Hermès bag, tomorrow a diamond ring the size of a pigeon egg, the day after posting photos of her kissing Julian on a luxury yacht.
Every photo was like a silent boast and provocation aimed at me. She used the posture of a victor to enjoy everything that rightfully belonged to me.
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Looking at her face nestled in Julian’s arms, smiling radiantly, a cold smirk curled my lips. I scanned the contracts Carter gave me, then carefully categorized them with the other evidence I had found.
It was time to push this play to its climax.
