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Victoria discovers fraud

Victoria entered the elegant commercial building and headed towards the elevator, determined to find her accountant, Matthew Johnson. Her mind was filled with possibilities and concerns about what she might discover. She sincerely hoped that this situation could be resolved without major losses or negative consequences for her finances.

She was lost in her thoughts when the elevator doors began to close, but were stopped by a hand that got in the way. Victoria looked up and her gaze met Ethan Blackwood's, Damien's business rival.

"Ethan, what are you doing here?"

Ethan entered the elevator with a mysterious smile on his face, ignoring Victoria's question.

"Oh, Victoria, always a pleasure to see you. How is your marriage with Damien going? Still enjoying the wonders of married life?"

Victoria frowned, suspicious of Ethan's intentions.

"My marriage is great, thank you. And you, have you found someone willing to endure your charming personality?"

Ethan let out a cynical laugh.

"Not yet, my dear. I eagerly await the day you separate from Damien. It would be a shame to waste my company on anyone else."

Victoria felt a mixture of anger and discomfort but decided to maintain her composure.

"Ethan, you will never separate me from Damien. Forget about that idea."

Ethan smiled as if he knew something Victoria didn't.

"Oh, Victoria, never say never. Time can change many things. I just pity you, stuck with a man like Damien. If you ever change your mind, I'll be here to offer you something better."

Victoria's expression hardened, demanding an explanation.

"Why are you saying these things, Ethan?"

Before Ethan could respond, the elevator announced that they had arrived at Victoria's floor. She quickly stepped out, without getting any more answers, leaving Ethan behind.

Victoria walked down the hallway to her accountant's office, her mind filled with questions. She was determined to find out what Ethan was up to and what he knew about her personal life. After all, the rivalry between him and Damien extended beyond business.

As Victoria approached Matthew Johnson's door, the accountant, she decided she wouldn't let Ethan's words affect her. She was determined to protect her marriage and her happiness, no matter what the future held.


Victoria entered Matthew's office, nervous. She was concerned about the call she had received, requesting an immediate meeting with him.

"Matthew, what's going on? Why the urgency?"

Matthew looked at Victoria with a serious and worried expression.

"Victoria, I need to talk to you about a delicate matter. It's about a document that Damien submitted this morning to John, your financial advisor. It's regarding an investment worth 840 million dollars."

Victoria was momentarily stunned, processing the information.

"840 million? That must be a mistake, a typo. Damien must have gotten confused."

Matthew shook his head, standing firm in his position.

"Victoria, I thoroughly checked the document. It doesn't seem to be a mistake. Damien is requesting that amount for an investment. Did he mention anything about it?"

"Yes, a little before I left home, but definitely not for that amount."

Victoria picked up the phone and dialed Damien's number, her heart racing as she waited for a response.

"Hey, Victoria. What's up?"

"Damien, I'm here talking to Matthew about the document from earlier... He received the document with the wrong amount... It's stated as 840 million dollars."

"That's correct, Vicky. You can confirm it with Matthew and John, please..."

"Damien, it's a huge amount, beyond the risks we were willing to take. You need to explain what's going on."

Damien sighed, his voice filled with tension.

"Victoria, trust me. This investment is crucial for our business. I can't afford to miss this opportunity. We need this money."

Victoria felt a wave of frustration and anger growing inside her.

"Damien, we can't risk that much money. It's not safe. We need to reconsider this decision."

"I know what I'm doing. After all, I'm the one working in this marriage, remember? Just do as I'm telling you."

Victoria tensed up upon hearing Damien's words. She felt a mixture of concern and insecurity in the face of the exorbitant amount mentioned.

"Damien, 840 million dollars is an absurd sum! I'll talk to you at home, and we'll explore our options."

In a moment of exasperation, she hung up the phone, feeling overwhelmed.

Victoria turned to Matthew, seeking comfort or an alternative solution to the problem she was facing. That's when he revealed something that left her even more stunned.

"Victoria, there's something else you need to know."

Matthew hesitated for a moment before continuing, choosing his words carefully.

"Victoria, if you release that amount, you'll be left with nothing. It's your entire net worth. I need to warn you about the financial implications this decision would have for you."

Shock took over Victoria's face. She could barely believe what she was hearing.

"What do you mean? My entire net worth? But that's absurd! I have a gross net worth of 10 billion dollars. Out of that, I have about three billion available."

Matthew nodded, wearing a concerned expression.

"Unfortunately, you no longer have that net worth. Your net worth today is 840 million dollars. That's the reality. That's the financial situation you're in, so if you decide to proceed with this transfer, you'll declare bankruptcy."

Victoria's eyes widened with surprise and sadness. She felt her world crumble before her with this devastating revelation.

"What? How?"

Matthew took a deep breath, preparing to reveal the truth to Victoria. He knew this conversation would be difficult, but it was his duty as an accountant and friend to be honest with her.

"Damien has spent all the money you both had on stock market investments that amounted to nothing. The latest one was an investment in an inhibitor company that didn't get FDA approval. A loss of at least 800 million. He also made some real estate acquisitions, well, one acquisition, and there are also the cars, jewelry, yacht, luxury hotel trips..."

Victoria widened her eyes, shocked by the revelation. She never imagined Damien was handling their money so irresponsibly and secretly.

"What? I wasn't aware of these transactions! He spent it all?"

Matthew nodded with regret, knowing his friend was going through a difficult situation.

"Unfortunately, yes. Apart from the failed investments, he bought luxury cars, yachts, and even a house in Calabasas. Damien was living a lavish life while your net worth was being squandered."

Victoria felt a mix of anger and sadness. She wondered how she could be so naive as to blindly trust Damien.

"I can't believe this. How could I be so foolish? He deceived me all this time. I should have listened to you and signed the prenup..."

Matthew placed his hand on Victoria's shoulder, offering support.

"Victoria, don't blame yourself. Damien knew how to hide his actions and manipulate the situation. You trusted him, and he abused that trust."

Victoria took a deep breath, trying to contain the emotions that overwhelmed her. She was determined to resolve the situation and protect what remained of her wealth.

"Matthew, what can we do now? How can we reverse this situation?"

Matthew looked at Victoria with seriousness, ready to help

her in the best way possible.

"First, let's gather all the necessary information and evidence. Let's take the legal steps to protect your remaining assets and, if possible, recover some of the lost money. You're not alone in this, Victoria. We'll face this situation together."

"Thank you, Matthew."

Matthew smiled, reaffirming his commitment to help her.

"You can count on me, Victoria. I'm here to support you in whatever you need."

Victoria nodded, determined to overcome this adversity and seek the justice she deserved.

"Good to know because, in fact, I need a favor from you."

"Tell me, I'll do whatever it takes."

"I need the address of the house in Calabasas."


Victoria arrived at the house in Calabasas in a taxi, feeling a mix of determination and apprehension. She looked at the imposing residence in front of her, knowing that she might find answers to the disturbing revelations about Damien's betrayal.

As she approached the front door, Victoria knocked firmly, waiting to be answered. Soon, a housekeeper opened the door, but the language barrier seemed to hinder communication.

"Excuse me, do you speak English?"

The housekeeper, confused, shook her head negatively and responded in Spanish.

"No entiendo, señora. ¿En qué puedo ayudarla?"

Victoria realized that communication would be a challenge but decided to proceed, showing a photo of Damien on her cellphone.

"Damien, Damien Ashford. ¿Dónde está?"

The housekeeper looked at the photo and seemed to recognize Damien's face. She nodded and pointed inside the house, indicating that he was the owner.

"Sí, sí, él es el dueño... Owner. Pero señora, él está casado. Marriage."

Victoria felt a pang in her heart upon hearing those words. She quickly showed the ring on her finger, seeking to confirm her suspicions.

"Él es casado, ¿con quién? ¿La mujer que vive aquí?"

The housekeeper confirmed, revealing the truth Victoria feared.

"Sí, señora. La señora vive aquí. Ella está regresando."

Victoria felt a mix of anger, sadness, and disappointment. Everything made sense now. Damien had betrayed her trust, and the house in Calabasas belonged to his mistress.

Emotions overflowed within Victoria, but she composed herself and decided she wouldn't let the betrayal destroy her. She needed to confront Damien and demand answers.

"Gracias, señora."

The housekeeper nodded and stepped back from the front of the house, fearing being seen. Feeling betrayed and hurt, Victoria struggled to process all the information she had just received. Now armed with the truth, Victoria was ready to face Damien and confront him about the affair. She wouldn't allow her trust to be trampled in such a way.

With a mix of determination and sadness, Victoria decided it was time to take control of her life and face the challenges head-on. The real battle was just beginning.

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