Chapter 12

The next day, Michael was slumped at his desk, staring at the fresh-off-the-press divorce papers like they were some ancient curse. After what felt like forever, he crumpled them up and chucked them in the trash.

Right then, David walked up, sounding all serious and respectful, "Mr. Smith, Mr. Brown from TriStar Corporation is on the line for you."

Mandy's dad? Ethan Brown? Michael straightened up and grabbed the phone, "Hello, Mr. Brown."

A raspy middle-aged voice came through, "Michael, has Mandy been doing okay at your place? I haven't had the time to visit her lately, and her mom's been with her. I'm worried she might have some complaints."

Michael kept his voice steady. "Mr. Brown, don't worry. Mandy's been recovering well. My mom's been keeping her company a lot."

"Oh, that's good." Ethan's tone got a bit more probing, "I've heard some rumors that Mandy's car accident six years ago had something to do with your ex-wife. My wife tried to ask Mandy about it yesterday, but she dodged the topic. Do you know anything about it, Michael?"

Michael paused, the silence thick, "Yeah, that accident did have something to do with Rachel."

Ethan's voice turned serious, "You know, Mandy is my most cherished daughter. That accident nearly broke us. When Mandy woke up, the first person she saw was you, which says a lot about her feelings. Between your ex-wife and Mandy, I think you know who's more important."

Michael replied quietly, "I get it."

Ethan seemed satisfied, "Michael, I trust you'll take care of Mandy."

After hanging up, Michael sat there, deep in thought, before calling David back in. "There's something I need you to do."

Meanwhile, Rachel and Robert were stepping out of Skyline Corporation, with John giving Robert enthusiastic pats on the back. "You killed it in there, man! Did you see those execs squirm? You've got a real talent for this."

Rachel laughed, "Those guys have had it out for me ever since that financial theft case six years ago. They weren't gonna accept me as the new shareholder easily, but Robert's approach left them speechless."

She never asked Robert how he knew Richard or why he had such insight into Skyline Corporation. For now, she chose to respect his secrets. Richard had painstakingly secured 51% of the company's shares, and she planned to use this leverage to establish her position and uncover the truth behind the six-year-old scandal.

As for dealing with the Brown Family, she knew what to do—one step at a time.

"Rachel, now that you're in a position of power, you can't be casual about your attire. Let's go get some clothes and jewelry," John suggested.

They drove to an upscale boutique, a paradise for high society with its array of top-tier clothing and jewelry. Their good mood, however, was abruptly disturbed by a shrill, accusatory voice.

"Stop right there, you bitch!" The cursing was all too familiar. Rachel's smile vanished as she turned to see Emily standing with her hands on her hips, eyes blazing.

Emily stormed up, jabbing a finger at Rachel's nose. "Rachel, not only did you cheat before marriage, but now you're spending my son's money on luxuries with these two men? You're disgusting!"

Robert stepped forward protectively, his face darkening, "Watch your mouth!"

Emily ignored him, her voice escalating to draw a crowd, "Everyone, come look! This woman is a shameless whore. She's blowing through my son's hard-earned money while flaunting two lovers around! Look at this! One woman with two men—utterly shameless!"