Chapter 3

I was "escorted" by security out of the company Michael had founded.

Standing before the familiar building, I felt like an outsider.

I needed help.

But every one of Michael's old colleagues and friends I contacted politely declined.

Victoria had already spread rumors that I was emotionally unstable due to family changes.

She wanted everyone to isolate me.

I arranged to meet a respected family friend, hoping he could mediate.

When I booked a restaurant table online and went to pay the deposit, a message popped up on my phone:

[Notification: Your business card has been suspended by the primary cardholder. For inquiries, please contact Ms. Victoria.]

All my consumption cards were linked to company accounts.

She had cut off all my financial lifelines.

I couldn't even afford a single meal.

My phone chimed—a new social media post from Victoria.

The picture showed her and Marcus picking out gifts at a toy store, with a salesperson behind them holding piles of boxes.

Beneath the image was a line of text:

[Company quarterly perk: birthday gifts for employees' families.]

She was using my brother's company to provide perks for her secret son.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

"Mr. Alex, your delivery."

I opened the box to find high-quality knock-off LEGO models from Wish.

A moment later, Marcus sent me a message:

"Mr. Alex, Ms. Victoria said you're a bit tight on cash lately. A man shouldn't be without money when he's out, so she transferred you 500 dollars. Spend it wisely. This toy set is for Caleb. She said once your nephew is safe, she, as his aunt, should show some appreciation."

It was a blatant insult.

My stomach churned, and I immediately rejected the transfer.

I would make those two pay!

I went to Michael's study, the only place Victoria hadn't touched.

I had to find a weapon for retaliation, even if it was just a tiny clue.

As I thumbed through Michael's books, his voice and image flashed before my eyes.

When I picked up a copy of "Game Theory" that he had reread countless times, I felt something odd about the cover.

I peeled back the inner lining of the cover.

A stiff business card slipped out.

I tremblingly picked up the card. It bore only a name and a phone number.

Kira.

On the back inner page, in Michael's handwriting:

"Brother, Victoria is a deeply cunning woman, a business prodigy. I made you marry her to revitalize the Sterling Group."

"But if Victoria ever harbored other intentions, you'd need ruthless tactics to break the deadlock."

"Conventional legal channels won't work against her. You'll need a more formidable shark to deal with her."

"Go find this Kira person."

"She was an old friend of mine; she left the country because of me. But she will help you."

"Tell her I never forgot her."

Finishing the note, I wiped the dampness from my eyes.

Finally, I wasn't fighting alone. Michael had laid a plan.

I dialed the number.

"Who is this?" A pleasant female voice.

"Ms. Kira, I'm Alex, Michael's brother. My brother asked me to contact you. I need your help."

The other end of the line was silent for a moment, then a cold laugh.

I recounted the company's situation to her.

"Victoria? I know her. The woman who has a calculator for a soul."

"She's draining the company Michael left behind, using a complex capital maneuver."

"Capital maneuver? She's mastered your brother's game?"

"I need your help. But right now… I might not be able to afford your fee."

"Fee? Your brother never paid me during his lifetime. I guess I owe him from a past life."

Kira cut me off.

"Bringing down someone so utterly devoid of gratitude like Victoria, that in itself is an interesting proposition."

"Send me all the documents. I love dissecting a seemingly foolproof scheme."