Chapter 4

The first call was to the Legal Director.

"I need all of Nathan's personal account transactions from the past year, plus financial records for all projects under his name. I need them now."

The second call was to my assistant.

"Prepare a document immediately—STAR Tech CEO change announcement. Also, notify IT to take control of the gala's main screen. I'll text you the authorization code."

The third call was to the head of security.

"Bring four people to the main hall and stand by. Wait for my signal."

After hanging up, I looked at Leicester.

"Thank you for today."

Leicester shook her head.

"Ruby, I've worked with you for ten years. Nathan... he's gone too far."

"I know."

I straightened my dress and did one final check in the mirror.

Lipstick intact, eyeliner unsmudged, hair perfectly in place.

The woman in the mirror was thirty-five, with fine lines around her eyes, but a sharp gaze.

Nathan. Lena.

You want to put on a show?

Fine. I'll perform with you.

When I walked back into the ballroom, the atmosphere had clearly changed.

Everyone was looking at me with complex expressions.

The prize drawing on stage had already ended hastily.

Soon it would be time for the closing remarks.

In previous years, Nathan had given the speech.

He and Lena had already returned to the main table.

Lena was leaning on his shoulder, whispering something.

Nathan was absentmindedly patting her back, occasionally glancing at me.

Seeing me return, he immediately stood up.

"Ruby, earlier Lena..."

"It's fine."

I smiled, walking past him without stopping.

"She's just a young girl. Doesn't know better."

Lena looked up, a flash of surprise in her eyes.

She probably expected me to explode.

But I didn't.

I walked straight to the podium and took the microphone from the host.

"Everyone, I'll handle tonight's closing remarks."

The entire room watched me quietly.

Nathan frowned.

"Ruby..."

There was a trace of worry in his eyes.

My behavior was too abnormal.

Lena's lips, however, curved into a triumphant sneer.

[Finally can't hold it in anymore?]

[Make a scene.]

[The wealthy care most about dignity.]

[The bigger the scene, the faster I rise.]

I nodded toward the control room.

The main screen's prize drawing page instantly went black, then lit up again.

When the first PowerPoint slide appeared, Nathan's expression changed.

Lena also jumped to her feet.

"Host, turn off that screen right now!"