Chapter 5
The lobby of Stellar Tech gleamed under crystal chandeliers, the marble floors reflecting the morning light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows. I strode across the expanse, my heels clicking with purpose, when a familiar voice cut through the ambient noise.
"Emily!"
I turned to see Mrs. Peterson emerging from the elevator, her silver hair perfectly coiffed despite the early hour. She wore a navy Chanel suit that probably cost more than most people's monthly salary, but the elegance did nothing to soften the venom in her eyes.
"Mother-in-law," I acknowledged coolly, though the term felt like acid on my tongue. "This is unexpected."
"Is it?" She approached with the precision of a predator, her Hermès bag swinging gently at her side. "I think it's long overdue."
I glanced at my watch. "I have a board meeting in ten minutes."
"This won't take long." She positioned herself directly in my path, her perfume—something expensive and suffocating—invading my space. "You will reinstate my son immediately."
The demand hung in the air between us. Several employees slowed their pace, pretending not to listen while hanging on every word.
"Will I?" I asked, my voice dangerously soft.
"Julian belongs at the helm of Stellar Tech." Her voice rose slightly, drawing more attention. "You've humiliated him enough."
I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "Let's be clear, Mrs. Peterson. Julian doesn't belong anywhere near my company."
Her face flushed crimson. "Your company? You're nothing but a jumped-up little—"
"Careful," I warned.
But she was beyond caution now, her carefully maintained composure cracking. "You failed as a wife," she hissed, her words dripping with contempt. "Ten years and not even a child to carry on the Peterson name."
The barb struck deeper than she could know, but I refused to show it. "My reproductive choices are none of your concern."
"They're exactly my concern!" Her voice echoed through the lobby now, drawing a small crowd of onlookers. "A real wife would have given Julian heirs! Would have supported his career instead of sabotaging it!"
I felt Marcus Chen appear at my side, his presence steady and reassuring. "Mrs. Peterson, I must ask you to lower your voice."
She ignored him completely, her eyes fixed on me with pure hatred. "You think you've won? You think you can destroy my family?"
"I'm simply reclaiming what was always mine," I replied evenly.
Her laugh was brittle, sharp as breaking glass. "Oh, you naive little girl. You have no idea what my family is capable of."
Something in her tone made me pause. This wasn't just anger—there was confidence there, the kind that comes from holding a trump card.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, though part of me already knew.
Mrs. Peterson smiled, a cold twist of her perfectly painted lips. "Did you really think we wouldn't have insurance? Proof that your father was the mastermind behind the embezzlement?"
My blood froze. "What proof?"
"Documents," she said simply. "Financial records showing your father's involvement in the fraud that nearly destroyed our company twenty years ago. Imagine how the press would react if those documents were released today."
She reached into her purse and pulled out a slim folder. "The truth about the Griffins and their criminal history. One call to the right reporter, and your precious reputation is destroyed forever."
I stared at the folder, my mind racing. These were almost certainly forgeries, but they could do immense damage before being disproven.
"You wouldn't dare," I whispered.
"Wouldn't I?" Her smile widened. "You've taken everything from my son. What makes you think I won't take everything from you?"
People were openly staring now, smartphones raised to capture the confrontation. This wasn't just a personal attack—it was a public execution of my reputation.
I forced my breathing to slow, my thoughts to clear. This was actually perfect—the opportunity I'd been waiting for to expose the truth about both our families' histories.
"Perhaps we should discuss this privately," I suggested, my voice deliberately unsteady.
Mrs. Peterson's triumph was evident in her eyes. "I thought you'd see reason."
"Julian and I can meet later this week," I continued, watching her expression carefully. "To negotiate a settlement."
"Excellent." She tucked the folder back into her purse. "I'll have him contact you with details."
As she walked away, victorious, I caught Marcus's concerned gaze.
"Are you sure about this?" he murmured.
I nodded slightly, already reaching for my phone. Detective Sarah Mitchell needed to know about these documents immediately. If Mrs. Peterson wanted to play dirty, I'd make sure she played with someone who knew all the rules.
And I knew exactly how to turn her blackmail attempt into the confession we needed.
You may also like
