The Fiancial Queen's Rebirth Chronicles

chapter 5

Alice burst into the office in a panic: "The regulators are here! They're demanding to audit our accounts!"

Simon's face drained instantly.

"When did this happen?"

"Just now! They say they received a tip-off alleging financial fraud in the Dennis Group acquisition case!"

"Impossible! Only you handled that matter..." Simon abruptly halted.

Alice froze: "What do you mean? Are you accusing me?"

"Apologies for keeping you waiting." I entered the adjacent conference room carrying two cups of coffee.

Two investigators from the regulatory body were poring over documents.

"This material is remarkably detailed," Director Louis looked up at me. "It seems Ashley Investments has prepared thoroughly."

I smiled faintly: "It's our duty. As a financial institution, reporting such violations is our responsibility."

Hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor.

Simon burst through the door. "There must be some misunderstanding..."

"Mr Simon, please take a seat," Director Louis gestured for him to sit. "Regarding the financial data for the Dennis Group acquisition, could you explain this?"

"This project was under Alice's responsibility. Perhaps..."

"Are you suggesting these issues fall entirely to Alice?" I asked softly.

Only then did Simon notice my presence. "You? What are you doing here?"

"Forgot to introduce myself," I slid a business card across the table. "Lily, founder of Ashley Investments."

"You!" He sprang to his feet. "You made the report?"

“Take a seat, please,” Director Louis said, and the room returned to a brittle calm.

Alice arrived at that moment. Her color drained when she saw me.

The moment she saw me, her face drained of colour.

"Alice," I greeted her with a smile, "I understand this project falls under your remit? Might you explain these financial statements?"

I activated the projector.

The screen displayed a manipulated balance sheet, key sections circled in red.

"This..." Alice stammered, unable to form words.

"To my knowledge," I said calmly, "Simon Group's actual assets aren't quite so rosy."

Alice looked at Simon, her eyes pleading.

But Simon averted his gaze: "This project is indeed under Alice's responsibility. I'm not familiar with the specific figures..."

"Simon!" Alice couldn't believe her ears. "You clearly..."

"It seems you have much to say?" " Director Louis's piercing gaze swept over.

Ten minutes later, Alice was taken away for questioning.

Before leaving, her eyes reddened as she stared at Simon: "You can't do this to me! This was all your doing!"

He answered without heat. “Don’t make accusations.”

The moment the door closed, I saw the despair in Alice's eyes.

That feeling—I knew it all too well.

"Mr Simon, shall we discuss the Dennis Group matter now?" I opened the file. "They intend to withdraw their cooperation proposal."

"What?" Simon sprang to his feet. "Impossible! They promised—"

"Apologies," I interrupted. "They has already signed with Ashley Investments."

I pushed a contract across the desk towards him.

Simon's hands began to tremble.

If the Dennis Group project fell through, his company's cash flow would collapse. This was his last lifeline.

"What exactly do you want?" he demanded through gritted teeth.

I glanced at my watch. "In ten minutes, major media outlets will receive news of Simon Group's alleged financial fraud."

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Why wouldn't I?" I rose, towering over him. "Didn't you say I was nothing?"

Commotion erupted in the corridor once more.

"Sir!" His secretary rushed in, flustered. "All the banks are demanding repayment! They're calling in the loans!"

"Not just the banks," I added. "Floyd Bank has just notified us they're launching an audit into all your projects."

Simon slumped back into his chair.

The news was already spreading:

[Shock! Renowned Simon Group Suspected of Financial Fraud]

[Simon Group Executives Taken Away for Investigation]

[Simon Group Shares Plunge on News]

My phone buzzed incessantly with interview requests from every media outlet.

Gazing at the sunset beyond the window, I felt an unusual calm.

"This is only the beginning," I remarked, walking towards the door and glancing back at the utterly devastated Simon. "Didn't you say I was only good for shopping and cooking?"

"I'll show you what a true financial mastermind looks like."

He tried to follow, but was immediately swamped by the surging journalists:

"Is Alice your mistress?"

"How many more Simon Group projects are problematic?"

"Rumours suggest you abused your position for personal gain. How do you respond?"

The lift rose. A broadcast crackled to life overhead: “Simon Group Vice President detained; projects on hold pending investigation.”

Three years ago, in this very lift, I watched my dreams shattered by him.

Now, I shall make him taste the bitterness of having nothing.