A second chance for glory

CHAPTER 3

The Fight Begins

David signaled for Sarah to sit down, gesturing to the chair in his office. There was a huge file on his desk, and he had a serious look in his eyes.

Sarah refuses to take a seat. She shivered in dread and rage, crossing her arms over her legs. “What did you find, David?”

David let out a sigh. “It’s bad, Sarah. Michael isn't simply interested in your personal life. Money had been embezzled by his firm. Elena has been using blackmail to coerce individuals. Influential individuals

Sarah's head spun as she fixed her attention on him. "Blackmail? Confusing? This is not possible.

"That is." David gave her a few documents after opening the file. These are the records that I located. Michael had been siphoning money from his firm for years. Elena, meantime, is making use of her contacts to maintain her social standing. Even though she has many opponents, nobody is willing to oppose her.

Sarah's stomach turned. "Well, they're both offenders."

David gave a nod. Indeed. And you have been exploited, Sarah. They've been manipulating you from the beginning.

Sarah sat down, shaking her hands. "I'm not sure whether I can fight them. They are quite powerful.

“You can,” David answered firmly. "You must. You must prevent them from winning.

Eyes filled with sorrow, Sarah raised her gaze to him. But what am I able to do? In this, I am alone myself.

David leaned forward and spoke in a firm but kind tone. Sarah, you're not alone. I agree with you. Furthermore, you should be aware of something else.

Sarah dabbed at her tears. "What?"

David opened his desk drawer, took out a little key, and held it in front of her. "The secret to an offshore account is this. You own it.

Sarah confusedly blinked. "What is my name? That kind of account is not mine.

David gave a little grin. "Your biological mother left it."

Sarah became cold. "Mom... my mother?"

David gave a nod. "Your true mom, Sarah. You were unaware of this account until recently, but she left it for you. It was kept secret for many years.

Sarah's pulse pounded. "Why was I unaware of this? Why wasn't I informed?

David said, "I don't know all the details yet." However, this account could be your ticket. It is wealthy enough to support you in retaliating and in starting afresh.

Sarah's mind was racing with questions as she gazed at the key. "My mom... she desired me to have this?"

David gave a nod. Indeed. She also wants you to have strength.

A fresh flame inside Sarah emerged. She didn't have any power. Something was with her. She had an opportunity.

She looked up at David, her eyes hardening. "I'll carry it out. I will fight them.

David grinned. That is the essence. Let's go to work now.

With her pulse racing, Sarah pushed open the door of Michael's office. She held on to the file David had handed her. Appearing as if nothing had happened, Michael sat behind his desk and typed on his computer.

He laughed at the sight of her. "What brings you here, Sarah?"

Sarah’s hands tightened on the file. "We must have a conversation."

Smiling, Michael sat back in his chair. "How about?"

Sarah forcefully placed the paperwork onto his desk. "Relating to this."

Michael looked at the papers, and his smile dropped. His eyebrows went up. "What is this, too?"

Sarah tried not to let her voice waver, but she had to. It is evidence. Evidence of your treachery. Elena and I signed a pregnancy pact. The financial scam inside your organization.

Michael momentarily lost his calm, but he soon recovered. With his jaw resting on his hand, he went forward. You've been digging, then.

Sarah firmly replied, "Yes." "And you won't get away with it, I promise."

Michael gave a quiet laugh. "Achieve impunity? You're in over your head, Sarah. You're not aware of how this works.

"I completely get it," Sarah yelled. You have been deceiving and using me. Elena is also culpable.

Gradually, Michael got up and walked around the desk in her direction. Although he had a serene expression, there was darkness in his eyes. "Let me clarify something for you, Sarah. I have power. More authority than you think. You will be destroyed by me if you attempt to fight.”

Even though Sarah's heart was racing, she persisted. “You can’t scare me, Michael. You no longer frighten me.

Michael grinned, but not in a friendly way. It was chilly and menacing. “You should be.”

Sarah scowled at him. "I've got evidence. I can take this to the authorities.”

Michael shrugged. And whoever do you suppose they'll accept as true? Which would you rather be—me, the prosperous business manager, or you, the sensitive spouse who has endured a horrific event?”

Sarah’s hands tightened. "I own more than just the agreement. I am aware of embezzlement. I am aware of Elena's extortion.

Michael squinted his eyes. Do you believe that suffices? Do you believe you can defeat me with that?

With a calm voice, Sarah said, "I know I can."

Michael took a step toward her, grinning. "You don't know what you're up against, Sarah. Do you believe that you will prevail in this battle? I know people. I have resources. More significantly, your parents support me as well.

Sarah gave a startled blink. "What are you discussing?"

Michael’s sneer broadened. "Your folks, Sarah. Your inheritance has already been signed away by them. They also have a role in this. You stand to lose everything if you attempt to oppose me.”

Sarah felt her stomach turn. "They wouldn't do that, no, no, no."

"They already have," Michael said icily. Sarah, you're not alone in this. There won't be anybody to help you.

Sarah's thoughts raced. Were her parents involved in this as well? Had they given up her inheritance by signing? It is not possible. But she realized it might be because of the way Michael talked and the assurance in his voice.

Sarah said, "You're lying," but her tone faltered.

Michael laughed. Think about what you want. In actuality, however, you're left with nothing. No funds, no assistance. Should you choose to oppose me, you will have nothing left.

Sarah felt her heart race in her chest. How is this possible to occur?

With a frightening tone, Michael leaned in closer. So, let me offer you some guidance. Move on. Avoid battling this. It will spare you a great deal of suffering.

Sarah's head spun as she concentrated her attention on him. She believed she had what it took to face him and fight back. However, her parents are involved in this now. Was her inheritance lost?

What action will she take?