Chapter 212

Ronald: [What ungrateful wretch we’ve raised! To be so ruthless to her brother.]

Ronald: [Alright, since Emery’s been released, stop lurking outside the station before reporters spot you. Our priority is controlling the online narrative. Get to the office. I called an emergency meeting.]

As Bryan read the stream of messages, unease lingered. “Is it really that simple?”

But with Emery’s release being fact, he had no choice but to leave.

News of Emery’s release from the police station spread like wildfire. Rosepoly Group’s case took an unexpected turn as online rumors swirled, with many speculating there was more to the story than met the eye.

Ronald couldn’t let this golden PR opportunity slip away. Even if he couldn’t completely resolve the crisis, he had to at least stem the bleeding and reverse the downward spiral. Rosepoly’s shares had already plummeted 30%.

At this rate, they’d be finished!

The conference room packed with Rosepoly executives, Ronald presided at the head table with Bryan beside him. Even Emery, fresh from the police station, had rushed straight to the meeting.

“I told police Anthony embezzled funds by substituting substandard equipment, causing Logan’s death. The Berry family corroborated my account. Regarding the payoff, I explained it as a private settlement with the widow to avoid publicity, completely reasonable, given I wasn’t at fault. That’s why I was released.”

“In that case, this matter is easily resolved. We’ll issue a public apology and pin all the blame on Anthony.”

Breaking news: Anthony Stewart has been arrested.

“I want my lawyer! This is a wrongful arrest. What’s your evidence?” Anthony roared, handcuffed in the interrogation room.

Just an hour ago, he’d been home enjoying Rosepoly’s downfall, never expecting police to storm in.

His mind was a whirlwind of suspicion and unease, making his behavior grow increasingly agitated.

The officer interrogating him rapped on the table. “Save your breath. Emery’s already confessed. You pocketed the equipment funds and used substandard materials. Logan’s death? That’s on you.”

“Where’s your proof?”

“Don’t worry. We have eyewitnesses from the Berry family, and Emery’s secretary just delivered this.” The officer waved an item before Anthony.

Seeing the familiar ledger, Anthony finally understood. The Wilsons were sacrificing him as their scapegoat.

No, how could this be? Anthony thought. “Isn’t Aubree supposed to be targeting the Wilson family? How did the Berry family end up testifying against me instead?”

Dumbstruck, he finally shouted, “I demand to see Aubree!”

This was his last-ditch effort.

The police granted his request.

When Aubree arrived, she showed no surprise, though she’d been packing for her Shiyvania vacation tomorrow.

Upon seeing Aubree, Anthony’s eyes blazed with fury. “What’s your game?”

Aubree regarded him with something close to pity. Only after the interrogation room door clicked shut did she speak, her voice calm and measured. “You’re really not very bright, are you?”

“You can’t even embezzle right. Stealing from funds that can put lives at risk? Someone as shrewd as Ronald knew better than to touch worker protection budgets, no matter how desperate things got at Rosepoly. Such a basic rule, and yet you missed it.”

In the surveillance room, the police officers were watching the two closely.

“I made a promise to help the Berry family, so how could I possibly let you off the hook?” Aubree said coldly.

It finally hit Anthony. “So all this time, you weren’t just after the Wilson family. You were coming for me too?”

“Sort of. Consider yourself collateral damage.”

Anthony nearly choked on his own rage. After decades of playing the system, he’d been outmaneuvered by a girl barely half his age.

“Don’t you want Rosepoly Group’s…” He trailed off, but Aubree knew exactly what he meant.

This was Anthony’s final card, evidence of Rosepoly Group’s tax evasion.

Aubree sighed, almost amused. “Didn’t you already give it to me?”

Anthony froze, utterly dumbfounded. What does that mean?