Chapter 208

Vincent Ashcroft Sr. stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, a cigarette between his fingers.

Smoke curled around him as his gaze pierced through the glass, settling on the distant skyscrapers.

"The tax issue was just the trigger." His voice was hoarse. "The company's cash flow dried up months ago. Those taxes have been overdue for three months."

Vincent Ashcroft's teacup clattered to the floor.

"Impossible! Last week's financial report showed profits—"

Vincent Ashcroft Sr. turned. Bloodshot eyes met his son's.

"Fabricated." A bitter smile twisted his lips. "To stabilize the stock price, I ordered cooked books."

Silence swallowed the study.

Vincent Ashcroft trembled, nails digging crescent moons into his palms.

"The Yangs' tip-off just played into their hands." Vincent Ashcroft Sr. crushed his cigarette. "The real force behind our downfall is the Cortez family."

Julian Roscente entered just as the words hung in the air.

Impeccably suited, his expression was grave.

"Mr. Ashcroft guessed correctly." Julian placed a document on the desk. "Sebastian Cortez has acquired 32% of Ashcroft Group's shares."

Vincent Ashcroft shot up, his chair screeching against hardwood.

"Evelyn..." His lips quivered. "Is Evelyn getting her revenge?"

Julian's gaze turned glacial.

"You still blame her?" Suppressed fury laced his tone. "The drug in your drink last night? Livia spiked it."

Vincent Ashcroft looked thunderstruck.

"That's a lie! Evelyn clearly—"

"Surveillance footage doesn't lie." Julian cut him off. "Livia doctored your glass when no one was looking."

Vincent Ashcroft Sr. collapsed onto the sofa.

"Too late..." He muttered. "The Cortezes laid this trap long ago. We walked right in."

Outside, the sunset stained the clouds blood-red.

Julian checked his watch.

"Two hours." He said quietly. "Before the exchange closes, Ashcroft Group will have new owners."

Vincent Ashcroft lunged for the door like a madman.

"I'll confront Sebastian Cortez!"

"Stop!" Vincent Ashcroft Sr. barked. "Haven't you humiliated us enough?"

Julian blocked his path.

"Pointless." He shook his head. "Sebastian has waited three years for this."

Vincent Ashcroft froze.

Three years ago, he'd led the business world in ostracizing the newly returned Sebastian Cortez.

"Why..." His voice cracked. "Julian, why help them?"

Julian's expression darkened.

"Because Evelyn saved my life. Twice." A pause. "While you nearly ended it."

The study door burst open.

Mrs. Ashcroft stood weeping in the doorway.

"The bank called." She choked out. "Our villa... It's been seized."

Beyond the window, the first evening star flickered to life.