Chapter 6 Crazy

I leaned back in my new chair, closing my eyes for a moment. Finally. I opened them, looking around the room.

"Alright," I told my bodyguards. "Get all of Sarah's stuff out of here. Now."

The two bodyguards nodded, starting to clear Sarah's desk and cabinets. They removed all of Sarah's personal belongings.

A few hours later, my phone buzzed. A text from Ivan.

[Ivan]: Congrats, new Financial Manager. Hope you settle in. Don't forget to eat lunch.

I gave a slight smile.

...

I dove deep into my new role. Studying financial reports, understanding the company structure, and looking for any weaknesses.

For the first month, I was completely immersed in work. Piles of documents, meeting after meeting with division heads, analyzing complex figures. The deeper I dug, the more irregularities I found.

Financial reports were manipulated, fictitious projects, funds diverted to mysterious accounts. It was clear there was massive embezzlement under Sarah's leadership.

I started making a list. Documenting every single irregularity. Then, I called in my financial team. We held intensive discussions and meetings. I wasn't accusing anyone; I just wanted explanations, asked for details, and identified problematic areas.

One afternoon, I was in the employee lounge, enjoying a cup of green tea, when the door opened and Albert Stone walked in.

The fifty-something man was the COO of Young Corporation. He was known for being neutral.

"Scarlet," he greeted. He took a seat across from me. "Looks like you're keeping busy."

"That's one way to put it, Mr. Stone," I replied. "Lots of stuff to sort out."

We exchanged some small talk. After a few minutes, Albert sighed.

"I've heard a lot about your work," he said. "Especially about your efforts to clean up the financial reports. Honestly, that's a very brave move."

"Brave or not, it needed to be done," I countered, looking at him. "A lot of things are messed up around here."

Albert nodded slowly. "We know. Most of us, who've been with this company a long time, suspected financial impropriety. Especially since Sarah took over the finances. Your mother would never have allowed something like this."

His words surprised me. He was on my mother's side. Unbeknownst to me, he was one of her supporters. This was crucial information.

"Miss Clara was an incredible woman," Albert continued, his voice filled with nostalgia. He smiled at me, a genuine smile that was rare to find in this company.

"Thank you, Mr. Stone," I said. This meant a lot. With the COO on my side, it would be easier for me to clean up this company.

As we were deep in conversation, my phone buzzed, an automatic memo flashing on its screen. 'Next week: Dad & Sarah's Wedding Anniversary.'

My eyes fixated on the memo. Wedding anniversary. This meant a big celebration was coming.

"Excuse me, Mr. Stone," I said, standing up. "I have to go. Something urgent came up that I need to handle."

Albert nodded. "Of course."

I quickly walked out of the lounge. Back in my office, I immediately called Mia.

"Next week is Dad and Sarah's wedding anniversary, right?"

"No info about that, Miss."

I scoffed. Mia was the housekeeper who knew the ins and outs of that house better than anyone. There's no way she wouldn't know. "Don't lie to me, Mia," I said.

"I'm sorry, Miss," Mia sounded increasingly uncomfortable. "Master and Madam never discussed it. I think they did it on purpose."

Damn them. They were really trying to isolate me. But it wouldn't work. Vivian must know. And if Vivian knew, Lucas definitely knew.

I hung up the phone. Plan changed.

...

The next day, I got information that Lucas was playing golf at one of the executive courses.

I arrived at the golf course. The atmosphere was calm, green, and expensive-looking. I found Lucas on one of the putting greens. He was preparing to hit a ball. I walked up to him, deliberately disrupting his concentration.

Lucas turned, saw me. His face immediately hardened. "What are you doing here?" he asked. "I told you, I don't want to talk to you. Just leave!"

I didn't care. I just gave a faint smile. Casually, I sat on the edge of the grass area, crossing my legs. "Relax. I just want to talk. Are you scared? I'm not gonna drag you to a hotel, you know."

Lucas clenched his golf club, veins bulging in his neck. "You really have no shame!" he hissed.

I laughed. "I do not." Then I changed my voice, making it sharper. "I want to know. Where's the wedding anniversary party for Dad and Sarah?"

Lucas looked at me. A mocking look appeared in his eyes. "Why should you know? You're not invited."

"Oh, I know that," I countered, unfazed. "But that doesn't mean I don't have the right to know." I stood up, stepping closer to him. "Look, Lucas. Young Corporation has a huge project this year. And I know Becker Group is very interested in collaborating with us, right?"

Lucas's face tensed. I had hit a nerve.

"I'm now the Financial Manager at Young Corporation. I have pretty significant influence there." I looked him straight in the eye. "I can sway the higher-ups at Young Corp to reject any collaboration with Becker Group. I can make that project fall through."

Lucas's eyes widened. He was furious. Absolutely furious. His hand gripped his golf club tightly, as if wanting to hit something.

"You're crazy, Scarlet!" he hissed.

"Maybe," I said casually. "But I'm serious. Tell me where the party is, and I'll make sure all collaborations between Young Corp and Becker Group go smoothly. I can also ensure there are no obstacles whatsoever from Young Corp's side." I offered him a clear exchange.