Chapter 7
I submitted this new evidence to police while providing Summer’s info too.
After yesterday’s interrupted board meeting, she hadn’t even processed her resignation–just packed up and fled.]
Clearly, not only had the exposed affair humiliated her, but she’d likely participated in the asset embezzlement as well
After handling the evidence, the board meeting reconvened.[]
I passed around the police receipts–Preston faced multiple charges, definitely a criminal suspect.
One shareholder wiped cold sweat from his forehead. “We almost made someone like that our chairman“]
1 bowed deeply to them.]
“I’m sorry. Regardless, Preston is my husband, and I recommended him to the corporation. I bear responsibility for causing such massive losses.“]
“I’ll do everything possible to recover the stolen funds and handle this matter fairly and justly.”
The shareholders nodded in agreement
“Ms. Sullivan, it’s not really your fault. Preston held all the power and fooled even experienced people like us–he was just too cunning.“]
“If you hadn’t stopped the meeting yesterday, Ms. Sullivan, we probably would have fallen into an even bigger trap!“]]
Looking at these elders, my eyes moistened.
They were all my parents‘ close friends, following the Sullivan family from their youth until now.
Even after my mistake, they still comforted me with the warmth of caring elders, deepening my guilt.]
I bowed again. “Thank you!“]
The closest one stepped forward to help me up. “Ms. Sullivan, we actually have a suggestion for the chairman position–all shareholders unanimously recommend YOU for our chairman.”
My heart jolted as I stared at him wide–eyed.[]
His face wore a kind smile, and the others nodded approvingly too
“Ms. Sullivan has noble character and decisive action–the perfect chairman candidate!“]
My eyes stung even more.
All my life, wherever I went, I was respected.]
Because I was my father’s heir, the corporation CEO’s wife.
I’d never imagined I’d earn such high regard purely on my own merit.]
Looking at this, tears couldn’t help but well up in my eyes.
I steadied my thoughts for a moment, looked gratefully at everyone present, and said solemnly:]
“Thank you all for your support. I. Sophia Sullivan, will compete fairly and work hard to earn the chairman position!“]
Enthusiastic applause filled the conference room.
After voting, I became chairman with an overwhelming majority.]
I threw myself actively into work, busy but thoroughly engaged, establishing my own authority
A month later, Preston’s case went to trial.]
With multiple charges combined, he received five years in prison.[]
Summer was also found guilty of cooperating in fraudulent transactions and sentenced to one year.]
She’d spend her final year of college in prison.]]
Her mother knelt crying outside the courthouse, begging my forgiveness. I ignored her and went straight to my car.
I didn’t understand–their whole family had posed as impoverished students to take Preston’s money, and Summer deserved her punishment. Where did they get the nerve to ask for my forgiveness?]
Few days later, my lawyer told me the stolen funds were in overseas banks, and Preston refused to provide information, making recovery impossible
I decided immediately to visit him in prison]
In just one month, he’d lost considerable weight.
His hair was cropped short, but his chin was covered in stubble
stubble]
come see me.“]
Seeing me, he smiled self–mockingly. “I knew only this would make you co
I nodded. “Right. If not for the company, I’d never want to see you again for the rest of my life. What do you want?”
He avoided answering, just staring into my eyes as if trying to see through to my soul.]
“Sophia, I heard you became chairman. Was that your ultimate goal? Use my talents to help you manage the company, then when you thought the time was right, send me to prison so you could take the highest position yourself.”
I was used to his twisted psychology by now, calmly meeting his gaze. “I never had such thoughts.”
- Sophia Sullivan, was completely above board.
I
I had truly loved him once and wanted to help him, but now I truly hated him.
“Then why? Why did you push me to such desperate straits–just because I cheated once?“]
Preston’s face showed anger, his tone urgent.]
The fire in my chest gradually rose. “Haven’t you realized your mistakes? You betrayed me, killed our child, embezzled corporate assets for personal gain, and wanted to make me disappear.“]
“These are all real crimes. You’ve been judged–what more do you want to argue about?”
Preston grew more agitated. “I still love you! I just slept with her a few times, never brought her home. Everything I told her was lies to fool her–my heart is still yours!”
“And I took company money for our future. The stock market is volatile–only cash is reliable. I accumulated it bit by bit. It wouldn’t significantly impact the company while letting you live better!“]]
I sneered. “For me? If it was really for me, why didn’t you tell me? Why make Summer an executive and pay her huge salaries?”
Preston fell silent, clearly unaware I knew this detail[]
“Thornfield Corporation was my parents‘ life’s work and dream. As my husband, you cheated with an intern and stole from the corporation. What do you think others would think of me? How would my parents‘ spirits feel!”
Getting angrier, I suddenly slammed my fist on the table.]
I only regretted the thick glass between us preventing me from hitting him.[]
After a moment’s silence, Preston’s eyes gradually reddened. “I’m sorry… Sophia, I loved you too much. I thought I’d hidden Summer well enough… I just wanted you to have lots and lots of money, the more the better, so you could live carefree by my side…”
Only anger and contempt filled my heart. “Stop pretending. Your behavior doesn’t deserve to be called love.“]
“Preston, I’m not here today to beg you for financial information. I’m telling you–I have plenty of methods and resources. Even if I have to turn every bank in the world upside down, I’ll find that stolen money!”
“No…” Preston’s eyes held some pleading. “I don’t want you to exhaust yourself. I’ll tell you. Can you promise… to visit me occasionally…”
