Chapter 4

Kelly's mother's face went from flushed to ashen, then from ashen to livid.

Her lips trembled, and she pointed at me, unable to utter a single word for a long time.

Kelly's father steadied her, looking at me with a pleading expression.

I ignored him.

"Leo, please."

Leo Rodriguez nodded, opened his briefcase, and pulled out two documents.

One was the divorce agreement.

The other was a thick stack of papers.

"Mr. Carter," Leo Rodriguez's voice was calm and professional, precise as a surgeon's scalpel, "let's discuss the simpler matter first."

He pushed the divorce agreement to the center of the table.

"The core terms of this divorce agreement are that Ms. Kelly Carter voluntarily relinquishes all marital assets and leaves with nothing. Mr. Carter, considering past sentiment, is willing to waive any financial claims against Ms. Carter for marital misconduct."

"Bullshit!" Kelly's mother finally found her voice, slamming her palm on the table. "This is blackmail! Why?! The company is Kelly's! The house and car are half hers! Mason is dreaming if he thinks she'll leave with nothing!"

I remained silent, just making a "please continue" gesture.

Leo Rodriguez adjusted his glasses and spread out the thick stack of materials.

On top were several detailed expense reports.

"Ms. Carter's mother, please don't get agitated. We propose this arrangement based on the utmost protection for Ms. Carter."

He pointed to one of the receipts.

"Last May, Ms. Carter authorized a company expenditure of three hundred seventy thousand using the pretext of 'overseas business inspection.' This money was used to purchase a Patek Philippe men's watch. According to our investigation, that watch is currently on Mr. Leon Miller's wrist."

Kelly's mother's breathing hitched.

Leo Rodriguez turned to another page.

"Last October, Ms. Carter advanced fifty thousand in company reserves under the pretext of 'expanding partner resources.' This money was used to rent an apartment in the west for a year. The actual occupant of that apartment, however, is still Mr. Leon Miller."

"This January, for the 'Annual Excellent Employee Award,' Mr. Leon Miller's bonus was two hundred thousand, far exceeding directors of the same level. The payout of this bonus was not approved by the board; it was unilaterally signed and approved by Ms. Carter."

With each item Leo Rodriguez listed, Kelly's mother's face grew paler.

He tossed a stack of photos onto the receipts. In the photos, Leon Miller was driving a brand new BMW, entering high-end clubs, his luxury watch glinting on his wrist.

"And these are just the tip of the iceberg," Owen Davis added from beside him, his voice even colder.

"Ms. Kelly Carter and Mr. Leon Miller are suspected of using their positions to embezzle company assets, amounting to a significant sum. According to criminal law Article 271, this constitutes embezzlement. For substantial amounts, the penalty is five years or more in prison."

"Five years… in prison?" Kelly's father mumbled, his body swaying slightly.

"So," Leo Rodriguez concluded, "we now have two choices."

"Choice one, Ms. Carter signs this divorce agreement. We handle this as an internal family matter, and Mr. Carter will not sue or press charges. She only loses money."

He paused, his eyes sharpening.

"Choice two, we reject this agreement. In that case, we will file a lawsuit with the court tomorrow and simultaneously report to the police. Then, Ms. Carter will face not only divorce and asset division but also a criminal investigation."

"At that point, news of 'Carter Tech Group' CEO cheating on her subordinate and conspiring to embezzle company assets, I imagine, would be quite spectacular."

The entire living room was dead silent.

Only Kelly's mother's heavy breathing could be heard.

She looked at the mountain of evidence on the table, then at my calm, unruffled face. The arrogance and fury in her eyes were finally replaced by fear.

I picked up my now-cold coffee and took a sip.

I looked at her. "Now, do you still think I'm dreaming?"