Chapter 113 Trap

It was clear everyone was waiting for Lewis to explain himself, but no one expected it to go down like this.

Even the battle-hardened Vernon was taken aback. He quickly regained his composure and shot Lewis a glare, snapping, "Given the situation, you still have the nerve to say this? The Anderson Group is surrounded by people attacking you. If you weren't my son, they'd have torn you apart by now!"

"Resign immediately and go home. Don't embarrass me here!" Vernon slammed the table in frustration.

Daphne knew this meeting would be tough for Lewis, but she never thought Vernon would be the first to speak and the first to make things difficult for him.

For some reason, Daphne felt a pang of sympathy for Lewis.

He was once the cherished son of the Anderson family, but now he was being targeted because of an illegitimate child. Even though Daphne knew how strong Lewis was, she couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

"Vernon, it's not like that," Daphne instinctively spoke up, trying to defend Lewis.

The room had already been a tinderbox of tension, everyone's anger simmering beneath the surface. When Daphne spoke, those who hadn't dared confront Lewis instantly redirected their pent-up fury toward her.

"Who do you think you are to speak up?"

"You're just an assistant. How dare you speak out at a board meeting?"

"Do you think being sponsored by the Anderson family makes you one of them?"

Each word hit Daphne like a blow, forcing her to step back.

Seeing her being targeted, a dark look crossed Lewis's eyes. "Everyone, let's not lose focus here."

"Daphne is innocent." Lorenzo spoke up, defending Daphne in front of everyone.

Vernon glanced at Daphne, his expression complicated.

She had some skills. First, she had his eldest son wrapped around her finger, and now she was starting on his youngest. The thought of both his sons being manipulated by one woman made Vernon furious.

Vernon glared at Daphne, angrily saying, "Keep your mouth shut! You've got no business talking here!"

"Exactly, know your place. Do you think this is the right setting for you to talk? My coffee is cold. Get me a new cup." Gloria tapped the table lightly, speaking as if she were ordering a maid.

In the company, Daphne's position wasn't low, but Gloria was deliberately disrespecting her in front of everyone.

"The company pays her to work, not to serve you coffee." Lewis finally spoke, looking at Gloria with undisguised displeasure.

Gloria had noticed before that Lewis, though he didn't say it outright, always seemed to favor Daphne. Now, he was openly defending her.

This was completely against Gloria's plans, making her even more resentful. She wished she could slap Daphne right then and there.

She glared at Daphne, her voice sharp, "Didn't you hear me?"

However, Daphne said indefferently, "Sorry, I'm Mr. Anderson's assistant. I only take orders from Mr. Anderson."

Everyone at the board meeting was there to make things difficult for Lewis. If she, as his assistant, didn't support him now, Lewis would be in real trouble.

Lewis was clearly pleased with her response. "Well said. You're my assistant, so you should listen to me."

"Distribute the documents you're holding. Let everyone take a good look." Lewis nodded approvingly and smiled at her.

Daphne snapped back to reality, remembering the stack of documents Lewis had given her before the meeting.

She had been preoccupied and hadn't noticed. Now, she quickly followed Lewis's instructions and handed out the documents.

Everyone was focused on the company's stock price and had no interest in the documents.

Especially Vernon, who was visibly impatient. But he had already made his stance clear and couldn't continue.

Reluctantly, everyone opened the folders. As they read the contents, their eyes widened in disbelief. All eyes turned to Lorenzo, even Vernon's face darkened ominously.

Lorenzo hadn't looked at the documents. He was confident in his plan and determined to succeed.

But seeing everyone's reactions, he realized something was wrong. He quickly opened the folder and was stunned by what he saw.

"Lorenzo!" Vernon shouted angrily, throwing the document at Lorenzo's face. "You idiot! Look at what you've done!"

"You've damaged the company's interests. Is there anything you won't do?" Vernon stood up, grabbed a teacup from the table, and threw it at Lorenzo.

The evidence was irrefutable. Even if Lorenzo had a thousand explanations, he couldn't talk his way out of this.

Lewis tapped the table and spoke calmly, "Lorenzo, we all know your intentions. If you have a problem with me, come at me directly. Damaging the company's interests is unacceptable."

"Lewis, you set me up. You knew what I was planning from the start and led me into a trap. You did this on purpose!" Lorenzo's gaze shifted from Lewis to Daphne.

He suddenly laughed. "Lewis, you're really something. You even used your own woman to trap me! All just to secure your position?"

Lorenzo handed the document to Daphne. "Take a good look. See how the man you care about has been using you."

Daphne took the document, her brows furrowing as she read.

The retirement home project had been a trap from the start, designed specifically for Lorenzo.

She was just a pawn in Lewis's plan.

Before, Daphne hadn't understood why Lewis was so hot and cold towards her. He clearly only had eyes for Emily, so why keep her around?

Now, the document explained everything.

She took a deep breath, her hands trembling as she placed the document on the table, staring straight at Lewis. "Is what he said true?"