Chapter 256

Chapter 256

After hanging up the phone, Gerald paced back and forth in his office like a caged animal, veins bulging on his forehead.

What he didn't know was that his supposedly secret phone call, along with every instruction he'd issued, had been intercepted in real time and delivered straight to Augustus's desk.

Augustus listened to Gerald's panicked voice in the recording, his lips curling into a cold smile.

The fish had completely taken the bait.

...

Over the next few days, Gerald anxiously awaited news from his police contacts while forcing himself to push forward with the core projects in his portfolio.

The South District renewable energy development project was his only remaining lifeline—the one thing that could secure his position at Rivera Group.

But when he walked into the top-floor conference room with his carefully prepared proposal, he froze like he'd been struck by lightning.

In the spacious, bright conference room, Augustus sat at the head of the table. And sitting in the guest chair to his right were Benjamin and Sophia!

Benjamin wore an impeccably tailored black suit, his aura cold and commanding like an emperor surveying his domain.

Sophia was dressed in a crisp white business suit, her hair pulled back in an elegant chignon, her stunningly beautiful face radiating calm, unshakeable authority.

"Dad, what... what's going on here?" Gerald's smile barely held as he stared at Sophia.

"Gerald, have a seat." Augustus gestured to the empty chair across from them, his tone neutral. "The South District project has a significant funding gap. I've brought in the Williams Group as our primary partner."

Gerald's heart sank like a stone.

The Williams Group was getting involved? Who would really be calling the shots on this project now?

Benjamin's long fingers drummed lightly against the table as his cold gaze swept over Gerald. He tossed a thick partnership agreement onto the center of the table.

"The Williams Group can provide funding and even our most advanced technology," Benjamin's deep voice echoed through the conference room with undeniable authority. "But we have one condition—Sophia will be the primary project manager."

Gerald's eyes went wide. He nearly flipped the table right then and there.

"Mr. Williams, that's hardly appropriate!" Gerald gritted his teeth, barely containing his fury. "I've been overseeing this project from the beginning. All the preliminary work was done by me. While Ms. Taylor is undoubtedly capable, she's not familiar with Rivera Group's operations. How can she just parachute in as the lead?"

"Appropriate?" Benjamin's laugh was ice-cold, his dark eyes filled with undisguised contempt. "In business, the Williams Group provides the money and technology, so naturally we'll use someone we trust. If Mr. Rivera finds this inappropriate, you're welcome to find other investors."

Gerald's face turned ashen. He turned to Augustus, desperately seeking support. "Dad! This project is crucial to the company's future. How can we hand control to an outsider?"

Augustus merely lifted his teacup for a sip, going with the flow. "Mr. Williams makes a valid point. Since this is a partnership, we need to show good faith. Sophia is exceptionally capable and has the Williams Group's backing. She's more than qualified to lead. Gerald, you can serve as her deputy and learn from her."

With one sentence, Augustus had demoted Gerald from project leader to glorified assistant.

Gerald clenched his jaw so hard he could taste blood, his nails digging deep into his palms.

The core project he'd worked so hard to secure had just become Sophia's stepping stone! Not only was he being sidelined, but now he'd have to take orders from a woman!

When the meeting ended, Benjamin took Sophia's hand and they left with composed dignity.

Gerald watched their retreating figures, the murderous rage in his eyes nearly consuming what remained of his sanity.

Late that night, in a guest room at the Rivera Estate.

Gerald tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

The police investigation hung over his head like the sword of Damocles, while his loss of power at the company made him feel suffocated like never before.

Like a cornered animal, he sat up abruptly and dialed Amanda's number.

"What the hell are you doing?!" The moment she picked up, Gerald hissed in fury. "Sophia is walking all over me now! She stole my project, and you're just going to stand there and watch?"

On the other end, Amanda was applying a face mask. Hearing Gerald's desperate rage, a mocking smile curved her lips.

"Mr. Rivera, don't get so worked up," Amanda drawled. "Sounds like your position isn't as secure as you thought. I can help you deal with Sophia, but I have a condition."

"What condition?"

"I want into Rivera Group." Amanda's eyes instantly turned greedy and ambitious. "Since I'm Uncle Augustus's officially recognized niece, I can't just sit around the estate doing nothing. Get me a position at the company. Only with real power can I help you get rid of Sophia."

Gerald's brow furrowed as he let out a bitter laugh.

This woman sure knew how to push her luck!

With his current limitations at the company and Augustus having replaced all the key department heads with his own people, where was Gerald supposed to find the authority to install a high-level executive?

"My influence is limited right now. Forget about the core departments," Gerald said through gritted teeth. "The most I can do is get you a junior administrative assistant position. Take it or leave it!"

Amanda's grip tightened on her phone.

A junior administrative assistant? The former Martinez family heiress, now supposedly Rivera family blood, reduced to fetching coffee and filing papers?!

But then she reconsidered. Once she got her foot in the door at Rivera Group, she could work her way up using her supposed family connections.

"Fine. Assistant it is," Amanda agreed reluctantly. "I'll start tomorrow."

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the glass curtain walls of Rivera Group's lobby, casting golden patterns across the floor.

Sophia strode into the lobby wearing an exquisitely tailored white designer business suit, her heels clicking authoritatively against the marble. She was surrounded by several Williams Group executives and assistants, her presence commanding the space like a queen surveying her domain.

Her expression was coolly composed, her stride confident and purposeful.

Just as she reached the VIP elevator, a figure in ordinary gray administrative uniform came hurrying over, struggling with an armload of thick files.

The two came face to face.

Sophia paused slightly, her cool gaze dropping to take in the face that wore light makeup but couldn't hide its underlying exhaustion.

Amanda clutched her files, looking up at Sophia who stood surrounded by admirers like a star, then down at her own administrative uniform. A burning sense of humiliation and jealousy instantly consumed her like poison, making her eyes turn red with rage.

Amanda gripped those thick files tighter, watching as Sophia approached surrounded by Williams Group executives, her nails digging crescents into her palms.