Chapter 267

Chapter 267

One week before the wedding, Rivera Manor buzzed with unprecedented activity.

Florists, sound technicians, and security personnel streamed in and out, making final preparations for the grand celebration to come.

Sophia stood in the study, peering through the slats of the venetian blinds at the grounds outside. She'd noticed that over the past few days, certain "staff members" had been lingering around the perimeter—well-dressed but with eyes too sharp, clearly not ordinary service workers.

"They're here," Sophia said quietly to Benjamin behind her.

Benjamin moved to her side, also observing through the curtains. "Three of them, disguised as wedding planning supervisors. But I know the real supervisor—these aren't our people."

Just then, Augustus burst through the door, his face grave. "Sophia, I just received word. The board has received an emergency proposal demanding a special shareholders' meeting on your wedding day."

"What kind of proposal?" Sophia turned to face him, her pulse quickening with anticipation rather than fear.

"They're challenging your legitimacy as heir, claiming they've discovered new 'evidence' proving you're not Delilah's daughter." Augustus's voice shook with controlled fury. "These bastards think they can catch us off guard when we're focused on the wedding."

A cold smile played at Sophia's lips. "So they really believe we're completely unprepared. Benjamin, it's time to begin our plan."

Benjamin nodded, his eyes gleaming with strategic satisfaction. "I've already made the arrangements. This afternoon, I'll 'accidentally' let slip during the board meeting that Rivera Group is considering transferring core technology patents to Williams Group to mitigate risks."

"Perfect." Calculation flickered in Sophia's gaze like steel catching light. "Uncle Augustus, you need to appear absolutely furious and strongly oppose this proposal. Let them think we're having internal conflicts."

Augustus smiled with understanding. "I know exactly what to do. What about Grandmother?"

"I've already discussed it with her." Sophia's voice carried quiet confidence. "She'll appear at the crucial moment to give our enemies a 'surprise' they'll never forget."

At three o'clock that afternoon, tension filled Rivera Group's boardroom like a gathering storm.

Benjamin, representing Williams Group, formally presented the patent transfer proposal. "Given recent market volatility and certain uncertainty factors, I believe temporarily moving core patents under Williams Group's name is a prudent choice."

Augustus slammed his hand on the table, rising with theatrical fury. "Absolutely not! These patents are the foundation of the Rivera family—how can we transfer them so carelessly?"

"Mr. Rivera, please remain calm," several new board members with unfamiliar faces said soothingly. "Mr. Williams's suggestion has merit. Besides, there are still questions about Sophia's legitimacy as heir."

"What questions?" Sophia's voice cut through the room like ice.

One man, claiming to represent "overseas investors," stood and produced a document. "We have reason to believe the previous DNA testing was compromised. We have new evidence here..."

Just as he prepared to reveal his so-called "proof," the conference room doors suddenly burst open.

Victoria entered in her wheelchair, accompanied by a nurse, moving slowly but with unmistakable authority. Everyone stared in shock at the matriarch who should have been resting in the hospital.

"Grandmother, how did you get here?" Sophia asked with feigned concern, her heart swelling with admiration for the elderly woman's perfect timing.

Victoria's eyes were sharp as an eagle's as she surveyed each person present. "I heard someone was questioning my granddaughter's identity?"

The overseas representative looked flustered but maintained his facade. "Victoria, we're simply trying to protect the company's interests."

"Protect the company's interests?" Victoria's laugh was cold as winter wind. "You rats hiding in shadows—do you think this old woman knows nothing?"

She took a document folder from the nurse's hands. "You want evidence? I have real evidence."

Victoria emptied the folder's contents onto the conference table: photographs, recording devices, bank transfer records, and a detailed investigation report.

"What is this?" Augustus asked with perfectly feigned surprise.

"This is material I commissioned from a private investigation firm." Though Victoria's voice was weak, each word carried tremendous power. "Complete records of how the Shadow Consortium infiltrates major family enterprises, how they buy off insiders, how they manufacture false evidence."

The overseas representative's face went ashen. "You... what are you talking about? I don't understand..."

"Don't understand?" Victoria picked up one of the photographs. "Then who is this person in the photo? A secret meeting three days ago, discussing how to seize company control during my granddaughter's wedding."

The photograph clearly showed several people seated around a table, including the very "overseas representative" who had just spoken.

Benjamin rose at the perfect moment. "Victoria, are you saying these people are organized corporate spies?"

"More than that." Victoria continued, her aged hands steady as she handled the evidence. "They're connected to the forces that attacked our family years ago. Gerald was merely one of their pawns."

Suddenly, urgent footsteps echoed from outside the conference room. Several police officers burst through the doors.

"Nobody move!" the lead detective shouted.

The overseas representatives immediately panicked. One tried to flee but was subdued by officers already stationed at the door.

"According to intelligence from Interpol, you're suspected of international commercial fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing," the detective announced, displaying arrest warrants. "You're all under arrest."

Sophia stood, calmly watching as handcuffs clicked around their wrists. "Gentlemen, game over."

One representative glared at her with fury and disbelief. "You knew all along? This was a trap?"

"Of course." Benjamin smiled with cold satisfaction. "From the moment you started buying up stock, we've been waiting for you to walk into our web."

Augustus added, "Those false internal rumors, the equity transfer gossip, even today's board meeting—all of it was specially prepared for you."

Victoria nodded with deep satisfaction, her eyes bright with the thrill of victory. "Young people should never underestimate an old woman's wisdom. I was navigating corporate warfare when you were still in diapers."

As the main conspirators were led away, officers began searching their equipment and documents. Soon, more evidence emerged: the Shadow Consortium's organizational structure, money flows, and records of their criminal activities worldwide.

Just then, Sophia's phone rang. It was Robert.

"Sophia, our operation here was successful too," Robert's excited voice came through clearly. "I released evidence of the Shadow Consortium's crimes on social media. Media outlets worldwide are covering the story now. They can never hide in the shadows again."

Sophia smiled with genuine warmth. "Well done, Robert."

After hanging up, she addressed the remaining board members. "Ladies and gentlemen, does anyone still question my legitimacy as heir?"

The directors shook their heads unanimously. One elderly board member spoke up: "Sophia, we apologize for our previous doubts. The wisdom and courage you've demonstrated make you completely worthy of being the Rivera family heir."

Benjamin moved to Sophia's side, gently taking her hand. "Now we can celebrate our wedding in peace."

Victoria looked at everything with deep contentment, her voice soft with emotion. "Delilah, do you see? Our granddaughter has avenged you. The Rivera family's honor will shine again in her hands."

With the Shadow Consortium's main operatives captured, this criminal organization that had lurked in darkness for decades was finally completely destroyed.

And the Rivera family could finally welcome their moment of happiness under clear, unclouded skies.

As night fell, tranquility returned to the manor.

Sophia stood on the balcony, gazing at the star-filled sky, feeling an unprecedented sense of relief wash over her. The weight of generations of secrets and betrayals had finally lifted from her shoulders.

"What are you thinking about?" Benjamin asked softly, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

"About Mother." Sophia's voice was barely above a whisper. "If she knew we finally avenged her, she'd be so happy."

"She would be," Benjamin murmured against her ear. "And she'd be incredibly proud of you."

Sophia turned in his embrace, her eyes shining with deep love and gratitude. "Thank you, Benjamin. Without your support, I never could have accomplished any of this."

"Don't be silly—we're family," Benjamin said, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "And very soon, we'll officially be husband and wife."

Victoria's hearty laughter drifted from inside, where she was discussing final wedding details with Augustus. Robert had returned from the film set, and the family gathered in the living room, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.

After weathering so many storms and challenges, the Rivera family had finally found true peace and happiness. Tomorrow would bring Sophia and Benjamin's wedding day—a celebration not just of their love, but of justice served and family restored.

In her heart, Sophia felt her mother's presence like a gentle blessing, and she knew that Delilah Rivera's sacrifice had not been in vain. The Rivera legacy would continue, stronger and more united than ever before.