Chapter 13
Emily Windsor's POV
"My office is right next door," Luke's gaze settled on my face, carrying an unmistakable warning. "I expect my personal legal counsel to stay where I can see her at all times."
I understood his meaning. This was both trust and a form of surveillance.
Over the following days, I threw myself entirely into the work.
The materials Luke provided were extraordinarily detailed. Every financial trail, every behind-the-scenes maneuver in corporate acquisitions—all laid bare before me. It gave me a deeper understanding of the Victor family's business empire and left me unnerved by the scale of Luke's ambition.
What he intended went far beyond merely cleansing internal corruption. He was building an entirely new commercial order—one that commanded respect in both the underworld and legitimate spheres.
And I was the blade he wielded to carve out territory in the daylight.
While organizing this massive trove of information, I didn't forget my primary objective.
I locked myself in my office for two solid days, cross-referencing the files I'd backed up from my former firm with the intelligence Luke had given me.
Soon, a deeply buried vulnerability surfaced.
Last year, Jacob's firm had spearheaded a multibillion-dollar international energy acquisition. On the surface, it appeared to be a textbook-perfect operation that earned him tremendous prestige. But I discovered that to help his client evade enormous capital gains taxes, Jacob had used a shell company registered in the Bahamas to forge a series of transaction contracts, transferring the bulk of profits offshore.
The method was extraordinarily covert. Without the critical cash flow diagram from inside the Victor family's operations, I never would have spotted the irregularities. That diagram happened to be among the materials Luke gave me—clearly, the Victor family had ties to that energy company as well.
Staring at the clear chain of evidence on my screen, my fingertips trembled slightly with excitement. This was Jacob's Achilles' heel.
Once this tax loophole was exposed, he wouldn't just face astronomical penalties and criminal investigation from tax authorities—his entire legal career's credibility would be destroyed.
I compiled all the evidence into an anonymous tip, sending it directly to the encrypted email of the highest-ranking official in the Tax Investigation Bureau. I knew full well that a tax case of this magnitude, once it entered official scrutiny, could never be quietly suppressed.
After finishing, I leaned back in my chair and exhaled deeply.
The first shot of my vengeance had been fired.
Sure enough, within forty-eight hours, news came back.
The Tax Investigation Bureau, in coordination with the Commercial Crime Investigation Division, formed a special task force and conducted a surprise raid on Jacob's law firm. They seized all servers and financial documents. Jacob himself was taken in for questioning.
When the news broke, all of Wall Street reeled.
I stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows in Luke's office, coffee cup in hand, coldly watching the panic unfolding in the building across the way. That was where Jacob's once-proud firm stood.
"In a good mood?" Luke's voice came from behind me. He'd entered at some point, still carrying the cool moisture of early morning.
I didn't turn around, just kept my eyes on the scene outside, lips curving into a cold smile. "The show's only just begun."
"He sent someone to find me." Luke came to stand beside me, shoulder to shoulder. His presence instantly made the spacious room feel somehow cramped.
I turned to look at him. "Oh? He wants your help?"
"He wants to see you." Luke's ice-blue eyes reflected my image, tinged with curiosity. "He's probably guessed this has something to do with you."
Jacob wasn't stupid. This surgical strike was no coincidence.
Knowing I'd joined the Victor family, he'd naturally pin this on me.
"Then let's meet," I said, setting down my coffee cup, my eyes utterly calm. "I'm rather eager to see what he looks like when he's frantic and desperate."
I was almost impatient to savor the sight of his refined, scholarly mask torn away, revealing whatever wretched expression lay beneath. That would be more satisfying than any victory.
"You pick the location." Luke seemed unsurprised by my decision, adding matter-of-factly, "My people will accompany you."
His tone brooked no argument, a declaration of ownership. He wanted Jacob to understand clearly: I belonged to him now. Anyone who touched me would first have to consider whether the Victor family would allow it.
The meeting was arranged at a members-only teahouse known for its discretion.
When I arrived, Jacob was already waiting in the private room.
In just a few days, he'd become haggard. His meticulously groomed hair was disheveled, dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his usual polished attorney appearance had completely vanished, replaced by exhaustion and desperation.
When he saw me enter, he shot to his feet. Complex emotions flickered in his eyes, quickly consumed by anger and resentment. "Emily, was it really you?"
His voice was hoarse, laced with disbelief and accusation.
I ignored his distress, taking the seat across from him and pouring myself tea with composed ease. "Mr. Johnson, this isn't the time for reminiscing. You reached out through Luke to meet me—surely not just to ask pointless questions?"
My coldness and distance stabbed him like a needle.
Jacob's face darkened further. He slumped into his chair, running his hands through his hair, his tone edged with desperation. "Emily, I'm begging you—let this go. Just withdraw the report. Whatever compensation you want, I'll give it. Shares in the firm, cash—anything..."
"Compensation?" I smiled faintly, my eyes full of mockery. "Jacob, have you forgotten? When you pushed me off the cliff, I didn't even get a chance to explain. What makes you think money can buy me now?"
I set down my teacup, leaning forward slightly, my gaze sharp as a blade. I enunciated each word: "I want you to experience firsthand what it feels like to fall from the heights into the mud with nothing left."
My words shattered his last glimmer of hope.
Jacob's eyes reddened instantly. He glared at me as if he wanted to tear me apart. "Emily, you're too cruel! I admit I wronged you, but you can't destroy me! What good does ruining me do you?"
"Watching you suffer is all the good I need." I stood, looking down at him, the hatred born of betrayal finally finding its outlet, bringing a twisted sense of satisfaction. "This is just the beginning, Jacob. Enjoy it."
Without another glance, I turned and walked out of the room.
The fallout moved even faster than I'd anticipated.