Chapter 109
Grace's POV
I leaned back in my conference room chair, watching Andrew's face cycle through emotions like a broken traffic light. The satisfaction was almost intoxicating.
"So," I said, my voice cutting through the silence, "Harrison Group won't be joining us today. What a shame."
Andrew's jaw tightened. "You knew about their project problems all along, didn't you?"
I tilted my head, letting a small smile play at my lips. "Andrew, I have to admire your persistence in keeping such close tabs on me. It's almost... flattering."
His face flushed red. "Grace, you—"
"Actually," I interrupted, reaching for my phone, "since we have some time, let me share something with you."
I sent him a file I'd been saving for this exact moment. The color drained from his face as he opened it.
"Grace, you investigated me?" His voice cracked slightly.
I shrugged. "Turnabout is fair play, wouldn't you say?"
Andrew stared at the documents, his hands trembling slightly. Bank records, communications, meeting logs—everything that painted a very clear picture of his activities as Elizabeth's right hand.
"You handle both her clean business and her dirty work," I continued conversationally. "Quite impressive, really. But here's the thing, Andrew—I have enough evidence to seriously damage your position at Wilson Holdings."
He slammed the file down. "Without the Morgan family's support, you're nothing!"
The words hung in the air like a challenge. I stood slowly, my smile never wavering.
"Without the Morgan family, I'm still Robert Wilson's biological daughter," I said, each word deliberate and sharp. "Blood trumps everything, don't you think?"
Andrew's face went white. I could see him processing the implications, the legal ramifications, the sheer impossibility of fighting genetics.
"You know what's interesting about Elizabeth?" I continued, circling the table like a predator. "She has this habit of... how should I put it... disposing of assets when they're no longer useful. Getting rid of things that have outlived their purpose."
"Are you trying to drive a wedge between us?"
"I'm just worried about you, Andrew. You and I are both people who grew up without the love of biological parents."
I could see a flash of pain cross his face.
"Your parents worked for Elizabeth, and when Elizabeth left the family business, they were investigated by the company and their crimes were confirmed." I watched his pupils dilate. "Interestingly, after they died in a car accident, you were adopted by her."
"What are you trying to imply?"
"I'm just saying, Andrew," I shrugged.
I leaned forward, my voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "Or maybe you're just the next loose end she'll need to tie up."
Andrew shot to his feet, his chair scraping against the floor. "You're trying to manipulate me."
"Am I?" I smiled wider. "I'm investigating you, and yes, I'm absolutely trying to drive a wedge between you and Elizabeth. I'm being completely transparent about it."
"And you invested in Harrison Group just to embarrass me and drive a wedge between me and Alex, didn't you?" I added.
The honesty seemed to unnerve him more than any lie could have.
"Here's what's going to happen," I said, my voice taking on a steel edge. "Andrew, stop messing with me. Harrison Group is a high-risk investment. The regulatory files have already been submitted. When that investment goes south—and it will—you'll be the one taking the fall. Elizabeth will make sure of that."
Andrew's face cycled through anger, fear, and calculation. Without another word, he stormed out of the conference room.
I counted to ten, then picked up my phone. "Legal department? Yes, Andrew Wilson just left a meeting. I expect he'll be calling to cancel the Harrison Group investment within the hour."
---
An hour later, I had the HR department notify Andrew to come to the conference room.
When I walked into the conference room, I found Julie was already there. She was sitting up straight, but I could tell she was nervous.
I sat down next to Julie and gave her an encouraging look.
Andrew walked in with a dark expression. When he saw Julie and me, surprise flashed in his eyes.
"Mr. Wilson," the HR director said, "Ms. Wilson has formally filed a complaint."
"What kind of complaint?" he asked.
"Regarding workplace harassment of employees and data coercion," I said.
Andrew sneered. "This is a malicious misinterpretation of normal work guidance."
"You have two choices, Andrew," I said calmly. "Choice one: Apologize to Julie and accept disciplinary action for executive misconduct. Choice two: Make this public and let Elizabeth and the board handle it."
Andrew's eyes darted between Julie and me. I could see him calculating, weighing his options.
---
Yesterday
I was reviewing security footage when I noticed Julie entering my office after hours. The timestamp showed she'd stayed for nearly thirty minutes.
When I confronted her the next morning, she broke down completely.
"He said he could help with Harry's school situation," she sobbed. "And my mother's medical bills. He knew exactly how much I needed, Grace. Down to the penny."
"What did you give him?"
"Nothing real," she said quickly. "I mean, I accessed your files like he asked, but I didn't send him the actual data. I created fake reports, false numbers. Everything I gave him was fabricated."
I stared at her, processing this. "You played him."
"I couldn't betray you. Not after everything you've done for me. But I was scared, Grace. He knew about my family, about our debts. He said if I didn't help him, he'd make sure I never worked in this industry again."
I pulled her into a hug. "Why didn't you come to me?"
"I was ashamed. And I thought... I thought maybe I could handle it myself. Feed him false information, buy time until I figured out what to do."
"Take a day off," I told her. "Paid leave. And Julie? We're settling this tomorrow."
---
Back to the present
"I was just... teasing her," he said finally, trying to sound casual. "Just joking around. If Julie felt offended, I can apologize."
"Teasing her?" I repeated. "Andrew, is this courtship or workplace harassment?"
His face reddened. "I can formally report my intention to pursue Julie—"
"Wait," Julie interrupted him, her voice filled with anger. "What do you think this is? I never gave you any indication that I was interested in you!"
Andrew shrugged, appearing unconcerned. "Women always say one thing and mean another."
The atmosphere in the room instantly turned icy.
"Andrew," my voice was low and dangerous, "you just admitted to gender discrimination in front of HR."
He realized he'd said the wrong thing, his face turning pale.
"I... I meant..."
"Your meaning is quite clear," the HR director said, beginning to take notes. "Mr. Wilson, such statements constitute serious workplace misconduct."
Andrew stood up, adjusting his tie. "I'll accept whatever disciplinary action is necessary. But remember, Grace," his eyes were malicious, "I'll get a slap on the wrist at most, but your Julie's reputation will be ruined."