Chapter 8 I walked to the floor to ceiling window at the corridor's end and looked down . Vincent Caldwell wore a wrinkled suit , his hair graying , kneeling on the plaza in front of Lowell Tower with a sign reading : Please Show Mercy , Chairman Lowell . ] A crowd had already gathered , phones raised , taking photos . A few reporters pushed through , cameras trained on him . let out a cold laugh , tapping my fingertip against the icy glass . Useless . " incent could've come forward anytime , but he chose today - right after my press conference - obviously trying to use public pressure o force me to back off for the sake of face . But he forgot : I had no shortage of face , and what I hated most was guilt trip . Maverick followed my train of thought . He's probably trying to beg for leniency - to spare the Caldwell company . " Brightvale Industries is already facing a cash flow crisis . If Lowell presses for repayment , they'll have no choice but to file for ankruptcy . " turned around , my tone ice - cold . Filing for bankruptcy is what they deserve . " Call security . Have him removed . If he refuses to leave , call the police - disturbing the peace in a public space . Let him sober up in a ell . " Maverick nodded and pulled out his phone to contact security . I returned to my office and had just settled into the leather chair when stock market alert popped up on the screen . Both Brightvale Industries and Ashby Commerce had opened at the daily limit - down , with massive sell orders and no buyers willing o step in . A financial news headline flashed in the corner , its words glaring : Lowell Heir Strikes : Brightvale Industries and Ashby Commerce Face Liquidation . ] I clicked open Brightvale's financial report . Maverick was right . The company had long been hollowed out by Clover , Zander's so - called entrepreneurial success was nothing but a house of cards built on lies and embezzlement . Now that I'd withdrawn funding and demanded accountability , the house collapsed on its own . The internal line rang . It was the secretary's office . 14:04 His Mistress's ' Billionaire Parents " ? DEEPFAKED Mino2 Lans Chaptey " Miss , there's a gentleman here - his name is Marcus Stone . He says he's Director Stone's brother and is waiting in the lobby . He'd like to see you Maverick's brother ? I frowned . Maverick had never mentioned having a brother . And the timing of this visit was suspiciously convenient . After a moment's consideration , I spoke . " Send him up . Bring him to the meeting room . " Ten minutes later , the secretary led a young man in athletic wear into the meeting room . He looked to be in his early twenties and immediately made himself comfortable on the sofa across from me , smiling as he spoke . You must be Lyra ! I'm Marcus - Maverick Stone's brother ! " His overly familiar tone made me uncomfortable . I leaned back in my chair , tone flat . " Mr. Stone , what can I do for you ? " Marcus pulled an elegant gift box from his bag and pushed it toward me . " Nothing major - I just heard you went through something awful yesterday and wanted to check on you . " This is a calming aromatherapy set I had someone bring back from Greece . If you have trouble sleeping , you can use it . " I didn't touch the box . My gaze remained on him . You're remarkably well informed , Mr. Stone . " Marcus's smile stiffened for a moment , then quickly returned . Well , you're a big deal now ! Of course everyone's concerned about you ! By the way , Lyra , I heard from my brother that you're single low ? de leaned forward , his eyes full of undisguised expectation . I think we'd be a good match ! I'm young , my family's well - off , we're equals - why don't we give it a shot ? " hadn't expected him to be so direct . My distaste deepened . stood , my tone cooling . Mr. Stone , I dank you've misunderstood . I have no intention of dating anyone right now . And Maverick is my work partner - I'd ppreciate it if you'd respect boundaries . " Marcus's face flushed red instantly . He bit his lip . ' Do you think I'm not good enough for you ? I know you used to like mature guys like Zander , but I can learn ! And I'm younger than him , more energetic - 1 ... " I cut him off . 14:04 His Mistress's ' Billionaire Parents " ? DEEPFAKED . Mine ? Landing in That Private Jet Behind You . SURPRISE ! 11.09 % Chapter " If that's all , Mr Stone , please leave Just then , Maverick pushed the door open . Seeing the scene , his face turned iron gray . " Marcus ' What nonsense are you spouting ?! " Marcus's eyes reddened when he saw his brother . " Bro ! I was just trying to confess to Lyra ! Why are you yelling at me ?! " " Get out ! " " Marcus ! " Maverick stood at the door , his face dark . " Stop this nonsense ! Out ! " Marcus glared at Maverick , gave me a wounded look , then stomped out . Maverick closed the door and apologized . " I'm sorry . My brother doesn't know better . " I waved it off . " It's fine . " " Vincent Caldwell was escorted away . Police update - Zander and Clover have been formally detained . " " Mm . Is the legal team following up ? " " Already involved . Zander's facing at least three years . Clover's situation is worse - ten years minimum . " " Good . " That was exactly what I wanted . Maverick hesitated . " Your grandfather asked if you'd like to stay at the estate for a few days . He's worried . " I was silent for a moment , then shook my head . " Tell Grandfather I'm fine . I'll come back after handling this . " I needed solitude and clarity right now . After all , revenge was only beginning . Maverick watched the cold glint in my eyes and said softly . " Lyra , don't let hatred turn you into someone you'd hate . " 1 froze , but didn't answer . Chapter Chapter 9