Chapter 166

Victor Lefèvre stiffened his neck. "I can hire a top-tier CEO to manage the company just fine."

"What about the broken capital chain?"

Victor fell silent.

Even the most brilliant CEO couldn't conjure money out of thin air. Projects were stalled, funds frozen—the entire company was on the verge of collapse.

"Uncle," Stella Valentine set down her coffee cup. "I have a solution."

Victor narrowed his eyes. "You? Or that wild man behind you?"

"He could inject capital, but that would mean transferring company shares." Stella smiled faintly. "Would you really allow that?"

Victor's expression darkened. "What do you want?"

"A seat on the board, overseeing operations." Stella met his gaze. "No salary. Just profit shares."

"That's it?" Victor eyed her suspiciously. "What's your angle?"

"Mom and I are moving back in."

Victor nearly choked on his sandwich. "That simple?"

"Mom is used to living here." Stella lowered her lashes. "This place holds Dad's memories."

Victor chewed his sandwich, muttering, "If it weren't for me, the company would've collapsed long ago."

Stella nodded obediently, her nails digging into her palms.

"This company is mine. No one touches it!" Victor growled.

"I just want to fulfill Dad's wishes." Stella lifted her eyes, shimmering with unshed tears.

Victor's expression softened. His brother-in-law had doted on his daughter—it made sense she'd want to protect his legacy.

"You really don't want money?"

"My boyfriend is quite wealthy." Stella shrugged.

That erased Victor's last doubt. He wiped his mouth. "First, we solve the crisis. Then we talk."

"Agreed."

"Wait." Victor suddenly lowered his voice. "Who is this boyfriend of yours?"

"Victor Valence, obviously!" Lily Savigny limped down the stairs. "Stop playing mysterious!"

Victor's eyes lit up. "The Valence heir?"

Stella only smiled.

Victor's mind raced with calculations. Though rebellious, Victor Valence's Unique Jewelry was thriving. If they could secure that connection...

He stole a glance at Stella. Her calm demeanor convinced him further.

Stella watched coldly. Mr. Alistair's "divide and conquer" strategy was working perfectly. Sophia Durand and her daughter now resembled frightened birds.

"Auntie, not joining us for breakfast?" Stella deliberately raised her voice.

Sophia dragged Lily away in retreat.

Inside the guest room, Sophia locked the door.

"Mom!" Lily showed off her burns tearfully. "Stella's a complete lunatic!"

"She has powerful backing." Sophia gritted her teeth. "That madman Victor Valence!"

"What do we do?"

"What did Adrian say?"

"He only cares about the divorce..." Lily bit her lip. "Couldn't care less about the baby."

Sophia smirked. "The marriage certificate is enough. Divorce still entitles you to half his assets."

"But Stella's returning to the company..."

"Over my dead body!" Sophia's eyes gleamed with malice. "Sabotage is easier than success."