Chapter 248

The manager hurried out of the office, waving for all employees to leave immediately.

Three years had carved deep lines into Victor Lefèvre.

His suit was faded, with grease stains near the collar. Beneath his unkempt hair was a haggard face, the wrinkles at his eyes far deeper than she remembered.

"Finally decided to show up?" His voice was hoarse.

Stella Valentine pulled over a swivel chair and sat. "When my uncle threatens to jump, I should at least see him off."

Victor slammed the desk. "I should've listened to Sophia! Transferred all the shares to her!"

Stella shook her head lightly. "And now? Where did all your money go?"

His face stiffened.

"Lily Savigny still spends lavishly, while you can't even afford a decent suit."

"Bullshit!" Victor roared, leaping to his feet. "Sophia wouldn't abandon me! Unlike you, you ungrateful wretch!"

Stella checked her watch. "Jump quickly. The police will be here soon."

"You—"

"The sixth floor won't kill you, but it'll make headlines." Her tone was calm. "Perfect for everyone to see how the former chairman of Shi's Jewelry tried to blackmail his niece."

Sirens wailed in the distance.

Victor peered over the windowsill. The airbag was inflating below. After adjusting his stance several times, he finally gritted his teeth and jumped.

"Someone jumped!"

"Call an ambulance!"

"He landed on the airbag..."

By the time Stella took the elevator down, a crowd had gathered.

"Miss Valentine, please cooperate with our investigation." An officer showed his badge.

She stepped into the patrol car without resistance, instructing the manager who chased after her, "Business as usual."

The door slammed shut.

......

In the interrogation room, Victor stormed in with his arm in a sling. "Officer! She's the culprit!"

The recording officer frowned. "Mr. Lefèvre, you only have minor abrasions."

"But she forced me to jump!" He pointed at Stella. "She stole my company!"

The officer turned to Stella. "Miss Valentine, do you have anything to say?"

"First, let me ask," Stella interlaced her fingers, "what's the penalty for embezzling an inheritance?"

The officer paused. "It depends on the amount..."

"Eight years ago when my father died, this 'wonderful uncle' took everything." She opened her phone gallery. "Here's the stock certificate from back then."

Victor paled. "Lies! It was legal inheritance!"

"Oh?" Stella smiled faintly. "Then explain why you destroyed this paternity test report?"

The officer took the phone, his expression growing stern.

"I'd like to formally file a report." Stella stood. "To reclaim all embezzled assets, including 51% of Shi's Jewelry's shares."

Victor lunged at her. "The company's in crisis now! A scandal will ruin everyone!"

"Perfect." She sidestepped him. "My husband once said, a festering wound must be lanced to heal."

The officer nodded thoughtfully. "Your husband is very wise."

"He always..."

"I'm here."

A familiar voice came from the doorway. Adrian Roland leaned against the frame, his tall frame accentuated by a black trench coat.

He said, "Let's go home, Stella."