Chapter 11：Financial Funeral

1129words2026-01-19 06:01

In the headquarters of Howard Medical Group, an emergency board meeting was in progress. Since the Sinclair Pharmaceutical scandal broke out, Howard Group, which had close ties with it, had also fallen into crisis. Their stock price had been falling for fifteen consecutive trading days, multiple partnerships had been canceled, and the FDA had launched a comprehensive investigation into their products.

I stood in the café across from the building, watching the lights of the top-floor conference room through the window. Ethan Howard, my fiancé from my previous life, was now there struggling to survive.

"Ready?" Alexander handed me a cup of coffee.

"More ready than I've ever been." I took a sip of coffee, feeling the bitterness spread across my tongue.

We walked toward the Howard building. The receptionist recognized me and her face instantly turned pale.

"Miss Sinclair, you don't have an appointment..."

"I don't need an appointment." I smiled, "Tell Ethan his ex-fiancée is here."

We went directly up to the top floor by elevator. When we pushed open the door to the boardroom, everyone turned to look at us. Ethan was sitting in the chairman's seat, his face ashen.

"Vivian?" he stood up, his voice filled with surprise and fear, "You can't just barge in like this!"

"Speak of the devil." I smiled, "Discussing me?"

Ethan stood up abruptly: "You have no right to enter this meeting! Security!"

Alexander sneered: "No need to call security. As of today, I am the major shareholder of Howard Group."

He handed Ethan a document. Ethan quickly scanned it, his face turning pale: "This is impossible! Where did these shares come from?"

"Your minor shareholders were easily persuaded, especially when they saw the company was about to sink." Alexander explained, "For the past three months, I've been quietly acquiring your shares."

I added: "Combined with the portion I control as the Sinclair heir, we now own 51% of Howard Group's equity."

The directors exchanged glances, the air frozen.

"What do you want?" Ethan's voice trembled.

"Your resignation letter, and—" I took out a document from my bag, "a public confession about stealing my research results."

Ethan slammed the table: "Dream on! I'd rather let the company go bankrupt than confess!"

"Then," Alexander opened his laptop, "perhaps these will change your mind."

The screen displayed intimate photos of Ethan with Clara, as well as recordings of their conspiracy against me.

"How long has your affair with Clara been going on?" I asked calmly, "During our engagement, you two were already plotting how to get rid of me and share the Sinclair and Howard fortunes?"

Ethan's face turned from white to blue: "This is private!"

"Stealing my research results, fabricating evidence to frame me, are these also 'private matters'?" My voice carried an icy chill.

The directors began to whisper among themselves. Ethan's reputation was rapidly collapsing.

"You have two choices." Alexander said, "Either sign these documents and exit gracefully; or we will submit the evidence to the FBI, and you'll spend the rest of your life in prison for industrial espionage and commercial fraud."

Ethan's hands began to tremble. He looked at the board members, but not one of them was willing to speak for him.

"Give me the pen." He finally compromised.

I took a pen from my pocket—the very one Alexander had once held against my throat.

"Use this," I said, "It has witnessed betrayal, and should also witness repentance."

Ethan signed all the documents, including his resignation letter, public apology statement, and technical ownership confirmation. After signing the last name, he collapsed into the chair, looking as if he had aged ten years in an instant.

"Satisfied?" he asked bitterly.

"Almost," I put away the documents, "There's one last thing."

I walked up to Ethan and removed his tie clip—it was a Sinclair family heirloom, meant to be a gift for a future son-in-law.

"This doesn't belong to you. It never did."

Leaving the Howard Building, I felt a strange calmness. The pleasure of revenge had faded, replaced by a sense of relief from completing my mission.

"How do you feel?" Alexander asked.

"Empty," I answered honestly, "I thought it would be more... satisfying."

Alexander nodded understandingly: "Revenge was never about happiness, but justice."

We walked toward the parking lot when I suddenly stopped: "There are reporters."

Sure enough, a group of media reporters were already waiting outside the building, obviously having received the news.

"Ready to face the public, Ms. Sinclair?" Alexander asked.

I took a deep breath: "It's time."

We walked together toward the group of reporters. Camera flashes lit up, questions came one after another.

"Ms. Sinclair, what are your thoughts on Mr. Howard's public apology?"

"Mr. Knight, does acquiring the Howard Group mean you'll be entering the healthcare industry?"

"Regarding the Sinclair couple's DNA test reports being leaked to the media, what is your response?"

The last question caught me off guard. I looked toward Alexander, who nodded slightly, indicating this was part of the plan.

"The truth will eventually come to light," I answered, "I just hope those who were deceived will receive the justice they deserve."

That evening, headlines across all major media outlets featured news about the Howard Group's change in ownership and the Sinclair family's DNA scandal. My photo was published alongside Alexander's, with the headline "A Revenge Saga Behind a Business Marriage."

I turned off the television and walked to the balcony. Alexander handed me a glass of red wine.

"To victory," he raised his glass.

I clinked glasses with him: "To new beginnings."

Looking at the Manhattan skyline, I felt an unprecedented sense of relief. Clara and Ethan had both received their due punishment. Most of my revenge plan had been completed.

"I've already contacted several former FDA executives," I gently stroked the wine glass in my hand, my gaze determined, "they're willing to join our new company. I want to use Sinclair and Howard's assets to create a brand new biotech enterprise, focusing on research that can truly change lives."

Alexander looked at me, admiration flickering in his eyes: "You've planned your next move all along."

"Revenge is just the means, not the end." I put down my wine glass and turned to him, "My research in my previous life could have saved countless lives, but they saw it merely as a tool for profit. This time, I want to ensure these innovations truly serve the people who need them."

"I know you didn't come back just for revenge." Alexander's hand covered mine, "Your heart is more generous than you imagine."

I leaned on his shoulder, feeling for the first time that beyond revenge, there was hope. Perhaps, rebirth gave me not just an opportunity for vengeance, but also the possibility to redefine my own life.