Chapter 3

“Ms. Bennett!”

Charles’s voice was steady and respectful. “You’ve finally called. Your father has been worried about you. Everything you requested is taken care of. The legal documents confirming your personal fifteen-percent stake in Hayes Group, along with proof that you are Bennett Group’s sole heir, have all been sent to Hayes Group’s legal department and the board secretary’s office.”

He paused, then added, “I’ve also formally submitted a motion to the Hayes board requesting an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting to review the appointment of the head of Strategic Development, as well as… an investigation into Mr. Hayes’s personal misconduct.”

His words landed like a bomb in the lobby.

Everyone froze, including Anna.

All color drained from her face as she stared at me in disbelief.

I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth and walked toward her. Each click of my heels against the floor sounded like a countdown to her downfall.

“Well, Ms. Parker? Do you still think I’m a fraud?”

I snatched the desk phone from Mark’s hand and called the board secretary directly.

“This is Sophia Bennett. Notify every director. Emergency meeting in the top-floor conference room in thirty minutes. Anyone who fails to attend will answer for it.”

My voice was quiet, but it left no room for argument.

I hung up and looked coldly at Anna’s ashen face.

“And you, Ms. Parker. Instead of wasting time here, I suggest you think very carefully about how you’ll explain your claim to be the CEO’s wife to the board in half an hour.”

“And exactly what your relationship with my husband, Julian Hayes, is.”

Half an hour later, the atmosphere in Hayes Group’s top-floor conference room was ice-cold.

Every board member sat around the long table, their expressions grave as their gazes shifted between Julian, Anna, and me.

Julian sat at the head of the table, his expression thunderous. He stared at me, his eyes filled with anger, confusion, and a struggle I couldn’t understand.

Anna huddled beside him like a frightened rabbit. Her earlier arrogance was gone.

I sat opposite Julian, expressionless, turning a pen between my fingers.

“Now that everyone’s here, let’s begin.” I broke the silence first. “I called this meeting for two reasons.”

“First, my identity. I am Sophia Bennett, Bennett Group’s sole heir and Hayes Group’s second-largest shareholder. You should all have copies of the relevant documentation in front of you.”

The directors nodded, looking at me with newfound respect.

“Second…” I paused, my gaze cutting toward the pair across from me. “Mr. Hayes, who exactly is Anna Parker? On what grounds have you allowed her to parade through this company as your wife, and even assault a lawful shareholder?”

Every eye turned to Julian.

He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice rough. “Sophia, this is a private matter between us. There’s no need to bring it before the board.”

“A private matter?” I laughed coldly. “You cheated on your wife, supported a mistress, and allowed her to damage this company’s reputation. She nearly barred the company’s second-largest shareholder from entering the building. This has seriously affected the company’s operations and public image. How is that private?”

Every word struck home. Julian’s face turned livid.

An older director cleared his throat. “Mr. Hayes, Ms. Bennett has a point. You do owe us an explanation.”

“Exactly. Ms. Parker’s Anna Center project has tied up nearly ten billion in company funds. If her supposed position here is fraudulent, how are we supposed to answer to our investors?”

The objections mounted, all aimed at Julian.

His fists clenched beneath the table, veins standing out on the backs of his hands.

He stayed silent for a long time. Just when I thought he would fight the entire world for Anna, he suddenly turned to her, his eyes utterly cold.

“Anna Parker. Tell them yourself. Who are you?”