Lately, rumors had been swirling through the industry about major upheavals at The Vaughan Group. While people had caught wind of some shakeups, the actual details remained murky.


    Since being ousted from The Vaughan Group, Prescott and Richard''s lives had spiraled. They were struggling-bitter, angry, and more resentful of Isadora than


    ever.


    Now that Isadora had forced them out and left them with nothing to lose, they were desperate—cornered animals with nothing but revenge on their minds.


    Prescott had been plotting relentlessly, seeking any opportunity to watch Isadora''s management of The Vaughan Group unravel. And tonight''s industry conference was the perfect stage.


    If he could just get The Vaughan Group expelled from the industry association, their reputation would take a fatal blow. Without that prestige, their business would slowly fade into obscurity.


    It was a spiteful n, one that would hurt everyone-including himself—but at this


    point, Prescott didn''t care. He wanted payback, and he wanted it now.


    Isadora''s expression hardened. She nodded to her assistant, J. "Go get security—now,” she said coldly.


    J hurried out, heels clicking against the marble floor.


    Isadora faced Prescott, her voice icy. "I''m thergest shareholder in The Vaughan Group. I run thispany. Who are you to shout usations?"


    Prescott, eyes wild and rimmed with red, leapt onto a table, drawing shocked gasps from the crowd.


    “You stole those shares through deceit! Tonight, I want everyone to know just how ruthless you are. You''d betray your own father for power-tell us, Isadora, do you dare admit how you really got your stake in thispany?"


    Isadora red at him, unamused. There was no way she could reveal the truth- that she had acquired the shares through a secret deal with Deanna. Saying so would only inme the rumors and give people more reason to believe Prescott''s lies.


    Prescott knew exactly how to corner her.


    Seeing her pause, Prescott burst outughing. "Look at her! She doesn''t even dare to exin herself. Someone like her-someone with no legitimacy- shouldn''t be running The Vaughan Group, let alone sitting at this table."


    Murmurs rippled through the room.


    "The Vaughan Group is such a messtely. It''s bringing down the entire association," someone muttered.


    "Exactly. If she can''t even handle a family dispute, how is she supposed to run a major corporation? No matter how she got those shares, I doubt she''s fit for the job," another voice chimed in.


    Then someone said, "Mr. Fawcett, maybe it''s time we removed The Vaughan Group from the association. We''re not hurting for members."


    Prescott''s lips curled into a sinister grin. This was exactly what he wanted.


    Isadora''s mind raced, searching for a way out. If she fought Prescott here, in public, it wouldn''t matter who won the damage to her reputation would be done. Suddenly, a calm, deep voice cut through the tension.


    "Everypany has its share of internal conflict. But Mr. Vaughan, it seems your actions are the onescking integrity tonight."


    Prescott''s face twisted in anger as he turned to the speaker. "And who the hell are you to question me? Isadora stole those shares, and I''m just exposing the truth."


    Someone nearby leaned in to whisper, "That''s Terrell Fawcett heir to The Fawcett Group, and our newly elected association president."


    Everyone in Capitolion knew the city''s fortunes were controlled by a handful of powerful families: the Fitzgeralds, the Wainwrights, the Fawcetts, and the Pembrokes.


    At that moment, Terrell stepped forward. His light gray suit was immacte, his tie perfectly knotted, and his demeanor calm and poised.


    His voice rang out clearly: "Where''s security?"


    Within moments, several security guards rushed in and seized Prescott.


    Prescott thrashed in their grip, shouting, "Let go of me! Is this what your association hase to? You''d rather protect a fraud than investigate her crimes?"


    Terrell''s warm expression flickered with a hint of steel. "That''s enough. This isn''t your forum anymore, Mr. Vaughan. I''m the president here and you''re done."