McNeil knew perfectly well that, given his current status, he had no right to


    meddle in Victoria''s personal affairs. Still, seeing her all dressed up and perfectly put together made him uneasy.


    He couldn''t shake the worry that she was going out to meet someone.


    Was it Stein again? What were they up to this time? Were they... on a date?


    As soon as the thought crossed his mind, Victoria''s phone rang. The icy expression she wore melted away, reced by a faint, almost tender smile. Her voice softened as she spoke, warmth slipping into her tone.


    McNeil''s every nerve was on high alert. He strained to catch her words, but all he heard was Victoria saying, "Alright, see you at the usual ce."


    The usual ce? Whoever she was meeting, it was obvious they had a close rtionship-closer, perhaps, than he wasfortable with.


    He watched helplessly as Victoria slipped out the door. At the same time, he grabbed his own phone and dialed.


    On the other end, one of the bodyguards answered.


    "Follow Mrs. McNeil''s car and see where she goes-find out who she''s meeting. I''ll catch up with you soon."


    Gwh, his daughter, looked up at him in confusion.


    "Daddy, are you leaving soon too? What about Chris and Celia?"


    McNeil managed a gentle smile as he turned to her.


    "Of course I''ll take you all with me," he said.


    Both kids were fast asleep. He''d already told the bodyguard to get the car ready and bring the children along.


    Gwh still needed to be dropped off at preschool. His business van had long since been transformed into a full-blown family vehicle.


    They were traveling with four bodyguards and a nanny.


    He was determined to find out what Victoria was really up to.


    Gwh seemed to sense what was on his mind.


    "Daddy, are you going to follow Mommy? But my teacher says it''s wrong to spy on people. She says that''s what weirdos do."


    McNeil''s face darkened considerably. He tried to exin himself.


    "I''m just worried about your mom''s safety. That''s all.”


    Was that really the truth?


    Gwh''s clear, piercing gaze made McNeil''s cheeks flush faintly.


    "Of course it is," he insisted.


    He was lying through his teeth, and Gwh saw right through him.


    McNeil pretended to check on the two younger kids.


    "Daddy, why is it that every time you lie, you suddenly remember to check on Chris and Celia?"


    He didn''t reply.


    Deciding he couldn''t handle his precocious daughter any longer, McNeil quickly ushered her out.


    Meanwhile, Victoria really was meeting Stein.


    In a private room at a quiet bistro, Stein handed her a file.


    Victoria flipped through it.


    Inside were pages of incriminating evidence proof that over the years, Simms had abused his position at Golden Era Enterprises, embezzlingpany funds and leaking confidential information.


    Victoria''s hands began to tremble with anger as she read.


    The documents made it painfully clear: from the moment Simms had joined Golden Era andnded a key role, he''d been sabotaging thepany from within.


    He hadn''t even married Edith yet at that point.


    Back then, Mann had been impressed by Simms''s abilities and trusted him with that crucial role.


    Mann had clearly misjudged his character.


    Simms was certainly capable and hardworking, but his integrity was seriouslycking.


    And the more talented a person without scruples, the more dangerous they became not just to society, but to those closest to them.


    Simms was exactly that kind of man.


    After he got together with Edith and Mann officially weed him into the Turner family, Simms put on an impable front, working hard to win Mann''s trust.