Chapter 2

After a brief conversation with Hastings, he introduced me to several key partners.

Amanda's gaze trailed after me the entire time, like thorns pricking my back.

Luke's expression, on the other hand, shifted from shock to raw jealousy and malice.

How ridiculous.

Three years ago, he stood by Amanda like a victor, sneering as I lost everything.

Three years later, he was still nothing more than her pet accessory, while I stood as an equal to his boss.

During intermission, I stepped into the restroom.

When I walked out, Amanda intercepted me at the end of the dimly lit hallway.

Moonlight filtered through a high window, casting her trembling silhouette against the wall.

"Silas... is Phoenix Capital really yours?"

Her voice trembled with uncertainty.

"Yes," I replied flatly.

"I..." She opened her mouth, but it ended in a soft sigh. "As long as you're doing well, that's all that matters."

A cynical smirk touched my lips. "Thanks to you. People who have died once tend to value their lives a lot more."

My words struck like a blade.

Amanda swayed, her skin paler than the hallway walls.

"I know my decision hurt you back then," she rushed to explain. "But Silas, you have to understand. Summit Advisory took generations of my family's blood and sweat to build. I couldn't let my personal feelings ruin its reputation."

The same old excuse.

"Industry ethics." "Neutrality." "No signing off on family audits."

Those phrases had haunted my ears like a curse for three long years.

"I understand," I said calmly. "My dad understood too. That's why he told me in his suicide note not to blame you."

I paused, stepping closer until I was inches from her ear. In a whisper meant only for her, I added:

"Understanding doesn't mean forgiving."

"Amanda, my father paid with his life to keep your pristine ethics and industry prestige intact."

"Are you satisfied now?"

Tears spilled over her lashes, streaming down her cheeks.

Just then, Luke's figure appeared at the far end of the hall.

"Amanda!"

Seeing how close we were, he stormed over, ripping Amanda behind him.

"Silas, what the hell do you think you're doing?!"

He bared his teeth like a rabid dog guarding a scrap of meat. "Don't think you're untouchable just because you've got some cash now! Do you have any idea how much guilt Amanda carried these past three years?!"

Looking at him, I almost laughed.

"Guilt? Is she guilty about not cutting ties with me sooner, or guilty about failing to drive the Vance family into the grave with her own hands?"

"Shut up!" Luke snapped frantically. "She did it to protect the firm! To avoid a conflict of interest! It was a matter of principle!"

"Principle?" I let out a cold laugh. "Is that what you whispered in her ear three years ago, Luke? A single excuse about 'reputational risk' choked off my dad's only lifeline. Thanks for the reminder—it's high time some debts were settled."

I looked past Luke, locking eyes with Amanda.

"Ms. Cross, what do you think would happen if I went public with how you sacrificed your husband's father for your 'integrity'? Would Summit Advisory be showered with praise, or would the industry drown you in spit?"

Every ounce of color vanished from Amanda's face. She stared at me, her eyes filled with terror and desperate pleading.

She was terrified.

Terrified that I would tear down everything she held dear.

And that was exactly what I wanted.