The Fake Heiress Had My Heirloom—Until One DNA Test Shattered Her Claim!

I’m the chief executive assistant of Sterling Group. Groomed to shape Miss Sterling into the air step by step. But at Miss Sterling’s birthday gala, an uninvited guest appeared. A girl clutching a tarnished brooch, voice thick with tears. Chairman Sterling wept openly, ready to sign over half of Miss Sterling’s shares on the spot.

 Miss Sterling went pale, her face bloodless. I stepped forward, pressing my hand firmly over the chairman’s dialing fingers. >> Chairman, share transfers can wait. If she claims to be sterling blood, surely it must pass through the forensic lab first. Wouldn’t you agree? >> I cut the call dead.

 The chairman stared at me, eyes red rimmed. >> Katherine Ward, what the hell are you doing? >> I pulled my hand back, casually closing the draft share transfer beside him. >> Chairman 17% of Sterling Group is not a discount pizza on the corner. >> The girl stood by the banquet table, tears still clinging to her cheeks. She looked pitiful, fragile.

 But after 12, Lisa Sterling sat at the head table behind me. A gala speech lay open in front of her. She hadn’t said a word, just fixed her gaze on Chairman Sterling. I The little girl sat on the stairs waiting for him with that exact stare. The girl choked out, her voice breaking. >> I just want to come home. >> She placed the old brooch on the table.

Chairman Sterling froze. >> This was your mother’s back in the day. >> The girl sobbed even harder. [laughter] >> The grandmother who raised me told me I wasn’t her real death better. She said, “All I had was this brooch and a water damaged paper with Sterling family written on it. She told me to find you.

” She looked at Alisa Sterling as she spoke. >> “Khloe, don’t say that. The Sterling family owes you too much. What’s yours will be yours, every cent?” >> I shot him a look. The girl’s name was Khloe Davis. She lowered her head, weeping. Alisa Sterling’s face grew even paler. I picked up the brooch from the table.

 Miss Davis, the story is well rehearsed and the token certainly looks authentic. >> Khloe Davis looked up at me guarded. >> But Sterling Group doesn’t run shareholder meetings on tears. You want to claim family? A forensic DNA test first before the results are in. No shares, no access to the core archives, and no public statements as the second daughter of the Sterling family.

>> Chairman Sterling frowned. [clears throat] Catherine, she suffered so much. Don’t be so harsh. >> Chairman, if I were truly harsh, I’d be calling the head of security. Right. >> Khloe’s tears stopped cold. Chairman Sterling was silent for a long moment, then finally nodded, soft. >> I’m willing. I want to stand before the Sterling family with my head held high.

 I sealed the brooch in an evidence bag and pressed the intercom. Notice legal. Contact the forensic lab and notify finance that transfer document from the chairman’s office void and archive it. >> Chairman Sterling’s face darkened. [snorts] >> Catherine Ward. >> Chairman, you can feel for people, but don’t gamble with Miss Sterling’s future.

>> Alisa lowered her head, her fingers tightening around the pen. Khloe stood frozen, crying even more pitifully. But the look she gave me, there was no trace of the fragility she’d walked in with. That look, I know it well. At Sterling Group, the ones who want to devour you always look at me like that. The test was scheduled for the next morning. I drove Kloe myself.

 Chloe sat in the back, stealing glances at me the whole ride. >> Special assistant Ward, do you not like me? Miss Davis, liking people isn’t in my job description. But I can feel it. You’ve been guarding against me. She froze. Your identity is unverified. Your I verified. You appear out of nowhere with a family heirloom and nearly walk off with Miss Sterling’s shares.

>> Her face flushed red. I just wanted a family so badly. >> That’s understandable. >> I paused. >> But wanting a family and wanting shares are two different things. At the lab, I had legal counsel, a notary, and security presence simultaneously. The entire sampling process was recorded, and the specimen was sealed and numbered on site.

 The smile on Khloe’s face grew more and more frozen. Is all this formality really necessary? Yes. At Sterling Group, even a sheet of printer paper requires approval. Your identity certainly demands more clarity. >> She pressed her lips together, glancing at Chairman Sterling. Dad, do you think I’m lying, too? >> Chairman Sterling’s heart melted.

>> Chloe, Catherine is just thorough. >> The chairman is right. Thoroughess has saved Sterling Group many times. After the sampling, Khloe stood in the lobby, eyes red. >> How long for the results? >> Seven business days at the earliest. >> She was visibly displeased. Can it be faster? >> This is a forensic test.

>> On the way back, Chairman Sterling took a call. He needed to visit Grand Madam Margaret at the family estate. >> Can I come? I want to meet Grandmother, too. >> No. The old lady has a heart condition. She shouldn’t meet strangers before the results are in. >> But I’m not a stranger. On legal paper, you currently are.

>> Catherine, you’ve gone too far today. I didn’t explain. I drove back to the building and had admin book Khloe a hotel. Half an hour later, the I held the phone and looked at Alisa Sterling, who was sorting contracts. Her hands paused. She didn’t look up. I hung up and went straight downstairs. Chloe stood in the center of the lobby.

 The front desk girl was cornered, looking utterly distressed. Chloe was crying. >> I just want to be close to Dad. I’ve had no family since I was a child. I finally found my home. Why won’t you even let me stay in the building? >> People in the lobby had already started murmuring. >> She looks so pitiful. >> Miss String wouldn’t be so intolerant, would she? >> I walked over and stood before Chloe.

Miss Davis, the Sterling Group building is not a family reunion reality plow. The surroundings fell instantly silent. Special assistant Ward, why do you have to humiliate me like this? I smiled, pulled out my phone, and played a recording. It was her voice from 10 minutes ago on a call by the elevator. >> Employees work.

>> Her lips went white. I gestured for security to come over. Escort Miss Davis to the hotel. Before Khloe was escorted out, she stared at me with her. Once they’ve tasted the air at the top, can never crawl back to the ground. On the third day after Kloe checked into the hotel, rumors started spreading inside Sterling Group.

 Alisa was hoarding her sister’s inheritance. Some said I was holding the air hostage to command the kingdom were sent to me while I was editing Alisa’s press conference speech. >> Aunt Cathy, delete them. She switched to special assistant word at the office. Only when she’s emotionally unsteady in private does she call me Aunt Cathy.

 I flipped the tablet face down. Whatever I say now, it’ll sound like I’m making excuses. I sat down across from her. Another document toward her. >> This is the agenda for next week’s product launch. You’ll take the stage personally and present the days later. The company’s internal forum exploded with posts.

 Without exception, all of them were praising EL and tearing down Alisa. >> Trace the IP and get me the exact location. >> The result was no surprise. The IP address traced back to a public library near the hotel. At 9:00 p.m., I was with Alisa at the launch venue for a rehearsal. She had just stepped onto the stage when the main screen, it was a photo of Alisa as a child in a hospital gown with bold.

The entire crew on site was stunned. Alisa stood under the spotlight, her face deathly pale. I walked over to the control booth. >> Special assistant ward, it looks like someone plugged in a USB dive in advance. >> I looked toward the entrance. Chloe was standing right there smirking with, “What brings you to the venue so late?” Her eyes immediately welled up.

 I heard sister has her launch tomorrow. I wanted to come see if there was any way I could help. Help by projecting her childhood medical records onto the big screen. Special assistant Ward, you can’t pin everything on me. >> You’re right. >> Crew was moving light stands and inserted the USB drive. The agrieved look on Khloe’s face finally cracked.

>> I don’t know him. >> Panicked. >> You’re calling the police? Of did I save the police report for Christmas? Chloe’s tears spilled over instantly. [gasps] >> I just want to know the truth. >> Why was sister hospitalized as a child? Why are all her records sealed? What are you running so? What are you all so afraid of? >> Her voice was loud.

 Everyone on site heard it. Alisa’s hand at her side slowly clenched into a fist. I looked at Chloe. She wasn’t just throwing a fit. Someone behind her had fed her clues from the Sterling family’s old archives. Alisa sat in the dressing room, her makeup done, but she still hadn’t changed into her evening gown. She held the leaked childhood photo in her hands.

It was taken before her bone marrow transplant. She herself no longer remembered those days. But I remembered before Mrs. Eleanor Sterling passed away, she entrusted all of Alisa’s treatment records to me. She held my hand and said, >> “Promise me you will finish what I started.

 Catherine, my daughter will one day stand at the forefront of Sterling Group. Many will use her origins, her character, her marriage against her. Watch over her for me. Don’t let her bear it alone.” That’s why I stayed at Sterling Group all these years. Alisa Sterling suddenly spoke. Aunt Kathy, am I really Dad’s daughter? >> I looked at her.

 It was the first time she’d ever asked this question. I opened my briefcase, took out a craft envelope, and placed it in her hands. Five. The whole family did compatibility tests. There’s blood type, kinship probability, and hospital seals. Alisa Sterling turned to the first page and tears suddenly fell. >> You’ve been carrying this all along.

>> Yes. Why didn’t you give it to me sooner? >> Because you don’t need a piece of paper to prove who you are. We’ll hit back with an even thicker stack. She wiped her tears and stood up. When the press conference began, the audience was packed with media, business partners, and shareholder representatives. Khloe came too.

 She had no invitation, but she walked in alongside Chairman Sterling. Chairman Sterling saw me and looked awkward. I ignored him. Our strategic focus this quarter will be on sustainable growth and market expansion. Even the notoriously critical director, Williams nodded in approval. Just before the signing segment, a reporter suddenly stood up.

 Miss Sterling, there are leaks online acclaiming you underwent long-term secret medical treatment. Is this related to your true parentage? Chairman Sterling shot to his feet. Khloe sat in the corner, dabbing her eyes. Alisa gripped the microphone, her face blanching for a split second. >> Reporter, your question has nothing to do with today’s project.

 So, you’re afraid to answer? >> Alisa Sterling looked at me. I gave her a nod. She took a deep breath. I suffered a serious illness at age five and received treatment. It’s not a scandal nor a secret. My mother used every connection she had to save me, and my father signed countless surgical consent fines. Weaponizing a child’s medical history for rumors is a low act.

I handed the pre-prepared notorized documents to the venue screen operator. The next moment, the big screen displayed the medical certificates and kinship compatibility pages with private details redacted. >> I don’t need to make these public to prove myself. But Sterling Group’s project cannot be held hostage by rumors.

 Khloe’s face changed visibly. She hadn’t expected Alisa to respond publicly. She also hadn’t expected me to have these documents. As applause broke out, Alisa Sterling stood on stage, her eyes slightly red, but she didn’t shed a tear. I had just let out a breath of relief when my phone buzzed. A message from legal.

 There was an anomaly at the forensic lab. Among the identity documents Khloe submitted, one page of the social security registration was forged. Meanwhile, the police caught the man who inserted the USB drive last night. It was Vice President Arthur Sterling who ordered him to do it. Arthur Sterling, Chairman Sterling’s half-brother, the one who’d been trying to pull Alisa down from the air’s seat for years.

 I looked up toward the venue entrance. Arthur was standing right there beside him. Kloe lifted her face, her eyes regaining their confidence. So, she hadn’t come alone. She was a knife handed into the Sterling family by someone else. Arthur Sterling had been a master of disguise all these years. He was in charge of logistics and supply chain, not the highest position, but his reach was long.

 Many old-timers in the company thought he was easygoing. Easygoing enough that whenever the chairman hesitated, >> “Chairman, Alisa is still young after all.” >> People like that are infuriating. He doesn’t stab you directly. He hands someone else the knife. Khloe was the knife he handed out. After the press conference, Chairman Sterling convened a board meeting.

 Khloe was notified to attend, and Arthur Sterling was also seated in the conference room. I’ve called everyone here today because of the rumors swirling inside and outside the group. >> Dad, what whatever you’ve heard, none of it is true. Whether it’s true or not isn’t for you to decide. Arthur, does the venue incident have anything to do with you? Arthur smiled.

>> Alicia, the police haven’t reached a conclusion yet. The man arrested last night is named David Brown. He left your subsidiary outsourcing company 3 months ago. His severance was approved by your secretary. This morning, his wife’s account received $20,000. The sender was your driver’s cousin. >> Catherine did her homework quickly.

>> In this line of work, you need a few skills. None of this has anything to do with me. I just wanted to return to the Sterling family. I didn’t know what they did. >> The chairman’s gaze turned cold. I flicked to the next slide. >> This is surveillance footage of Miss Davis posting at the public library along with her chat likes contacting a tabloid.

>> A murmur rippled through the conference room. Khloe’s face went completely white. >> His price wasn’t high. $500. Cheaper than you’d think. >> Alisa almost laughed out loud but held it in. I played another recording. It was Khloe’s voice on the phone at the elevator. >> I don’t believe he can keep me out if I make a scene in the lobby.

 That ward woman is nothing. Just a guard dog for Alyssa Sterling. >> Chloe opened her mouth, but no words came out. >> Catherine Ward, don’t be so smug. Khloe’s identity hasn’t been confirmed. >> Don’t worry, Vice President Arthur. I never prepared just one set of documents. I turned on the projector. The first was Khloe’s spending records from the past 3 years.

 She was nothing like the helpless orphan she claimed to be, surviving by washing dishes. She’d taken a six-month course at a high-end etiquette academy, tuition, $5,000. She’d also enrolled in vocal training department, luxury goods authentication, and basic finance. The earliest dated back 10 months.

 The second was her call logs with Arthur’s secretary. Alisa stood up and walked to the screen. She clicked open another image. The third was a photographic comparison of the brooch. >> This brooch is indeed from the Sterling family, but it’s not a keepsake of Mrs. Eloer. It was an old item that grandfather Sterling donated to an orphanage charity sale years ago.

 The buyer was Mary Smith, Khloe’s grandmother. Chairman Sterling froze. >> Orphanage. >> Telling you it was left by your mother, but the register shows the brute was bought by someone named Mary Smith. Khloe’s lips trembled. Mary Smith. That was the grandmother she’d spoken of. Chairman Sterling’s gaze grew colder and colder.

>> “So, you’ve been lying to me from the very beginning?” >> Chloe shook her head, crying. [laughter] [crying] “No, I didn’t know. This is what grandmother told me.” She said I must be from a wealthy family. She said the birthmark on my body matched old news about the Sterling family. She said if I just came here, dad would definitely acknowledge me.

>> Birthmark. >> She clamped her mouth shut. >> Too late. >> I pulled out the final sheet of paper. >> First appeared in a tabloid report 19 years ago. The subject was Mrs. Eleanor, not you. >> I clicked open the old newspaper. Back then, Mrs. Eleanor attended a charity gala, and when her gown slipped slightly, the birthark on her shoulder blade was photographed.

 Chloe even knew about this. Arthur slowly stood up. Katherine Ward, what exactly are you trying to say? >> Chloe didn’t misunderstand her identity. She was trained, packaged, and planted into the Sterling family. >> As for who sent her, Vice President Arthur, you know better than I do. You know about the seam fact. You know at the were us.

>> What does any of this have to do with me? >> It meant the people behind her hadn’t just casually Googled some news. The man who sabotaged the press conference at the venue last night has confessed the transfer account came from the outs racing company under Vice President Arthur’s name. >> Arthur slowly stood up.

 The chairman closed his eyes. >> Arthur, you’ve disappointed me greatly. >> Arthur was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed. [laughter] >> Disappointed? Richard, since you’ve been sitting in that speed, when have you ever truly seen me? You’ve been protecting her all along, even though she can’t even hold up this group.

I’m just doing what you’d eventually have to do. >> Shut up. What you did wasn’t for my father. It was for yourself. She paused. You’re afraid I’ll take over. Afraid I’ll have no more weaknesses. Her voice wasn’t loud, but every word was steady. But you’re wrong. My weakness has never been something I haven’t done.

Arthur stared at her. Alisa looked at the chairman. Dad, I request the board immediately launch an investigation into Vice President Arthur and suspend all his duties. [snorts] The chairman was silent for a long moment, then finally nodded. >> Agreed. >> Arthur didn’t struggle. He simply adjusted his cuffs and walked out of the conference room.

 The board meeting continued. Alisa calmly reported on the progress of the East Coast project. The third quarter results show a steady growth in our key markets. The day the test results came out, Sterling group didn’t hold a meeting. Grand Madam Margaret Sterling was also present. The old lady was in her 80s. Chloe saw her. She dropped to her knee.

>> Grandmother, I really didn’t know things would turn out like this. I just wanted to find my family. >> Grandm Margaret looked down at her. >> I’m not dead yet. Don’t rush to pray. >> Khloe’s face froze. [cough] The old lady didn’t help Grandfather Sterling hold the group together back in the day by going to church.

 Chairman Sterling sat beside her, eyes read. He’d aged a lot in the past few days. Once a man realizes he almost destroyed his own daughter. The test report was unsealed on the spot by the notary. The conclusion was clear. >> Kloe and Richard stealing share no biological parent child relationship. >> In that moment, Khloe’s entire body went rigid.

 She stared blankly at the report as if she couldn’t read the words. Chairman Sterling closed his eyes, his shoulders slumping. Alisa stood beside me. No trace of victory on her face, only exhaustion. Chloe suddenly screamed. >> Impossible. You must have TAMPERED WITH IT. >> She lunged at the table, grabbing the report to tear it up.

 I pinned her wrist down. >> Miss Davis, destroying noted material carries significant consequences. >> You’ve been targeting me since day one. If it weren’t for you, I’d already be a daughter of the Sterling family. If it weren’t for me, you might already be under FBI investigation for fraud involving a substantial amount.

 Chairman Sterling said gravely. >> I can overlook the part where you were manipulated. But don’t ever show your face at Sterling Tower again. >> Arthur was suspended pending investigation. Kloe was taken in for police questioning. By all accounts, things should have been chaotic enough by now.

 Early the next morning, an edited video suddenly exploded on Twitter. The title was vicious. The video cut out the test results, cut out the evidence of Khloe’s fraud, leaving only the footage of her kneeling and crying at the estate. The comments were brutal. Capitalists are terrifying. Doesn’t matter if she’s real or not.

 If she’s in the way, get rid of her. Alisa looks so cold-blooded. Sterling Group stock price dropped at the opening. The PR department was in a frenzy. >> The chairman wanted to issue a statement. I stopped him. A corporate statement is useless right now. Release the evidence directly. I had PR pull all surveillance footage from the day of the press conference along with the DNA report from the forensic lab and released them all at once through the company’s official account.

 The video was crystal clear. The report was in black and white. 2 hours later, a police bulletin Khloe Davis was formally arrested for forging documents and sabotaging commercial activities. 3 hours later, Arthur Sterling was taken away from the company on charges of commercial bribery and criminal solicitation.

 That afternoon, Alisa also issued a related statement. No accusations against Kloe. No mention of how much she’d suffered. First, the forensic test is complete and the relevant materials have been handed over to the police and notary for safekeeping. Second, any malicious dissemination of personal privacy and medical records will be dealt with according to the law.

 Third, the East Coast charity project will continue to move forward and will not be halted by any personal turmoil. >> My mother taught me those who stand in the sunlight must not fear the shadows. >> In the afternoon, Alisa came to my office. She knocked on the door. Aunt Kathy, can I come in? I looked up. You’re the executive vice president of the group.

 You need to apply to enter my office. >> She smiled and sat down across from me. Was I too soft before? >> Not soft. You just always wanted to make everyone happy. >> She lowered her head. >> My dad too. >> That was a hard question to answer. I thought for a moment, then said, >> “Your dad loves you, but he has a habit of being moved by his own emotions first.

” >> Alisa paused, then laughed. You [snorts] insult people on a whole other level. >> Thanks. Essential workplace skill. She was silent for a moment. I want to take over Arthur’s supply chain. I looked at her. >> That side is a mess. >> That’s exactly why I want to take it. Her gaze was resolute. >> I don’t want to wait for others to protect me anymore.

 I looked at her for a long time. Then I pulled a stack of documents from the drawer. >> Arthur’s operation. I’ve been compiling this for 7 years. >> She stared at the thick pile in shock. >> Seven years? >> I nodded. >> Otherwise, did you think my daily overtime was for office yoga? >> She laughed and took it. She suddenly turned back.

 Aunt Kathy, did my mom know all along you’d help me like this? >> Your mom had good taste? >> Alisa laughed, her eyes reening. My taste isn’t bad either. After she left, I looked out the window down below the building. The reporters hadn’t dispersed yet. This storm was just the beginning. The real hard part was the mess Arthur left behind.

 In her first week taking over the supply chain, Alisa uncovered three suspicious contracts. A warehousing company had been receiving high-priced orders from Sterling Group for three consecutive years with quotes 20% above market rate. A transport company had falsified vehicle registrations yet somehow passed every inspection.

 And a material supplier whose contract seal didn’t match the payment account. Several managers from the supply chain department looked grim. One of them, an old manager named Robert, coasting on his 20 years at the group, opened his mouth with sarcasm. >> Alicia just took over. She might not understand how things work on the ground.

 Supply chain isn’t as simple as reading reports. A lot of relationships rely on personal connections. >> Manager Robert, under which line item do you file personal connections? I’ll have finance open a separate column for you. >> If you investigate like this, you’ll chill the hearts of the old employees. >> If the hearts of the old employees are kept warm by falsified contracts, then yes, they do need to be chilled.

 I sat to the side, unable to resist taking a sip of coffee. Good. She had her mother’s edge now. Robert was left speechless. Just then, the chairman pushed the door open. >> Auditing is fine, but don’t make it too ugly. The company still needs to function. >> Before when she heard words like that, she would probably have stayed silent.

Dad, Sterling Group doesn’t run on appearances. It runs on capital and rules. All three of these companies are connected to Arthur. If you find it too ugly, you don’t have to look, but I will continue investigating. The conference room was deathly silent. The chairman’s expression was complicated.

 After a long pause, >> “Investigate then.” >> He finished, then added one more line. After the meeting, the chairman called me over. >> “Catherine, am I a failure?” >> I glanced at him. “Do you want the truth or the year-end bonus version?” He gave a bitter smile. the truth. >> Yes, he choked. But you haven’t failed completely.

 At least now you know how to sign. >> When Alicia was little, I always thought she was fine as long as you all took care of her. When she grew up, I thought she should be mature. Now I realize I’ve been skipping over her feelings all along. >> I didn’t offer comfort. This was something he deserved to hear. >> Will she ever forgive me? Chairman, forgiveness isn’t an employee benefit.

 You can’t just apply for it and get approved. On the other side, Khloe’s case also reached a conclusion. The police found that her grandmother, Mary Smith, had worked as a temp at an orphanage in her youth and had indeed bought the brooch. Later, Mary Smith used old newspapers and public family information. Khloe was half convinced, half doubtful until Arthur’s people found her, completed her story, trained her how to cry, how to speak.

 After hearing all this, will she go to prison? The amount isn’t at the maximum threshold, but forgery, privacy invasion, and disrupting business operations, that’s enough for her to suffer. >> She lowered her head for a long time. I feel sorry for the hardship she endured. I looked at her. She raised her head and continued, “But I won’t forgive what she did to me.

” I smiled. >> That line deserves full marks. I’m wearable and resil a month later, Sterling Group held an extraordinary shareholders meeting. Alisa took over as head of supply chain and the East Coast project, entering the group’s core decision-making body. I won’t cover for anyone, but uncovering problems doesn’t mean the group is collapsing.

 On the contrary, from today onward, the accounts that need cleaning will be cleared. The people who need replacing will be replaced and the funds that need recovering will be recovered every last cent. >> Miss Sterling, you’re so young. What makes shareholders believe in you? >> Because the East Coast project signed amount exceeded expectations by 30%.

Because the reform plan in my hand can reduce the group’s cost by at least eight points next year. She paused >> and because my name is Sterling. The moment those words landed, the room fell silent for 2 seconds. Then applause broke out. Standing in the back row, I suddenly remembered her first time attending the group’s Christmas gala as a child.

 She was only five, in a white dress, clutching my hand, and refusing to go on stage. >> You can be scared and still go up. Being scared doesn’t stop you from winning. >> That day, she went on stage crying, stuttering through three lines of well-wishes. Now she could finally stand alone in the brightest place.

 After the shareholders meeting, the chairman waited for her in the hallway. Father and daughter stared at each other for a long time. Alicia, I’m sorry. >> Alisa didn’t answer right away, her eyes holding both sadness and release. >> Dad, I can accept your apology, but I won’t entrust my sense of security to you anymore.

 The chairman froze, then slowly nodded. >> “All right, from now on, regarding the group’s matters, I’ll listen to you.” >> Alisa smiled slightly. I’ve recorded that. Chairman, do you need me to send you a cloud backup? >> The chairman was stunned. Alisa finally laughed out loud. In that moment, I knew she had truly made it through. That evening, Grand Madam Margaret hosted a dinner at the estate.

>> Catherine, these are a few shares under my personal name for you. >> I didn’t even look at it, pushing it back. >> Grand Madam, I won’t accept it. >> She frowned. >> Too little? No, I do my job as special assistant and take my salary. Guarding things for lease was a promise I made to her mother.

 Neither requires settling with shares. The old lady looked at me for a long time. With that temper of yours, you really should be a sterling. Sure thing. I’ll give her an office and the door plate will read unofficial guardian of the Sterling family. I shot her a look, Miss Sterling. Jokes that big come with a price. After dinner, I returned to the office and began sorting through the materials.

In the drawer was an old notebook. Inside were the troubles I’d handled over the years. Case number 011, chairman’s impulsive investment in a Bordeaux winery. Case number 028, Vice President Arthur placed a crony in finance. Case number 043, unidentified woman with brooch claiming family ties. Legal delivered the verdict to my desk.

Arthur Sterling’s final verdict. guilty of commercial bribery, criminal solicitation, and embezzlement. Sentenced to eight years in prison, fined $2 million, his outsizing company dissolved, and personal assets frozen. Khloe Davis, court ruled guilty of forging identity documents, infringing on trade secrets, and sabotaging business operations.

 Sentenced to 2 years in prison, suspended for one year of probation. I signed, filed it, and copied the board. The chairman read it and was silent for a long time. He didn’t say a word. That afternoon, security revoked all visitor access for Arthur and Khloe. The systems temporary card records were wiped clean.

 The remaining cronies in the supply chain department were summoned for collective questioning. Alisa presided over the questioning. She didn’t lose her temper. She simply projected the list of names involved in Arthur’s case onto the screen. Some of you here took money you shouldn’t have taken. Some of you did things for people you shouldn’t have helped.

 Those who confess voluntarily, the group will not pursue. Those who are found out handed over to the police. The conference room was dead silent. Six people submitted confessions on the spot. 3 days later, the group issued a public announcement. Arthur Sterling permanently removed. All rights and interests nullified.

 Supply chain department restructuring complete. That day, Grand Madam Margaret called >> Catherine. I heard you even mapped out Arthur’s backup plans. >> She chuckled. Occupational hazard. >> That kind of hazard. Don’t cure it. I hung up the phone and opened the notebook. Added a line under case number 045. Then I turned to a fresh page.

 Case number 046. Pending. I closed the notebook as a knock came at the office door. Alisa poked her head in. Aunt Kathy, I’m treating you to dinner tonight. Don’t refuse. It’s business. >> What business? >> Celebrating that I finally learned how to clap back at my dad. I looked at her and nodded. >> Fine.

 The bill goes on your personal card. >> No problem. She smiled and closed the door. There were only a few pages left in this one. Soon, it’ll be time for a new one.