The black car sped down the rain-soaked streets of Texas. The city lights glinted faintly off the windows. Inside the car, Sean sat silently, not saying a word.

His face was calm.

Too calm.

But that was precisely what made the atmosphere feel tense.

His phone suddenly vibrated.

Moana’s name appeared on the screen.

Sean’s jaw immediately tightened.

For a few seconds, he just stared coldly at the name before finally answering the call.

"What now?"

Moana’s voice sounded sharp on the other end.

"I can’t get a hold of my dad."

Sean let out a hollow chuckle.

"So?"

"You two had a fight a few days ago."

Sean’s gaze went blank as he stared ahead.

"Ask the police if you’re suspicious."

Moana’s emotions flared up immediately.

"Don’t mess with me, Sean!"

Sean leaned his head back against the chair.

Tired.

Sick of it.

"Listen to me carefully," his voice dropped to a cold tone. "I’ve had enough of cleaning up the company’s mess because of you and your father."

A moment of silence.

Then Sean continued more sharply,

"Investors are dragging my name through the mud over the money that used to go toward funding your lifestyle. The board is starting an audit of all personal expenses. And now you’re calling me in the middle of the night just to ask where your father is—that drunkard?"

Moana fell silent immediately. Because that was the truth.

For years, Sean had secretly funneled company funds to support Moana and her father’s lifestyle.

Houses.

Cars.

Casinos.

Debt bills.

Everything was now being exposed by the Weasley Group’s internal auditors.

And Sean hated the fact that his name was being dragged through the mud because of Freddy’s family.

Moana’s voice finally broke the silence again. Softer. Tighter.

"You threatened me before when I had the company’s confidential documents. Now my father is missing. What am I supposed to think?"

Sean chuckled.

But his laugh was utterly cold now.

"If I wanted to ruin your life, Moana..." he whispered low, "...I wouldn’t need to touch your father."

Those words made Moana freeze.

Because she knew Sean wasn’t joking.

The car continued to drive quietly through the rain.

Meanwhile, Sean stared blankly out the window.

"Your father’s an alcoholic." His tone was flat. "A gambler. He’s in deep debt. A lot of people might want him gone."

"Sean—"

"But don’t ever call me again just for that family."

Click.

The call was abruptly hung up.

Silence filled the car once more.

Sean bowed his head slightly, massaging his temples.

His chest remained hollow.

Because even after Mr. Freddy died...

Sean’s life still felt like ruins slowly sinking.

★★★

The next morning, news of Mr. Freddy’s disappearance began to appear in several local Texas media outlets.

It wasn’t a big deal.

It wasn’t important.

Just an old drunk who hadn’t come home in two days.

But for Sean...

That one small news item felt like a thorn constantly pricking the back of his head.

He sat in the Weasley Group’s main conference room with a stony expression as he listened to the board members’ reports.

The stock was down again.

Internal audits were becoming more aggressive.

And now some old expenses were starting to be uncovered by the financial media.

Suspicious transfers.

Payments for the Moana apartment.

Casino bills disguised as "client entertainment expenses."

Everything was slowly coming to light.

"Sir, if the forensic investigation continues..." one of the lawyers spoke cautiously, "...your name could be directly linked to the misuse of company funds."

Sean remained silent.

His gaze was vacant, fixed on the documents on the table.

Lack of sleep made his face look sharper and more exhausted today.

One of the senior commissioners finally spoke coldly,

"We’ve tolerated your personal decisions for far too long."

That statement instantly froze the meeting’s atmosphere.

Sean slowly raised his eyes.

His gaze was piercing.

"Repeat that."

The old man swallowed hard, but continued.

"Your relationship with Moana is harming the company."

Silence.

Then Sean let out a hollow chuckle.

"Now you’re all suddenly so virtuous?"

No one answered.

Because they had, after all, once enjoyed the benefits when Sean led the company to generate billions of dollars.

But now...

As Sean began to fall...

Everyone started keeping their distance.

And Sean hated that.

His phone suddenly vibrated on the table.

A message came in from an unknown number.

> "The body hasn’t been found yet. But the police are starting to check Freddy’s last bar."

Sean’s jaw tightened slightly.

But his expression remained calm.

He slowly turned off the phone screen and stood up from his chair.

"Is the audit finished?" he asked coldly.

The room fell silent.

"If not, stop wasting my time."

Sean walked out of the conference room without waiting for anyone’s answer.

His steps remained steady.

Elegant.

But as soon as the door closed behind him...

His breathing immediately grew heavier.

Because for the first time...

Sean realized one terrifying thing.

He might be able to cover up Mr. Freddy’s death.

He could buy off the media.

He could pressure the police.

He could destroy witnesses.

But he could no longer stop his own life from slowly crumbling from within.

★

The atmosphere in the Weasley Group’s main lobby that afternoon was far more tense than usual.

The media were still milling about outside the building.

Several investors came and went with serious expressions on their faces.

And the staff seemed to be working nervously, as if a single small mistake could cause the entire company to implode.

Amidst that atmosphere...

The lobby door swung open with a bang. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Moana entered with quick steps.

The woman looked more disheveled than usual. Her hair wasn’t as neat as before. Her eyes were puffy from lack of sleep.

Yet her aura of anger remained strong.

Several staff members immediately exchanged nervous glances.

Because everyone in the building knew who Moana was.

And now...

That woman’s name had become one of the sources of Sean’s ruined reputation.

The receptionist stood up nervously.

"Miss Moana, you have an appointment—"

"I want to see Sean right now."

Her tone was sharp.

She didn’t care who was listening.

The receptionist grew even more panicked.

"M-Mr. Sean is in a meeting—"

"If he doesn’t come out now..." Moana glared coldly at the private elevator, "...I’ll go up myself."

Several staff members began watching quietly.

The situation immediately felt bad.

Very bad.

Because the rumors about Sean and Moana’s relationship had already done enough damage to the company.

And if that woman caused a scene in the lobby...

The media outside would catch wind of it immediately.

Shortly after, two security guards approached cautiously.

"Ma’am, please calm down."

Moana turned to face them sharply.

"My father’s been missing for three days!"

Silence.

Several people exchanged glances.

"I know Sean has something to do with this."

That statement made the lobby’s atmosphere freeze completely.

One staff member even turned pale instantly.

The security guards were now truly on edge.

"Miss, please don’t make baseless accusations."

"Baseless?" Moana let out a small, emotional laugh. "My father last argued with him!"

The private elevator suddenly opened.

And the very next second...

Sean stepped out with a calm stride.

His black suit was as neat as ever.

His expression was cold.

But the moment he saw Moana...

His gaze instantly turned sharp.

The entire lobby fell suddenly silent.

Moana walked straight toward him without a hint of fear.

"Where’s my dad?"

Sean stared at her blankly.

"I don’t have time for this."

"Don’t lie to me!"

Moana’s voice was starting to crack now.

A mix of anger and panic.

"My dad couldn’t just disappear like that!"

Sean gave a hollow chuckle.

"That man is a drunk and a gambler." His gaze was cold. "He could be dead in a gutter and not found for another week."

Those words hit Moana hard.

"You bastard..."

Sean took a step closer.

And even though his voice remained soft...

The threat in his aura was clear.

"Watch your mouth in my building."

Moana now glared at him with hatred.

Then, ignoring the staff watching...

The woman pulled a small flash drive from her bag.

Sean fell silent immediately.

His jaw tightened slightly.

"I still have copies of the old transactions," Moana whispered coldly. "Company money transfers. The apartment. The casino. Everything."

Silence.

"If my father isn’t found..." Moana’s eyes began to well up, "...I’ll destroy you along with this company."

Sean’s entire body tensed slightly. Not out of fear. But because, for the first time... he realized Moana was truly desperate now.

And a desperate person... be very dangerous.

★

The next day.

The Weasley Group lobby remained silent after Moana’s recent threat. A few staff members pretended to be busy working.

But everyone had clearly heard the conversation. And Sean hated that fact. His gaze remained fixed on the small flash drive in Moana’s hand.

The tiny object looked insignificant.

But its contents could be a bomb for a company already on the brink of collapse.

Moana took another step closer. Her eyes were red.

"I’m serious, Sean. Where is my dad? Where is my dad?!" Moana screamed.

Sean finally spoke softly.

"What the hell are you asking? Are you crazy?"