Chapter 168

Vivian Laurent tossed the choice to Natalie Valrose.

Confess.

Or deny.

Confession meant full responsibility.

Denial risked facing Vivian's potential evidence.

Natalie's fingers trembled.

She remembered the restaurant incident.

Vivian had worn that same confident expression then.

It had all been an elaborate mind game.

"I won't play your game," Natalie hissed through clenched teeth.

Vivian's lips curved. "Scared?"

Her gaze flicked to Vincent Valrose.

"Shall we review the evidence together?"

Natalie's breathing turned ragged.

"What evidence?"

"The recording of you bribing the supplier." Vivian's voice was soft. "And the bank transfers."

Ethan Roscente produced his phone at the perfect moment.

"Shall I dial 911 for you?"

His tone could have frozen hell.

Beads of sweat formed on Natalie's forehead.

The Roscente legal team's reputation preceded them.

Once authorities got involved...

"I just wanted to teach you a lesson!" Natalie blurted.

Vivian's eyes sharpened like daggers.

"So you admit it?"

"No!" Natalie backpedaled frantically.

Ethan's thumb hovered over the call button.

"Wait!" Natalie clutched her head, crumbling. "I...I was involved."

Her voice dwindled to a whisper.

"But I never meant to hurt anyone..."

Vivian turned to Vincent.

"Hear that?"

Bitter fury simmered beneath her words.

"All because of your petty jealousy?"

She pointed toward the collapsed construction site outside.

"Do you realize how many could have died?"

Natalie hunched her shoulders.

"They'd have caught it during inspection..."

Her weak justification hung in the air.

"I just wanted you to lose money..."

Vivian's laugh was ice.

"Using innocent lives to get back at me?"

Ethan's screen illuminated the dim room.

The numbers 911 glowed like an accusation.