C12 Everyone Has Their Secrets!

The next day, Toby Fuller sat at his desk, a red divorce certificate resting on the surface. After a moment's contemplation, he tossed it into the trash can. Just then, Assistant Benson approached respectfully. "Sir, Chairman Leon Aguilar from Strongview Group is on the line for you."

Khloe's father?

Toby picked up the phone, his voice steady. "Hello, Uncle Aguilar!"

The raspy voice of a middle-aged man came through. "Toby, has Khloe been well-behaved at your place these past few days? I haven't had the chance to visit her recently, so your aunt has been keeping her company. I'm concerned she might have some complaints."

"Uncle, rest assured," Toby replied calmly. "Khloe's recovery is going well, and my mother has been by her side frequently."

"That's good to hear," Leon Aguilar responded, a hint of probing in his tone. "I've come across some unsettling news. There are rumors that Khloe's car accident five years ago involved your ex-wife. Yesterday, when Khloe's mother visited, she tried to ask Khloe about it, but she avoided the subject. Toby, are you aware of what's going on?"

Toby paused, his lips pressed tightly together, not responding immediately.

"Toby, are you listening?"

After a brief silence, Toby frowned. "Yes, the accident did have some connection to Sonia Reed."

Leon's voice grew more earnest. "You know Khloe is the daughter I've always cherished. That accident nearly destroyed your aunt and me. When Khloe woke up, you were the first person she wanted to see. That alone shows the depth of her feelings for you. I trust you understand who matters more to you—Khloe or your ex-wife."

"I'm aware," Toby said, his eyes downcast.

The satisfaction was clear in Leon's voice. "Toby, I trust you're the man Khloe can rely on."

After the call, Toby sat in deep thought for a while before summoning Assistant Benson. "There's a task I need you to handle."

Outside the Brilliant Glory Group headquarters, Sonia Reed, Ryan Dwyer, and Connor emerged, the mood light. Connor, grinning, slung an arm over Ryan's shoulder. "That was quite a show. You really shook up those old guys—they looked so grim. You're impressive."

Sonia laughed along. "They've held a grudge against me since the embezzlement case five years ago. They're not ready to accept me as the new shareholder. But Ryan, your approach was spot-on, left them without a word to say."

She had never inquired how Ryan knew her grandfather or why he was so familiar with the company's affairs. Though Ryan was a model now, everyone has secrets. And she respected that.

Her grandfather had expended so much effort to secure a fifty percent stake in the company. She intended to use that leverage to solidify her position at Brilliant Glory and uncover the truth about the events from five years ago.

The Aguilar family would be dealt with in due time.

"Sonia, you're a woman of stature now," Connor said as they walked. "Your wardrobe should reflect that—no more giving people the chance to underestimate you. Let's go shopping for some new clothes and jewelry."

He drove them to an upscale boutique, a haven for high-society women, filled with luxurious garments and jewels.

Their pleasant outing, however, was abruptly interrupted by a piercing, venomous voice. "You little tramp, freeze!"

The insult was all too familiar.

Sonia's smile vanished as she turned to face Ruth Lee, hands on hips, eyes blazing with fury.

Ruth marched up to her, jabbing a finger at Sonia's nose. "You've shamed yourself with premarital infidelity, and now you're here, spending my son's hard-earned money with your lovers. Sonia Reed, how vile can you be?"

Ryan stepped protectively in front of Sonia, his anger palpable. "You'd do well to watch your tone."

Ruth scoffed, raising her voice to draw the attention of onlookers. "Look at this! This woman is a brazen hussy, squandering my son's money on her affairs right here in public!"