One Screenshot to Burn an Empire Chapter 06

One Screenshot to Burn an Empire Chapter 06

A classic escape. 1

Looking at Cassia, limp on the sofa, I almost wanted to applaud.

Her timing was perfect.

Using a “faint” to halt the interrogation just before her lie was exposed-a

textbook move.

Julian’s reaction was just as predictable.

He instinctively moved to help her.

“Don’t move.”

I spoke coldly, stopping him in his tracks.

He froze, looking back at me, his expression a mix of anger and confusion.

“She fainted!”

“Did she?” I walked to the sofa, bent down, and studied Cassia’s pale, still

face.

Then I reached into my handbag, pulled out my phone, and switched to video recording.

I aimed it at her face.

“Since Miss Cassia is so unwell, perhaps we should call the family doctor,” I said slowly, my voice clear for the recording.

“We’ll have her sent to the hospital for a full workup. See if it’s low blood sugar or a sudden heart attack.”

“And while we’re at it, we can have the doctor check for ‘histrionic personality disorder.”

As I spoke, I saw Cassia’s eyelids twitch.

It was subtle, but I saw it.

And Julian, who was not a fool, saw it too.

His face turned ashen.

The air in the office became thick with unspoken accusations.

One person feigning unconsciousness. Another holding a phone, recording. And a third standing by, his face a thundercloud.

This act could not go on.

I turned off the phone, stood up, and dismissed the “patient” on the sofa with

a glance.

I turned to Julian, the last trace of amusement gone from my face.

“Julian, I have no more interest in watching this farce.”

My voice was calm, but held an unassailable finality.

“I didn’t come here to listen to your excuses or to catch you in the act.”

“I came to take what’s mine.”

Julian frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” I walked behind his desk, pulled out the chair that symbolized the highest authority-the Don’s chair-and sat down.

I leaned back against the leather, my hands clasped on the polished wood.

looked up at him, my gaze scrutinizing.

“From the day the Griffin family was founded, my name has been written alongside yours in the charter. I am a co-founder of this family. I possess an indisputable bloodright of inheritance. Correct?”

Julian’s pupils contracted.

He clearly hadn’t expected this.

“Yes, but…”

“No buts,” I cut him off. “As Principessa and co-founder, I have the right to challenge any action that harms the family’s interests and honor, and to exercise my authority.”

I paused, watching his face darken, and then announced each word with precision.

“You, Julian Griffin, as Don of this family, engaged in an improper relationship with your assistant, Cassia Shaw. That relationship was made public, triggering a severe crisis for our reputation.”

“This matter has caused irreparable damage to the family’s prestige and is already affecting our business.”

“That’s nonsense! We didn’t have a relationship! And the business is not…

“The Volkovs hijacked two of our shipments and raided a front yesterday,” I interrupted him coldly. “So, in my capacity as Aurelia Rhodes, heir to the Griffin family, I am formally proposing an emergency sit-down.”

“There are two items on the agenda.”

I held up two fingers.

“First, an immediate hit on assistant Cassia Shaw. Reason: betrayal and damaging the family’s honor.”

“Second, you, Julian Griffin, will surrender your pin and temporarily step down and undergo an internal investigation. During your absence, I will take your place as acting Don.”

“You’re insane!” Julian finally exploded, slamming his fist on the desk with a loud crack. “Aurelia, this is the family we built together! You can’t do this!”

“It is precisely because we built it together that I refuse to stand by and watch you destroy it over your chaotic personal life.”

My voice was colder, harder than his.

“Julian, you’re missing the point.”

“This isn’t a marital spat. This is about the survival of our family.”

I stood up, walked around the desk until I was right in front of him, and looked him straight in the eye.

Tm giving you one hour to notify all core members of an online meeting. In one hour, I expect to see you and your debriefing report in the conference

room.”

*As for the one on the sofa…* I glanced at Cassia, who was still playing dead.

“The family’s cleanup crew will deal with her. Let her disappear with dignity.”

After that, without another glance at him, I turned, opened the door, and

walked out.

I walked out, leaving him and the woman still playing her part to stare at my resolute back.

Outside the door, the entire office was silent.

They had all seen the ice on my face and heard the crack of his fist on the

desk.

They knew this storm was far from over.

The real war had just begun.