Transmigrated: Stealing the CEO husband-Chapter 36: Defeated

The next morning, as Ariana's car rolled up to the office, she immediately noticed the chaos brewing at the entrance.

A crowd had gathered.

At the centre of it all, standing tall and smug, was Alexander, rallying furious investors, staff members, and even the media.

"We demand an explanation!"

"We want assurance for our funds!"

"Secretary Grey should be fired!"

Ariana sighed, rubbing her temples.

This bastard had actually invited the press. He wanted to publicly humiliate her and Luiss, using fear and mob pressure to force their hand.

Not only that, but he had recruited Steven—another senior staff member with a grudge—and even Margaret, Luiss's secretary.

Her patience thinned.

"And you thought your threat would quiet him?"

A voice, dripping with amusement, came from behind her.

Ariana turned to glare at David.

"David." Her voice was cold.

David raised his hands dramatically. "Hey, don't glare at me," he chuckled. "I'm still perched on my fence—safe and secure."

Then, with a lazy smirk, he sauntered away.

Ariana clenched her fists.

One of these days, she was going to use her system rewards to murder that man.

Straightening her shoulders, Ariana hardened her expression and strode toward the entrance.

Cameras were thrust into her face, reporters fired off rapid questions, and the executive protest grew louder.

Yet, Ariana didn't falter.

Her steps were calm. Confident. Unwavering.

Ignoring the angry voices and flashing cameras, she reached the elevator and made her way to the topmost floor.

Inside, Luiss was waiting.

Leaning back in his chair, a knowing smirk tugged at his lips as he watched her enter.

"Well then..." He exhaled, amusement lacing his tone. "Your 'I just know' got us more trouble than reward."

Ariana didn't respond immediately.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

Instead, she studied him.

No one in the staff knew just how deep the roots of Luiss's empire ran. But she did.

Because she had read the novel.

Luiss had connections to the underworld. What his executive team saw as a "risky, high-stakes investment" was nothing more than a minor project in Luiss's eyes.

That was why he was so casual about the uproar.

Ariana, however, was not as relaxed.

"I have a solution." She rolled up her sleeves. "Give me two hours."

She dove into past company records, eyes scanning through financial reports, contract history, and accounting statements.

Luiss leaned back, watching her work with mild curiosity.

In less than three hours, she was ready.

While Alexander and his supporters continued rallying investors downstairs, Ariana sent Liam to fetch him.Alexander was in the midst of strategizing with Steven when Liam approached.

"Secretary Grey has requested your presence on the top floor."

Alexander scoffed.

"Oh?"

"Looks like her arrogance has finally cracked," James sneered.

"I'm telling you," Steven added smugly, "until she yields to our demands, we're not moving."

"She must roll back the Skyline decision and resign—or we continue pressuring the company."

With the arrogance of a man who believed he had already won, Alexander strode confidently upstairs.

When Alexander entered the office, he was greeted by a sight he didn't expect.

Ariana sat comfortably behind her desk, a steady smile on her lips.

Not a single sign of nervousness.

Not a hint of fear.

Something about it made Alexander pause.

"Mr. Alexander," Ariana gestured neatly, "please, take a seat."

Still smug, Alexander obeyed.

"You finally understand your position now," he said, his voice dripping with self-satisfaction. "This is what happens when you make enemies out of the senior staff."

Ariana's smile didn't waver.

Instead, she leaned forward, plucked a thick file from her desk, and slid it across to him.

A single word left her lips.

"Read."

Alexander scoffed but flipped open the folder.

And the moment he did—

His face paled.

Bank statements.

Hidden offshore accounts.

Confessions from accountants.

Signed, sealed evidence of years of corruption.

Alexander's hands shook.

His throat went dry.

His entire career was laid bare on the pages before him.

"This... this is impossible..." he whispered.

Ariana tilted her head. "Oh?"

"You—you couldn't have—!" Alexander stammered. He had been careful. He had covered his tracks.

Or so he thought.

"Take your time," Ariana said, almost kindly. "Let it sink in."

She let the silence stretch.

Then, after a long, satisfying pause, she leaned in, resting her chin on her fisted hands.

"Now," her voice dropped to a whisper, deadly calm, "if I hand this over to President Luiss... you know what happens next, don't you?"

Alexander's blood ran cold.

Everyone in the company knew.

Luiss had zero tolerance for betrayal.

This wasn't just a matter of getting fired.

He'd be ruined.

The company's investigation department would tear him apart.

He might even end up behind bars.

Panic flickered in his eyes.

Ariana watched, enjoying the way his mask finally cracked.

For the first time since this battle began, Alexander looked... afraid.

"Now," Ariana sighed, placing a hand on her desk, "since you've had some time to process this..."

She leaned back, crossing her legs, a wicked smile playing at her lips.

"Let's talk about your next steps."

Alexander swallowed hard.

Ariana's smile didn't change.

She had him.

And he knew it.