Chapter 7
With Hale’s evidence in hand, our position grew stronger.
But it also brought new levels of risk.
Father hired additional security, and we changed our daily routines frequently to avoid being tracked.
Lila was never left alone, and her room was the most secure in the house.
In the boardroom, tensions exploded.
At the first meeting where I attended as a major shareholder, Helen sat at the head of the table, looking like a queen on her throne.
“Elena,” she said with a cold smile. “I see you have decided to play businesswoman. But you do not understand how this world works. You cannot come in and take what belongs to our family.”
“Langford Group belongs to its shareholders,” I replied calmly. “And right now, I represent nearly 40% of them. I have every right to ask questions.”
I placed copies of Hale’s documents on the table.
“Questions like why funds were moved to accounts in the Cayman Islands,” I said. “Or why we sold our most profitable factory for half its worth to a company owned by your cousin.”
The room went dead silent.
Helen’s face flushed red.
“That is confidential business strategy! You have no right to access those files!”
“I have the right to protect my investment,” I said. “And to protect the reputation of this company from being destroyed by fraud.”
Chaos erupted.
Directors began shouting, demanding answers, asking for independent audits.
Helen tried to regain control, but for the first time, her authority was openly challenged.
Outside the meeting, the news leaked fast.
*Langford Group Faces Fraud Investigation — Major Shareholder Raises Serious Concerns.*
The stock price dropped sharply.
Investors panicked.
And suddenly, the shares we had been buying became available in large numbers.
But as the tide turned, so did Helen’s desperation.
One evening, while walking in the private garden with Lila in her stroller, a stranger approached the gate.
He claimed to be a nurse sent by the pediatrician.
Our security team stopped him immediately.
When they checked his ID, it turned out to be fake.
A search of his bag revealed a syringe and a vial of unknown liquid.
I stood frozen, clutching Lila to my chest.
They had tried to get to her.
Father called the police, but we all knew who was behind it.
That night, Helen called me, and this time she didn’t bother hiding her anger.
“You are pushing too far, Elena,” she spat. “You think you are safe behind your walls and guards? The world is bigger than your father’s money. If you do not stop, next time we won’t miss.”
I gripped the phone until my knuckles turned white.
“You tried to kill me once,” I said. “And now you try to hurt my baby? Every threat you make is another reason we will never stop until you have nothing left.”
I hung up and turned to Father.
“We have to move faster,” I said. “We have to take full control before she can strike again.”
He nodded.
“I agree. We will make our final offer to the remaining shareholders tomorrow. If they accept, we will hold 52% of the company. But it will be expensive, and it will bring everything to a head.”
I looked down at Lila, sleeping peacefully in my arms.
“Whatever it costs,” I said. “It is worth it.”
But as we prepared for the final push, Hale came to us again, looking terrified.
“Someone followed me,” he said. “They left a note on my car. They know I talked. And they say if the company changes hands, everyone involved will pay.”
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The danger was no longer just to us.
It was spreading to everyone who helped us.
