Mr. Winston Sr. had lived through enough storms in his lifetime.
Liam wasn't his only grandson.
His wayward son had sired countless illegitimate children, all vying for a piece of the Winston fortune.
With so many heirs, each one became expendable.
Liam's obsession with that gold-digging woman had cost him his grandfather's favor.
His absence from the wedding spoke volumes.
"Sophia, don't worry," the old man said firmly. "I've carefully curated the guest list for my birthday banquet."
He paused, then added, "Only my closest friends will attend. You won't face any discomfort."
His sharp eyes missed nothing.
"You've been working nonstop lately. I was abroad and couldn't check on you."
His tone softened with concern. "Let me introduce you to some contacts. Build your own business. Financial independence gives you power."
This was genuine advice, spoken from the heart.
"Men are optional," he scoffed. "In the end, you can only rely on yourself."
Sophia lowered her lashes, a faint smile touching her lips. "Thank you, Mr. Winston."
His kindness moved her.
They'd only known each other three years, yet he treated her like family even after her divorce.
Refusing would be ungrateful.
"I'll be there," she promised softly.
The old man stroked his beard, nodding approvingly. "Good! I'll be waiting."
To put her at ease, he added, "I built Winston Group from scratch. Though retired, I still hold controlling shares."
His voice turned steely. "No one touches them. At my age, I've seen how blood ties mean nothing when money's involved."
A cold laugh escaped him. "Plenty of blind fools would sell their souls for wealth."
Sophia's gaze flickered.
Blind fools?
She sensed hidden meaning in his words.
"Don't overthink it," he clarified. "I'm not talking about Liam. That boy's just plain stupid—no amount of money can fix that."
Sophia chuckled.
Only a grandfather could criticize his heir so bluntly.
"I'll be there on time," she assured him.
——
Winston Mansion.
Liam slammed the financial reports onto his desk.
"How is this possible?" His face darkened. "The company's been losing millions annually, yet it's still standing?"
His jaw clenched. "Someone's embezzling funds from within!"
Losses this massive couldn't be accidental.
But without proof, it remained speculation.
Chloe stood nearby, sensing an opportunity.
Sophia's handiwork, no doubt.
"Money isn't the issue," she soothed, leaning against Liam. "But we can't let this slide. Others might follow suit."
Her eyes scanned the flawless reports, calculations flashing behind her demure expression.
"Perhaps the subsidiary has a mole. Rumor says the acting CEO, Mr. York, is quite charming for his age."
She paused meaningfully. "And... he's rather close to Sophia."
Liam's pupils contracted, his entire demeanor icing over.
"York?" His voice dropped to subzero temperatures. "Let's see just how close they really are."