"So, you're asking me to use Franz Stedelen—once the heir of YAYA Company. Is that what you mean?" Thomas asked.
"Exactly, Monsieur Oak. I'm sure he still holds a deep grudge against Crimson Night," I replied with conviction.
"But he's in prison. Helping him escape won't be easy."
"In India… anything is possible. The assassination took place there—by me, in fact. Though he's been sentenced to years behind bars, we can still get him out—legally."
"Legally? That's great!" He leaned forward, intrigued. "But how?"
"While hacking into YAYA's system, I stumbled upon a massive property document—the late founder's, which was never signed. I got him to sign nearly everything… except that one document. It was my biggest mistake. But now, that mistake might become my greatest weapon."
"What exactly are you planning?" he asked.
"To use Franz, I'll have to manipulate CEO David Charlotte. Neither Elena Berge nor our boss—the one pulling strings behind all the captured companies—knows about this hidden property."
"Brilliant! That could change everything," he muttered.
"And if I convince David to…"
—I detailed the entire plan.
"But if our boss finds out, you're done."
"Let's see what he's capable of. For now, I want to see Elena fall from her high horse." I smirked.
"Do whatever you like. But I won't tolerate mistakes." He warned sternly.
"Thanks. But before you hang up—there's something you should know about Amber and Caroline."
"What?! Amber and Caroline Garnier? What about them?"
"They're best friends."
"F***! What?!"
"Yes—and there's more. While I was talking to Crimson Night, Caroline caught me red-handed."
"What? How?"
"I accidentally called from her bedroom. After I hung up, I realized she had been standing behind me the whole time."
"You should've killed her then and there. How could you mess up like that?"
"I panicked! She accused me of being from a secret organization. I had to strike a deal to keep her quiet."
"What kind of deal?"
"To find Caroline Garnier."
"You're screwed."
"They really are best friends. And now… I'll have to pretend I'm helping her."
"Caroline Garnier…" he muttered. "She may be blind, but sharing a bed with her was like setting the whole room on fire. She's sexy."
"Seriously?! That's disgusting. Don't forget, you're already deep into the mess created by the Vane organization. And what about your beloved late wife, Louna Oak?"
"Look, it was part of my job to seduce her. And she was blind—I didn't even need to disguise myself. Just wore her boyfriend's mask and took her from her rented apartment."
"Disgusting thug!"
"I buried her in an unmarked spot. Then disappeared into the shadows."
"And what if someone finds her?"
"No one will. Except maybe her boyfriend. If he asks Amber about Caroline's whereabouts… we'll both be in serious trouble. They might go to the cops."
"Then what's our plan?"
"Nothing. I've collected all the evidence that could expose us and sealed it in a single file. Tomorrow, I'll hand it over to Crimson Night."
"So this is our last conversation about them. After tomorrow, we'll have no freedom left to act against them."
"Exactly. Now focus. Collect intel on David and get your revenge."
"Yes, sir."
Call disconnected.
The Next Morning — Velvéra Office
"Good morning, Mr. CEO," I greeted politely.
"Good morning, Ms. Caroline," he replied.
I glanced around, confirming we were alone. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, I slammed the table.
"I have good news for you, sir."
He raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"There's a large property under YAYA Company—secretly named after Franz Stedelen, the Indian Christian currently in prison."
"What?! And?"
"Don't you want that property? I can make sure it becomes yours—legally."
He leaned forward. "How? He's in jail. Do you think he'd agree?"
I smirked. "Do you know why he's behind bars? After being ousted from the company, he was furious—and killed his own father." I leaned closer.
His eyes widened.
"He also hates Elena Berge. And she has no idea this property even exists. If you make a deal with him—offer revenge and freedom—he'll gladly sign it over to you. We can file for a presidential pardon in India to get him released legally."
He touched his chin, considering. "I don't really know how that process works…"
"Don't worry," I smirked.
"That's why I'm here."