Chapter 15 Audit
Ariana Cole didn’t need her mother’s approval.
She had built herself into a woman who could stand on her own, who could dismantle empires without a
second thought.
But as she and Victoria Cole sat at an exclusive five–star restaurant, sipping fine wine while discussing the calculated destruction of Liam Carter, Ariana couldn’t deny–her mother’s approval felt damn good.
Victoria swirled her wine glass, watching Ariana over the rim with the sharp, knowing gaze that had
intimidated CEOS and socialites alike for decades.
“I assume you’ve thought three steps ahead,” Victoria mused.
Ariana smirked. “At least five.”
A waiter appeared, placing their entrees in front of them–grilled salmon with truffle risotto for Ariana, filet mignon for Victoria. The restaurant was quiet, filled with only the most elite clientele, ensuring that whatever they discussed would remain in these walls.
Victoria cut into her steak with practiced ease. “Liam is predictable. He will fight to keep control, but his ego
will make him sloppy.”
Ariana took a bite of her salmon, nodding. “That’s exactly what I’m counting on.”
Victoria’s lips curled in approval. “Good. But be careful. Men like him don’t go down without making a mess.”
Ariana smirked. Let him try.
They ate in silence for a moment before Victoria spoke again. “I assume you’ve accounted for obstacles?”
Ariana exhaled. “Liam is slippery. But even the best liars slip up eventually.”
Victoria took another sip of her wine. “Just make sure he doesn’t drag you down with him.”
Ariana met ho
“I won’t.”
gaze, her dark
Victoria smirked,
interesting afternoon.”
eyes unwavering.
ng her glass down. “Then finish your meal, sweetheart. You’re about to have a very
Ariana lifted her glass, toasting to that.
Carter Enterprises Headquarters
1:45 PM
Liam Carter had a headache.
A splitting, unbearable headache.
The moment he stepped into his office that morning, his phone had been ringing nonstop–investors, board members, legal advisors, all demanding answers.
Because somehow–**someway–**an anonymous tip had reached the Financial Crimes Division, and now? His company was under audit.
Liam slammed his phone onto his desk, pinching the bridge of his nose. His office–usually a space of calm,
control, and authority–now felt like a battlefield.
Outside, he could hear his assistant snapping at reporters, his legal team scrambling to handle the fallout.
And he knew.
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He knew who was responsible.
Ariana
She was playing dirty.
And worse?
She was winning.
Just then, the door swung open, and Sienna stepped inside, her expression tight.
“They’re here,” she said, her voice lower than usual. “The auditors. They want to see everything.”
Liam’s jaw locked.
He had been prepared for battles before.
But never against Ariana Cole.
He exhaled sharply, standing. “Fine. Let’s handle it.”
Sienna hesitated, watching him closely. “You’re sure?”
Liam met her gaze, masking the storm inside him.
“I’m sure.”
But the truth?
He wasn’t sure of anything anymore.
Two government auditors–a middle–aged man with graying hair and a sharp–eyed woman with an unreadable expression–sat in the conference room, folders stacked in front of them.
Liam took a seat across from them, his posture perfect, controlled. Sienna sat beside him, a notepad in hand, playing the role of loyal secretary and girlfriend.
The lead auditor, Michael Langley, adjusted his glasses before speaking. “Mr. Carter, thank you for your cooperation. Given the nature of the allegations, we will be reviewing Carter Enterprises‘ financial records, employee transactions, and offshore accounts.”
Liam nodded smoothly, though his pulse thundered. “Of course. My company is completely transparent.”
Langley offered a thin smile. “We’ll see.”
Sienna remained still, but inside, she was panicking.
She had seen things–odd transactions, unusual movements of money–but Liam had always assured her it was
normal business.
But now?
Now, she wasn’t so sure.
The auditors flipped through documents, making notes, exchanging glances.
Every time they underlined something, Liam fought the urge to snap.
Hours passed. Numbers were checked. Statements were questioned.
Until finally, Langley set his pen down.
Liam inhaled sharply, waiting.
“Mr. Carter,” Langley said, “as of now, we don’t have enough to make an official case.”
Silence.
Liam’s fingers curled into fists beneath the table. “Meaning?”
“Meaning,” the woman auditor cut in, “that while there are inconsistencies, they aren’t legally incrimina
Liam forced his relief not to show.
Sienna, however, exhaled loudly.
Langley continued, “However–this does not mean you’re in the clear. We will continue monitoring your accounts. Any further discrepancies, and we will reopen the investigation.”
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List nodded smoothly, despite the tension in his trancles.
“Understood,” he said
The auditors packed up their files and left, leaving the room silent
The moment the door shut, Sienna turned to him
Her eyes were wide. “You were actually scared”
Liam scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculon”
Sienna leaned doser, searching his face. “Liam… was there anything to find?”
His patience snapped
“Enough, Sienna. His tone was sharp, final. “It’s over.”
Sienna swallowed but nodded, sensing she had pushed too far.
After a long moment, she reached for his hand.
“We’ll get through this,” she murmured.
Liam didn’t answer immediately.
Then, finally, he squeezed her fingers.
But in the back of his mind, one thought remained.
Ariana Gole had declared war.
And he wasn’t going down without a fight.
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