Chaos in Heels

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There were gasps. Actual gasps. Rippled through the room as Ren connected his tablet to the projector, replacing Dominique's graphs with a very different set of data.

"These are the actual Sandersen project reports, which I personally filed two days ago," Ren continued calmly. "As you can see, the project is not only meeting expectations but exceeding them. Customer satisfaction metrics are at 92% positive, and we're currently under budget by approximately 12%."

Dominique's face had gone from smug to ashen in record time. "There must be some mistake—"

"The only mistake," Trevor interjected, standing up and holding a folder, "was assuming no one would check the metadata on your files. I have here the digital forensic analysis proving these documents were created on your personal device and backdated to appear legitimate."

Nico stood next. "And I have three witness statements from Zuo Enterprises employees who saw you slip something to Deja just before the announcement of the project's supposed failure."

"I—that's not—" Dominique sputtered.

"And I," Lily chimed in, standing dramatically, "have video of you telling someone on the phone—and I quote—'Once Deja's out of the picture, Ren will have no choice but to work directly with me on all joint ventures.' End quote. Recorded in the ladies' room at the Marriott during the beach retreat. The acoustics in there are amazing, by the way."

"YOU RECORDED ME IN THE BATHROOM?!" Dominique shrieked.

"I was in a stall, you were by the sinks," Lily shrugged. "Public space, no expectation of privacy when you're loudly plotting corporate sabotage while checking your lipstick."

The boardroom had erupted into chaos. Mr. Yao frantically banged his gavel, trying to restore order. Mrs. Zuo was staring daggers at Dominique, while Mr. Zuo looked like he was developing a migraine in real time. Nai Nai was clearly living her best life, watching the proceedings with undisguised glee.

"Order!" Mr. Yao finally managed. "Miss. Duval, these accusations are extremely serious. Do you have anything to say?"

Dominique looked around wildly, like a cornered animal. "This is obviously a coordinated attack! They're working together to frame me!"

Mrs. Moreau smiled sweetly. "Just like how you tried to frame my daughter?"

"I was only trying to protect the company!" Dominique insisted, voice wobbling. "Deja isn't even qualified for her position—everyone knows she only got it because of her engagement to Ren!"

"Oh wow, we're doing conspiracy theories now," Deja said, clapping slowly. "Should we talk about how the moon landing was faked too, or are we keeping it corporate today?"

"It's Mr Zuo" Ren said, his voice cutting through the noise like a laser, "And Deja was hired because of her exceptional track record in corporate consultancy and her innovative approach to customer-centered design. Our engagement came after her appointment, not before."

"A fact that would have been obvious to anyone who bothered to check the timeline," Mr. Moreau added pointedly.

Dominique's head snapped toward him, eyes wide. "Uncle David, please—you know I've worked with Moreau Logistics for years! You watched me grow up! I've been loyal, I've given everything—this is family!"

Mr. Moreau's expression was unreadable at first—still, quiet. Then: "And family doesn't stab family in the back for a promotion."

"I made a mistake!" Dominique cried, inching toward him. "I panicked—I thought Deja was going to ruin everything, and I—look, I just wanted to protect the company name!"