Chapter 409

Gu Manqi's nails dug deep into her palms as she clenched her fists.

For years, she had played the fool, enduring Margaret Valentine's tyranny—all for this moment.

Beatrice Valentine rose slowly, looking down at her with cold superiority.

"Do you know why you could never get Valentine Group shares?"

Gu Manqi's face turned deathly pale.

With a mocking smile, Beatrice pointed at Gregory Valentine.

"Do you know why he's such a failure?"

Gregory's head snapped up.

Then she gestured toward Cassandra Valentine.

"Do you know why she's just as useless?"

Cassandra trembled violently.

"Because..." Beatrice enunciated each word, "she isn't your daughter."

Cassandra staggered back, knocking over the coffee table.

"You're lying!" Gu Manqi's lips quivered.

Beatrice calmly produced a document.

"Paternity test results. Care to see?"

Gregory lunged forward and snatched the report.

"Impossible!" He stared at the conclusion in disbelief.

Beatrice regarded him with pity.

"You're not her biological son either."

Gregory froze as if struck by lightning.

"The best revenge..." Beatrice said leisurely, "isn't killing someone. It's making them watch everything they've built crumble to dust."

Gu Manqi's legs gave way, collapsing to the floor.

"Gregory's downfall..." Beatrice smiled faintly, "was orchestrated by me."

Gregory's eyes burned with fury.

"As for last night's incident..." Beatrice glanced toward the entrance, "the police are already waiting outside."

Gu Manqi screamed, "You framed him!"

Beatrice shook her head.

"I didn't force him to commit statutory rape."

Gregory suddenly sprang at Beatrice.

Adrian Valentine stepped forward instantly, kicking him to the ground.

"Get away!" Gregory shoved Gu Manqi's outstretched hand. "I refuse to acknowledge you as my mother!"

Gu Manqi sat motionless, her face ashen.

Outside, police sirens grew louder.