---- Chapter 9 The trio exchanged glances before Michael started hesitantly, ''We don't have jobs or a place to stay-" "Money!" Jeremy blurted before Howard forcefully stomped down on his foot. A soft chuckle escaped me. "At least you're honest." Charles turned to me, silently asking for my decision. I gave him a slight nod, and he left the living room. "You betrayed me and hurt Grandpa, and now you're shamelessly begging for mercy? Who gave you the nerve?" I hissed, my voice as cold as ice. All three of them turned deathly pale, and they started trembling. Then, I shifted my tone. "But considering that Grandpa once mentored the three of you, I'm willing to give you another chance." Hope immediately flared in their eyes, and Michael was so excited his voice quivered. ---- "T knew you still loved me, Ariel!" "Stop! Enough. I'm not worthy of that so-called love of yours," I interrupted him coldly. "T'm only giving you a chance because I don't want Grandpa's efforts in mentoring you to go to waste. There are a few entry-level positions at Kingston Group. You can start from the bottom." Though they were entry-level positions, to the three of them who had nothing right now, it was still a lifeline, and they stumbled over themselves to show their gratitude. I stood up and looked down at them. "Remember, this is your last chance. If you show even a hint of disloyalty, I'm sure you'll know what will be waiting for you." The trio felt like they had been pardoned, and they repeatedly swore their loyalty. After they left, Charles emerged from the shadows and handed me a folder. ---- "All the evidence is here. You just need to give the word." I opened the folder and looked through the documents containing irrefutable proof of their collusion with Coldwell Realty. "We'll wait until the day of our wedding. That's when they'll get what's coming to them." Charles gently stroked my hair, his eyes full of tenderness. "Are you really intending to let them work at Kingston Group?" I leaned into his embrace as my lips curled up intoa mocking smile. "Of course not. They're putting on a good show, aren't they? So, I thought I'd let them continue all the way until the final act. The real show is only just starting now." Charles pressed a gentle kiss on my forehead. "What a wily fox you are." That night, I had the sweetest dream.