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I’ll write Chapter 64 – Betrayal’s Web and a Powerful Rescue, adhering to the length requirement of 1000-1200 words and maintaining first–person narrative from Hazel’s perspective. I’ll ensure the plot follows the summary provided and connects logically to the previous chapter.
# Chapter 64 – Betrayal’s Web and a Powerful Rescue
The stark fluorescent lights of the Tax Bureau interrogation room made my skin look sickly pale as I sat rigidly in an uncomfortable metal chair. My phone and tablet had been confiscated at the entrance, leaving me feeling naked and vulnerable.
“Ms. Ashworth, do you understand why you’re here?” Inspector Chen asked, her tone clipped and professional as she spread several documents across the table between us. “No, I genuinely don’t,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the panic bubbling inside me. “I’ve never heard of Ocean Trading Company before today.”
Inspector Chen raised an eyebrow. “According to these documents, you are the majority shareholder of Ocean Trading Company as of three weeks ago.”
My heart dropped like a stone. “That’s impossible. I never purchased shares in any such company.”
She slid a document toward me, and I felt the blood drain from my face as I recognized the signature at the bottom. It was mine–or rather, a perfect forgery of mine.
“This can’t be right,” I whispered, my mind racing. “This has to be some kind of mistake.”
Then it hit me like a truck. Three weeks ago. Right after Ivy’s death. While I was grieving and distracted, my father had made his move.
“My father,” I said, the pieces falling into place. “Harrison Ashworth. He must have forged my signature to transfer ownership to me.”
Inspector Wu, who had been silently observing, spoke up. “That’s a serious accusation, Ms. Ashworth.”
“It’s the truth,” I insisted. Why would I suddenly acquire a company I know nothing
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about? A company that apparently owes millions in back taxes?”
Inspector Chen’s face remained impassive. “Perhaps to shield your father from liability? Family businesses often shift assets to protect key members.”
I laughed bitterly. “My father and I aren’t exactly close. He’s been trying to sabotage my fashion business for years. This is just his latest attempt.”
“Do you have proof of that?” Inspector Li asked, speaking for the first time.
I felt frustration building in my chest. “My lawyer will provide documentation of our estrangement and previous incidents. But right now, I need you to understand that I had no knowledge of this company, no involvement in its operations, and certainly no part in any tax evasion.”
Inspector Chen scribbled some notes. “We’ll need access to your financial records and communication history with your father.”
“Take whatever you need,” I said firmly. “You won’t find anything connecting me to this tax fraud because there isn’t anything to find.”
Three hours later, I was still answering the same questions, rephrased slightly each time. My throat was dry, my head pounding, and my lawyer’s calls were apparently “being processed.”
“How much longer will this take?” I asked, checking the clock on the wall for the hundredth time.
“As long as necessary, Ms. Ashworth,” Inspector Chen replied. “Tax evasion of this magnitude requires thorough investigation.”
“I understand that, but I’m telling you, I’m being set up. My father knew his company was about to be audited, so he transferred ownership to me without my knowledge.”
“That would be quite sophisticated fraud,” Inspector Wu remarked.
“My father is nothing if not sophisticated when it comes to screwing people over,” I muttered. “He stole my maternal grandparents‘ business, abandoned my mother, and has been trying to destroy me for years. This is just his latest attack.”
A knock at the door interrupted us. A junior officer entered and whispered something to Inspector Chen. Her expression changed subtly as she nodded.
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“Ms. Ashworth, you’re free to go for now,” she announced, gathering her papers.
I blinked in surprise. “Just like that? What changed?”
Before she could answer, the door opened again. My heart skipped a beat as Damien Sterling walked in, looking impeccably composed in a tailored charcoal suit. His eyes found mine immediately, concern evident in his gaze despite his neutral expression.
“Mr. Sterling, Inspector Chen said, her tone notably more respectful. “I didn’t expect you to come personally.”
“Some matters require personal attention,” Damien replied smoothly. “I trust everything has been clarified?”
“Yes, sir. The bureau chief has reviewed the situation. Ms. Ashworth will be treated as a witness, not a suspect, going forward.”
I looked between them in confusion. What just happened?
“Excellent,” Damien said, then extended his hand to me. “Shall we, Hazel?”
Still stunned, I took his hand and stood up on shaky legs. Damien guided me out with a gentle hand at the small of my back, nodding politely to the inspectors as we left.
We walked through the building in silence, with staff members practically jumping out of Damien’s way. The bureau chief himself appeared to personally escort us to the exit, apologizing profusely for the “misunderstanding.”
Only when we reached Damien’s car did I finally find my voice.
“How did you know I was here?” I asked.
Damien helped me into the passenger seat before answering. “Chloe called me. She saw something on social media about you being taken in for questioning.”
“And you just… what? Snapped your fingers and made the investigation disappear?” I couldn’t keep the amazement from my voice.
He smiled slightly as he slid into the driver’s seat. “I simply pointed out certain inconsistencies in the case that suggested you were being framed. The bureau agreed to reconsider their approach.”
“Just like that?” I stared at him in disbelief.
(3)
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“Would you like to call Chloe? She’s been worried.” He handed me his phone, deftly changing the subject.
I hesitated before taking it. The moment I accepted the call, Chloe’s panicked voice filled the car.
“Hazel? Are you okay? Those tax bureau vultures didn’t rough you up, did they? I was about to storm the place myself before I called my brother!”
Despite everything, I laughed. “I’m fine, Chloe. Your brother worked some kind of miracle.”
“That’s what he does,” she said with obvious pride. “He’s bringing you to lunch, right? You must be starving after that ordeal.”
I glanced at Damien, who nodded.
“Apparently I am,” I told her.
“Good! I’d join you, but I have rehearsal. Call me later on your own phone, okay? They did give that back, right?”
“Yes, they returned everything,” I assured her.
After we hung up, Damien drove us to an elegant but discreet restaurant. Once we were seated in a private corner booth, I finally felt the tension leave my body. The gravity of what had just happened–and what could have happened without Damien’s intervention–hit me full force.
“Thank you,” I said quietly. “I don’t know how you did it, but thank you.”
Damien’s eyes softened. “You don’t need to thank me, Hazel.”
“I do,” I insisted. “My father set me up to take the fall for his crimes. If you hadn’t shown up…”
He reached across the table and took my hand, his touch sending warmth up my arm. “I’ll always show up for you,” he said simply.
My heart fluttered at both his words and the intensity in his eyes. After ordering our meals, Damien looked at me thoughtfully.
“I heard they took you in to investigate your father’s company’s tax issues?”
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That simple question, asked so gently, opened the floodgates. I found myself ready to confide everything about my father’s betrayal to the man who had just rescued me. from its consequences.
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