Dennis Webb's private life was anything but pristine. With the aid of a private investigator generously funded by Caroline Webb, uncovering evidence of his nights of debauchery and infidelity was no Herculean task. Armed with this dirt, Caroline confidently arrived on time for the shareholders' meeting.
Just as she was about to enter the elevator on the first floor, she noticed Dennis was already inside. Caroline paused, feigning a moment of hesitation, before heading towards another private elevator. As she anticipated, Dennis, basking in his own self-importance, followed her.
"What are you doing here? Ah, you're standing in for my useless uncle, aren't you?" Dennis sneered as the elevator doors closed, leaning in too close for comfort. "Enjoying my uncle's company? You'll regret it soon!"
"I'll soon replace him as the head of the Webb family, taking everything from him... just like you taught me!" Unexpectedly, Caroline recoiled, clutching her collar defensively, retreating to the corner like a startled rabbit. "You're speaking to an elder, you know."
Dennis laughed, oblivious to Caroline's behavior, and went on. "I'll prove I can take everything from the Webb family without your help!"
As Dennis inched closer, Caroline suddenly wore a mysterious smile and softly asked, "Do you boast like this in bed too?"
Dennis froze, rage flashing in his eyes like a feral animal. He raised his hand as if to strike Caroline, but she swiftly dodged aside, shielding her right cheek as if she had been hit.
Just then, the elevator arrived at a stop, and Caroline, feigning fear, glanced at Dennis, then hurried out, still clutching her cheek.
"Don't get too full of yourself, you little snake! I saved your skin; you'll thank me eventually!" Dennis fumed, left alone in the elevator, pounding the advertisement panel until his anger subsided. Unbeknownst to him, the modified security camera captured everything.
…
At the Webb family shareholders' meeting, Caroline attended on behalf of Simon Webb. However, the family elders paid her little heed. With whispers about Simon Webb's declining health circulating, eyes were on Dennis Webb as the likely heir.
Dennis delivered his speech smoothly, while Caroline feigned meekness, waiting until Dennis reached the crescendo of his address—
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm concerned that young Mr. Webb may not be suitable for this role," Caroline stood up suddenly, eyes wide with feigned innocence. "Young Mr. Webb suffers from severe bipolar disorder, which could jeopardize the Webb family's future."
Dennis retorted arrogantly, "Who do you think you are? Shut up!"
In the next instant, the large screen behind him flickered and displayed footage Caroline had prepared: Dennis pushing Caroline in front of the press, Dennis attacking Caroline in the elevator, Dennis's furious outbursts, his eyes wild and bloodshot—
The room went eerily silent.
"I don't mind suffering a little," Caroline dabbed her eyes as if shedding tears, "if young Mr. Webb berates me, I can endure it."
Dennis's eyes blazed with rage, about to lash out, but his father's stern cough halted him. A voice from the crowd admonished Dennis: "How can this happen? No matter what Caroline did, she's still your aunt—you can't lay hands on your elder!"
"If Dennis does indeed have psychological issues, we might need to reconsider the heir—"
Caroline wiped away her pretend tears, a subtle smile gracing her lips, and added another twist: "Psychological issues are one thing, but my main concern is how young Mr. Webb's unsavory private life might tarnish the Webb family!"
The screen switched again, showing images of Dennis with various women.
"That's rubbish! I'm a man; it's only natural to have relations. What's wrong with a bit of affection? Who cares if someone exposes it!" Dennis shouted.
Caroline looked him in the eye, "Do you know who sent me these photos? Someone handed me the evidence of you with those women, hoping the Webb family would try to hush it up!"
"In one video, you're with my sister! I can't believe your nerve. My sister is only 22 but looks much younger. How could you lie and take advantage of her?"
Dennis's mind went blank, unable to process Caroline's implications. A nearby voice pressed him further, "Dennis, tell us the truth. Did you ever... cross a line?"
Dennis shouted his denial, "No way! I didn't. She's making it up, don't trust her!"
Caroline put on a sorrowful expression, sitting back down, "I'm not here to meddle in Webb family affairs, but I've warned you of the consequences..."
With the Webb family's eyes set on leadership and Dennis's scandal hanging over him, his suitability was now in question. Without Caroline's support, Dennis looked about as useful as a paper tiger!
In the ensuing hours, Dennis's family plans began to unravel. Dennis sat, pallid and seething, longing to get his hands on Caroline.
As his father was overcome by a heart attack and called for help, the meeting was put on hold.
Caroline left, feeling victorious. As she exited, she was startled to see the family doctor rushing past. What on earth was happening with the Webbs?
