Chapter 26

A stunned silence took hold of Kayla, her eyes widening with a mixture of fear and confusion.

Catching the flicker of panic in her expression, Jeremy's harsh exterior melted ever so slightly before he let her go.

Without wasting a second, Kayla slid away toward the window, her fingers absently massaging her sore jaw.

"I just need answers about Perennia Group. That's all."

Determination radiated from her voice, making it clear she wouldn't back down.

Loosening his tie,Jeremy kept his face impassive. "Edwin's people found a mess-phony investors, cooked financials, and some serious tax evasion."

"You're kidding! That can't be true!"

Signs of trouble had always haunted the back of her mind, especially with Liam so desperate for North Investment's support, but this revelation felt much darker than she ever expected.

Suddenly,she realized just how badly Liam had botched things, crossing the line into illegal territory for a quick profit.

A folder landed in her lap as Jeremy tossed it over. "If you don't believe me, have a look for yourself."

Papers rustled as Kayla flipped through the folder, eyes racing over line after line of damning evidence.

The blood drained from her cheeks as Jeremy continued, "Trying to reclaim Cooper Group? I wouldn't bother. There's nothing left to save."

Every asset had been stripped. Liam hadn't just mismanaged-he'd bled Cooper Group dry, leaving only debts behind.

Shock hit Kayla so hard she could barely breathe. m to ruin everything.

An unreadable look crossed Jeremy's face as he watched her reaction. "Liam's been busy, hasn't he? Even if you get it back, Cooper Group is worthless now."

"That company is my mother's legacy. I don't care how bad things are. I'm taking it back."

The intensity in her voice caught Jeremy's attention, making him study her a moment longer.

A sleek estate came into view as the car glided to a stop.

Twisting around, Edwin said, "We've arrived, Mr. Graham."

"I'll leave you to your meeting, then," Kayla said, reaching for the door.

Before she could step out, an assistant approached, offering a quick update. "Mr. Graham, Mr. Nicolson wanted you to know that Mr. Newton's already inside and waiting for you."

Mr.Newton?

Kayla paused-one foot hung in the air before she slid back into the seat.

"Understood." Jeremy nodded, catching the look on her face. "Was there something you wanted to ask?"

Curiosity piqued, Kayla leaned in and asked, "Are you talking about the president of Newton Group?"

From what she'd read in the reports, it looked like Liam had put Cooper Group up as collateral with Newton Group.

If her hunch was correct, getting close to Mr. Newton could be her only way forward.

Suspicion flickered in Jeremy's gaze as he seemed to size up her motives. With a slight nod,he said,"That's right."

Not missing a beat, Kayla offered him a bright smile. "Since you're still recovering, let me walk you in. You could use an extra hand."

Resourcefulness shone through-Kayla wasn't about to let this opportunity slip by.

Though Jeremny offered no response, Kayla plowed ahead. "Decision made. I'm coming with you!"

A barely-there smirk touched Edwin's lips. Very few people dared to steamroll Jeremy like this.

Their destination loomed ahead-a private golf course known for catering to the city's most powerful players.

Perfectly trimmed lawns and impeccable staff sent a clear message: this was a sanctuary for the ultra-wealthy.

One of the servers met them at the entrance, her greeting polished and warm."Welcome, Mr.Graham."

Her eyes landed on Kayla, and the smile widened. "Mrs. Graham, it's good to see you."

A strange hush seemed to settle in the group.

She was Mrs. Graham, but was not Jeremy's wife.

"Actually,I-"

"She isn't my wife!" Jeremy cut her off.

"Sorry," the server said, her expression sheepish as she ushered them forward.

Across the manicured lawns, clusters of men in designer suits laughed and talked among themselves.

Dewitt stood out from the crowd, an arm slung casually around a pretty young woman while he chatted with a striking man beside him.

That striking man, Kayla guessed, had to be Mr. Newton.

"Jeremy! Took you long enough. We've been dying of boredom," Dewitt called out. His eyes then landed on Kayla,lighting up with mischief."Kayla!"

Archie Newton offered Jeremy a firm handshake before giving Kayla an inquisitive once-over.

Rather than introduce Kayla, Jeremy left the silence stretching, making no move to break it. Dewitt cleared his throat, jumping in to fill the awkward gap. "This is Kayla. Her husband is Jeremy's nephew."

Kayla caught Archie's gaze, which lingered a moment longer before he smiled. "Archie Newton. Nice to meet you."

"Nlice to meet you too." Kayla smiled sweetly.

Not missing a beat, Dewitt shot Archie a look. "You might not know Kayla personally, but I'm sure you know her husband,Liam."

Confidence radiated from Kayla as she stepped forward, her chin held high. "Actually, I'm divorcing Liam,so there's no need to link us. Mr. Newton, I understand you've had some business with Perennia Group?"

Warmth replaced formality in Archie's reply, his presence more inviting than Jeremy's ever was. "That's right. I've been out of the country, though, so my deputy oversaw most of the dealings. Today's meeting is really about catching up with Jeremy."

"I see." Processing this, Kayla's mind worked overtime, searching for the right opening to discuss Cooper Group.

Dewitt let go of his companion and leaned toward Jeremy, teasing, "Bringing family to work now, huh?You're setting quite the example."