Chapter 573
Chapter 573:
The illusion of Leo’s success shattered before their eyes. It seemed all his boasting had been just that—empty words.
Realizing his outburst had drawn too much attention, Leo quickly regained his composure. He turned off the speaker, his voice softening as he addressed Brody with an almost desperate politeness. “Mr. Hewitt, I don’t understand. Could you explain what’s going on? We had a solid understanding before. Why this sudden decision p>
Leo’s confidence wavered as a cold sense of dread crept in. He knew all too well how powerful the DY Group was—crushing someone like him would be child’s play.
But giving up without a fight? That wasn’t in his nature. Despite his growing panic, Leo clung to a slim hope that he could talk his way out of this mess.
Brody didn’t bother entertaining his excuses. His voice was sharp and unwavering as he cut straight to the point. “You know exactly why this is happening. Don’t play dumb. You’ve been abusing your position as the project manager, conning people left and right, and pocketing dirty money. You’ve made quite a fortune from your schemes, haven’t you p>
Leo’s mouth went dry, his words caught in his throat.
The accusations hit painfully close to home. Yes, he had been exploiting his position.
By twisting the truth about the acquisition prices, he’d managed to line his pockets. He’d told unsuspecting residents the base price was a mere hundred dollars per square meter, but that, with a discreet bribe, he could magically negotiate a payout of a thousand dollars per square meter.
In reality, the DY Group had offered generous compensation from the start—
Thanks to Yelena. She had insisted on a higher price, knowing many of the residents were elderly and struggling. Her goal had been to improve their lives, not to let someone like Leo turn it into a racket.
Drunk on power, Leo had seen the acquisition project as his golden goose, shamelessly extorting money from the very people Yelena had wanted to help.
Brody’s voice broke through Leo’s spiraling thoughts, icy and final. “You have one week to return every cent you’ve stolen. If you don’t, prepare yourself for lawsuits, criminal charges, and a lengthy stay behind bars p>
Your next adventure is at. con
“No! Mr. Hewitt, please,” Leo blurted, panic lacing his words. A chill ran down his spine as reality sank in. “I just need more time. I swear, I’ll pay it all back. Just don’t rush this p>
Leo had already blown most of the funds he’d swindled, sinking them into flashy purchases—like the Porsche he currently drove.
Because he’d been banking on a massive payout from selling Yelena’s house for ten million or more, he’d spent recklessly on anything that caught his eye. Now, with his source of easy money gone, how was he supposed to pull together a fortune so suddenly?
In desperation, Leo lunged straight at Yelena. “Didn’t you say you were the CEO of DY Group? Call them right this second and get them to give me back my position as the project manager p>
Yelena’s eyes flicked up coldly. “Is that how you ask for help p>
Leo’s jaw tightened, but his tone lost its former swagger. “What do you want me to do p>
Yelena didn’t even blink. “When you ask for a favor, try showing some sincerity—maybe start by getting on your knees p>
Leo hissed through clenched teeth. “You want me to kneel in front of you p>
Ava rushed in, grabbing her son’s arm. “Leo, don’t do it. If you kneel, she’ll only get more full of herself p>
Leo was trapped in a grim choice—surrender his pride or fail to repay the money he had stolen and face lawsuits.
Finally, he bowed to necessity over ego. His knees hit the floor with a thud.
“Yelena,” he pleaded, his voice quivering with desperation. “Please help me p>
Yelena stared back, her face unflinching—unmoved by Leo’s display of contrition.