Chapter 336: Easy Target!

“So, your father will not let the investors believe Sterling Group has lost control of the situation,” Kevin said thoughtfully.

“Not exactly like that,” Zachary replied. “He’ll just make sure someone takes responsibility for it, and that every person in the family and in the company, and in the stock market, knows that that person is the one who’s responsible for all the mess.”

Hunter smiled. “And Riley already made himself an easy target.”

Kevin let out a quiet laugh. “Especially after insisting he didn’t steal Cresswell’s idea. Such a foolish young man…”

“That’s what makes this situation easier for us,” Zachary said. “Riley had the chance to admit what he did, but he refused. Now, if the evidence comes out, my Dad won’t have many reasons to defend him.”

Zachary understood his father well enough to know firing William as CEO would be the easiest part. His father had spent decades building the Sterling Group, and he would not allow anyone, including his own son, to put that work at risk.

Kevin studied Zachary’s expression before giving a slight shake of his head. “Man, your family really doesn’t make business easy. I already thought your older brother William was toxic, but your father even more so…”

“That’s because Zach was born into the wrong family if he wanted a peaceful life…” Hunter said while trying to stifle his smile.

Zachary glanced at him. “And yet you’re still here to work for me.”

Hunter immediately lifted his empty glass. “Hahaha, Boss, that’s because I’m loyal.”

Kevin couldn’t help but laugh too. “No, Hunter, you’re loyal to free alcohol and bonuses.”

“Man… I can be loyal to several things at once,” Hunter responded casually.

The three men shared a brief laugh, easing the tension that had settled over the room.

But beneath the humor, they all understood the seriousness of what they had just discussed. The lawsuit against Sterling Group was no longer simply a legal dispute over stolen technology. It was becoming a calculated business battle involving reputation, investor confidence, corporate control, and the future of several people.

After discussing the legal proceedings facing Riley and Sterling Tech in greater detail, Zachary finally decided it was time to leave. He stood from the sofa and adjusted his suit before looking at Kevin and Hunter.

“Huh? Going home already?” Kevin asked, his brow arching slightly. “You didn’t have dinner with us?”

“Nope. My pretty wife is waiting for me at home.” Zachary answered casually as he smoothed his suit jacket.

Kevin and Hunter could only look at Zachary with envy.

“Alright, I’ll leave the rest to you two,” Zachary said, ready to leave.

Kevin nodded. “Don’t worry. We’ll handle it.”

Hunter gave Zachary a confident smile. “And I’ll keep an eye on Riley.”

Zachary returned a faint smile before turning toward the door. With the legal plan already in motion and Hunter keeping watch over Riley, he felt there was nothing more he needed to do for the moment. He finally took his leave, leaving Kevin and Hunter behind in the VIP room as he headed home to meet his beautiful wife.

…

The Secret Garden Cafe and Resto.

At eight past ten, Riley and his staff still had not shown up at the restaurant. By then, it was clear that he had canceled the office gathering without informing anyone at the restaurant.

Since Riley had been unreachable since morning, Mia and Ava had no choice but to follow Sienna’s order and let the staff enjoy the food instead of continuing to wait for him.

They told everyone that the dinner was a reward from management for the restaurant’s successful handling of customers during the grand opening. It was only an excuse, but the staff did not seem to mind. They were simply happy to have a free dinner together after such a busy period.

Mia and Ava sat at a corner table, enjoying their own meal while watching the staff around them. Everyone looked relaxed and happy, talking among themselves while enjoying the dishes that had been prepared for Riley’s gathering.

Seeing them like that made Mia feel a little nostalgic. The restaurant was busy, but the atmosphere was warm, and for a moment, it reminded her of a different time in her life.

As she slowly cut into her grilled lobster, a faint smile appeared on her lips when a memory crossed her mind. She paused and looked at Ava, who was sitting across from her.

“You know, Ava…” Mia waited until Ava looked up before continuing. “I feel like we’re still working at the Imperial Hotel and gathering for dinner at some fancy restaurant after work.”

Ava nodded with a smile as she understood exactly what Mia meant.

“Yeah… I remember those days.”

Mia smiled as she looked down at her plate. “We were busy back then too, but somehow, we still had time to sit together and complain about work over dinner.”

Ava laughed softly. “You mean you complained about work. I mostly listened.”

“That’s not true. You complained too about the kitchen staff who almost burned the kitchen.”

“I complained professionally.”

Mia laughed. “Oh, of course. I forgot you had standards.”

Ava shook her head with a grin. “Someone had to maintain some dignity in that group.”

Their laughter faded into comfortable silence as Mia continued eating.

After a moment, her smile slowly disappeared when the memories of the four of them having dinner together after office hours came back again. Those evenings had once felt so normal that she had never imagined they would eventually become something she missed.

“I really miss the times when we dine at the Corner Table and stay until the restaurant closes; the owner has to kick us out…” Mia laughed, remembering the happy times in her life with such best friends.

“Yeah,” Ava said with a quiet sigh. She set her fork down and looked at Mia. “Now Sienna is married and has limited time. You know how it is. She has Skylar, her husband, the restaurant, and a hundred other things to worry about. You can’t exactly expect her to drop everything and meet us for dinner every night.”