After opening the surveillance feed, I saw customers flooding into the restaurant nonstop. Most of the customers were attracted by the trending topic and showed up to express their support online.

The restaurant's revenue had surged to an extreme level, reaching what the branch normally made in two months within less than six hours.

I had checked the cameras to collect evidence for a police report, but what I found was far more shocking.

Renold was in the staff lounge, holding Layla in his arms as he proudly boasted about his achievements to his father.

"Dad, revenue has increased dozens of times this time. I've skimmed over three million dollars from it. You and Mom can relax and enjoy your trip…"

After exchanging a few casual words, he hung up the call.

Layla immediately leaned in.

"Darling, this huge surge in revenue wouldn't have happened without my contribution, right? You should get me a few designer bags!"

Renold was in high spirits. "You really are my lucky star. That said, I'm planning to buy a small villa in Westville this month, priced at about four million dollars. With the current revenue, I'm still coming up short…"

Draco's professional instincts kicked in when he saw this, and he couldn't help but comment. "Abuse of authority for personal gain combined with large-scale embezzlement qualifies as a criminal offense. That carries a minimum sentence of three years. They've really got some nerve."

I gave a quiet hum in response. At this point, the matter was no longer just defamation. Since that was the case, everything would be settled together.

Layla pouted.

"If I can come up with the remaining 600 thousand dollars, you'll add my name to the villa ownership, won't you?"

A sly glint appeared in Renold's eyes.

"Of course."

With the promise secured, the two of them happily sank onto the sofa together. Half an hour later, I received a private message from Layla.

"I'll give you one more chance. Transfer 600 thousand to me immediately, and I'll publicly clarify to netizens that you're not a gold digger."

Draco couldn't help but comment, "Extortion layered on top of blackmail only makes it worse. It's rare to see someone so eager to commit a crime."

I smirked slightly and replied, "I'll give you the money, but I need to confirm you'll keep your promise. We'll meet at the restaurant tomorrow morning for the exchange."

At the same time, I reached out to Warren Hayman as the general manager of the Eastonia region.

"I've heard your branch's revenue has increased dozens of times. I'll conduct a personal inspection tomorrow. Come to the company to pick me up."

That night, Warren didn't dare delay for even a moment. He boarded a flight back and headed straight to the company upon landing.

As soon as he saw me, he hurried over and addressed me with respect.

I handed him a black case filled with cash. "This contains 600 thousand dollars in cash. It's meant to be distributed to your staff later."

Warren smiled broadly. "The store's performance has indeed been excellent, but there's no need to reward them with this much. Ms. Cole, you've really gone above and beyond."

I simply smiled and said nothing.

En route to the Rosenhall branch, Layla sent me another private message. "Senior management will be here for an inspection this morning. You can't show up. We'll deal with it in the afternoon."

Warren had likely already given Renold a heads-up. I ignored her message. Whether I showed up was not her decision to make.

All the staff were already lined up to greet us, but Renold was nowhere to be seen. I knew he was likely busy covering his tracks and deleting any evidence of his illicit gains.

At that moment, Layla turned and spotted me. Her eyes widened in shock.

Layla strode up to me in a rage and pushed me back. "Who told you to come here right now? Get lost!"

She then turned to the others and snapped, "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and drag this woman out! The manager said the executives' cars have already arrived downstairs. If she runs into them and causes trouble, none of us will be able to take the blame!"

Warren trembled all over in fear and immediately slapped Layla across the face. "Who gave you the nerve to speak like that? You'll resign immediately!"

Layla didn't recognize Warren. She glanced at the black case in his hands, assumed he was on my side, and slapped him right back.

"Old man, who do you think you are? How dare you hit me? Someone, throw this woman's lackey out too!"

A few male staff members rushed forward at once, seized both Warren and me, dragged us to the entrance, and threw us out.

Warren let out a pained groan. "My back…"

I hadn't expected Layla not to recognize Renold's father at all.

"Layla, look closely. I am the executive you've been talking about!" I stated my identity plainly, but it only drew laughter from the surrounding staff.

Layla seized my hair and slapped me again and again. I was held down, completely unable to resist. My vision swam as blood seeped from the corner of my mouth.

"Gold digger, how dare you try to get close to our executive? You won't give up until you pay the price, will you?"

"Ms. Cole!" Warren cried out as he saw me being treated that way, but Layla forced a dirty mop into his mouth.

"What are you all waiting for? Hit him hard. Before the executives arrive, give them a proper lesson and then dump them in the public restroom."

Following her orders, the staff restrained Warren as well and began slapping him, escalating the situation into open violence.

At that moment, Renold emerged after finishing his tasks and hurried out. "What's all this noise? Dad?"

He immediately rushed forward, kicking several staff members away. "How dare you touch my father? You're going to regret this."

Warren shouted angrily, "Look! This is the fine staff you hired. They even had the nerve to lay hands on me!"

The surrounding staff went pale in an instant. "No, it wasn't us! Layla gave the order…"

Layla stood frozen in shock. "This is your father? I had no idea. I thought he was with that gold digger…"