In this little fiefdom of the city agency, Robert was used to having the final say on everything.

Several subordinates and security guards instantly rushed forward and surrounded me.

The relatives nearby all shrank back in fear, but not one of them stepped forward to say a word in my defense.

Gina stood behind Robert, watching me get surrounded. At last, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl upward.

She picked up a small box of red ink pad and sashayed over to me.

On the surface, she was still putting on an act, tearfully pleading, "Clara, just stop making Uncle Robert so angry. Just sign it already. We're all family..."

But when she got close to me, she lowered her voice to a venomous whisper that only the two of us could hear, "Clara, so what if you had the highest test scores? So what if you've always been so high and mighty?

"Once you take the fall for this leak today, you'll never be able to take another civil service exam for the rest of your life. You won't even be able to find a real job.

"Everything you have—your future, your career, even your man—will end up being mine. How do you think you're going to win against me?"

I looked coldly at her face, twisted with jealousy and smugness, and felt nothing at all.

"Gina, do you really think this city agency is your family's private business?"

"Whether it is or not, you're about to find out."

Gina snorted, then turned and called out, "Zack! Clara still won't see reason. Come help Uncle Robert!"

Zack, determined to eliminate any loose ends, rushed forward without hesitation. Using his strength as a man, he grabbed my shoulders and shoved me down against the table.

"Clara, don't blame me for being ruthless. Blame yourself for not knowing when to give in."

Seeing this, Gina grabbed my right hand and tried to force my thumb into the ink pad.

"Just press it already!"

As I struggled to break free from Zack's grip, I quietly slipped my other hand into my pocket.

Inside, I felt the encrypted communication device issued by the state ethics commission. Blindly, I pressed the emergency locator button.

I felt a very faint vibration. The signal had been sent.

The on-screen text scrolled wildly.

[AHHHHH!!! She did it! Clara just called for backup!]

[This uncle and this loser ex-boyfriend are still digging their own graves. They're practically handing their heads to the executioner.]

[When the tactical team kicks that door in, let's see if they can still smile!]

Facing Zack's brute force and Gina's pressure, I stopped holding back.

I dropped my shoulder, used the momentum, and slammed into Zack, sending him stumbling backward until he crashed into a chair.

Then I drew back my arm and slapped Gina hard across the face. The sharp crack echoed through the private dining room.

Gina saw stars. The ink pad flew out of her hand. She crumpled to the carpet, clutching her face and letting out a screech like a stuck pig.

"Ahh! You hit me!"

Everyone was stunned. No one expected that, surrounded by security guards and lackeys, I would still dare to strike back.

Robert was shaking with rage. He pointed at me and bellowed, "This is mutiny! Mutiny! Tie her and beat her up! If she dies, it's on me!"

Several guards and subordinates all started to lunge at me.

I shouted, "Let's see who dares!"

And from my inner pocket, I pulled out a badge and held it high.

My gaze swept the room like a blade. My voice rang out loud and clear, "I am Clara, head of the Eighth Inspection Team from the state ethics commission. I am conducting a special disciplinary review under Operation Clean Sweep.

"Robert, you are suspected of serious disciplinary and legal violations. I have opened a formal investigation into you.

"Anyone who interferes with federal law enforcement today will be charged as an accessory."