The Heiress's Comeback
Chapter 348: [ Volume 1] Chaper 348- plaything in Game

Chapter 348: [ Volume 1] Chaper 348- plaything in Game

As Esme ended the call, she leaned back in her chair, a victorious glint in her eyes. "Checkmate," she murmured to herself, the smirk on her lips widening.

The courtroom had barely settled from the shock of the verdict when news broke across the country. The government ordered the immediate seizure of all properties tied to the corruption scandal. Among the accused was the old man whose empire had crumbled under the relentless pursuit of justice, spearheaded by the Aron Group’s law firm in collaboration with Vallahe’s legal team. Known as two of the most formidable forces in the legal world, their alliance was unstoppable. Armed with irrefutable evidence, the case was resolved in a single, devastating hearing.

The aftermath was swift and brutal. Every share, every hidden asset, every tainted penny connected to the scandal was accounted for and repurposed. Properties once tied to corruption were now filling the gaping holes left in the company’s finances. The old man and his cohorts were left with nothing but regret, their fall from grace both public and complete.

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A few days later, the household felt lighter, as if a storm had finally passed. The brothers were laughing and teasing one another, the tension that had gripped them for months replaced by a sense of relief. Esme, as usual, sat at the head of the table, her presence commanding yet relaxed. The clinking of utensils and bursts of laughter filled the dining room, with Ray animatedly recounting a story about a botched meeting that had everyone chuckling.

Jay, however, wasn’t laughing. His brow furrowed as he pushed his food around his plate, thoughts swirling. He glanced at Esme, who was casually sipping her drink, and couldn’t hold back any longer. "Esme," he said, his voice cutting through the chatter.

The room quieted, all eyes turning to him. "Why would you need that sinful money, huh? Do you think we’re poor? Do you think we’re lacking in anything?" His frown deepened, a mix of confusion and frustration clear on his face.

Esme didn’t respond immediately. She set her glass down with deliberate elegance and fixed her gaze on Jay. A slow smile curved her lips, the kind that always made her brothers nervous.

"What are you smiling at?" Jay demanded, his frustration bubbling over. "I’m serious!"

Esme set her hands on the table with deliberate calm, leaning her chin onto them as she studied Jay. Her expression was patient but commanding, like a teacher preparing to guide an unruly student. The faintest hint of amusement flickered in her eyes as she finally spoke.

"My lovely husband," she began, her tone smooth and measured, "let me ask you something. Can you tell me why, even after the old man was found guilty, along with so many of your relatives—people who were deeply tied to the company, even as shareholders—our company remained intact?"

Jay blinked at her, the question clearly throwing him off. He frowned slightly, his voice uncertain as he replied, "Maybe... it’s because of our good reputation? And the money we’ve saved?"

Esme’s lips curled into a knowing smile as she shook her head lightly. "Ah, my dear, reputation and money. You’re not entirely wrong, but there’s so much more to it." She straightened up slightly, her gaze steady on his. "Reputation, you see, is a fragile thing. It can take years to build but crumble in seconds. As for money? If you lose your reputation, money will follow soon enough."

Jay looked more puzzled now, but he said nothing, sensing that Esme had more to say. The other brothers watched her intently, the weight of her words settling over the table.

"People love to say money can’t buy happiness," Esme continued, her tone sharper now. "But they rarely admit how quick they are to judge those who have it. A rich man could do a hundred good deeds, but the moment he makes one mistake, the world will paint him as the villain. It’s the way of things." She paused, her gaze thoughtful.

"Let me give you an example," she said, leaning forward slightly. "If a dog is dying on the side of the road, most people won’t even look. But if someone wealthy walks by and doesn’t stop to help, suddenly that person is heartless—a monster in their eyes."

Jay opened his mouth to argue, but Esme held up a hand, silencing him. "And it’s not just about money," she added. "It’s about reputation. A man who steals an orange might be beaten for it, but if someone powerful does worse? People stay silent. Because power, reputation—they’re shields. They can protect you or destroy you, depending on how you wield them."

She pointed at Ryan, her expression serious. "Take Ryan, for example. He’s a doctor. If he had a bad reputation, no patient would trust him, no matter how skilled he is. And Kai, with his work in the mountains? A bad reputation would ruin everything for him. The same goes for you, Jay. For all of us. Bad reputations drain your resources and leave you vulnerable. But a good reputation?" Her lips curved again. "That opens doors. It brings people to you, eager to trust and invest in you."

Esme picked up her phone, her movements deliberate. Tapping on the screen, her face lit up slightly from the glow. She turned the device to face them, her expression triumphant. "Take a look," she said, her voice filled with quiet pride.

Jay and the others leaned closer, their expressions shifting from confusion to surprise as they read the headlines.

"Aron & Valhale Group: Guardians of the Future."

"CEO’s Bold Move to Aid Orphans Stuns the Nation."

"Mystery Benefactors: Scientists Supporting Mountain Communities."

Jay’s eyes widened. The articles were filled with images of people helping in the mountains, caring for the underprivileged. Though the faces were obscured, the clothing and builds were unmistakable. The angles, the lighting—it all pointed to them.

"Wait..." Jay murmured, his voice thick with disbelief. "That’s us."

Esme’s smile widened. "Perception is everything, my dear. These aren’t even our real photos, but the world thinks they are. That’s the power of reputation. And with one carefully planned hour, I’ve turned us into heroes in their eyes."