The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 163

All In The Family.

“Clearly, someone leaked our design,” Serena said before the executives and board members of VanderMed Technologies.

After arriving in Rexam, she and Silas had gone straight to the office, reviewed the article published by their competitor, and confirmed it was the same design she and her research team had developed for an advanced AI-powered massage chair.

“We will be conducting a thorough internal investigation,” Silas said evenly. “Every access log, every communication, every draft history. We will find out who leaked this information. Vendor partners will also be investigated.”

“And when we do,” he continued, his voice cold with restraint, “there will be consequences. Legal. Financial. Personal.”

“Why is the company facing problems right now?” James Brooks, one of the shareholders, demanded. “What if this reaches the public? What if it affects our stock prices?”

Silas turned to him.

“If it reaches the public,” Silas said, “it will be because someone in this room failed to keep their mouth shut.”

“And let me be very clear,” Silas added. “VanderMed does not panic over unfounded claims. We respond with facts, action, and control.”

Murmurs rose around the table.

Silas raised one hand.

The room fell silent.

“Our legal team is already reviewing patent timelines,” he said. “Our IP counsel is preparing formal objections. Until further notice, no one speaks to the press or external partners without my authorization.”

His eyes hardened. “Anyone who does will be treated as part of the problem.”

“Listen to Silas,” Sterling reminded the board members. “He is our CEO. He is in that position for a reason.”

“Yes, you seem to have forgotten that Silas has led this company exceptionally since his takeover,” Serena’s uncle, Melvin, spoke. “Don’t let this one-off issue define his leadership, or Serena’s integrity.”

“One-off issue?” James Brooks said. “What about the Montgomerys? What about the kickbacks our sales managers have been receiving? If it weren’t for Melvin approaching the affected clients, they might have gone public, and our company’s image would have been affected.”

Yes, the issue of the kickbacks and the overpriced upgrade to Vanguard had been resolved by their uncle. Melvin had gone out of his way to settle with the clients, even before Silas could.

“I acted after speaking with Sterling,” Melvin responded. “I acted on behalf of the company—on behalf of Silas and Sterling. Whatever solution I offered represented Silas and Sterling.”

“You are being modest, Melvin,” James said, and two other board members echoed.

“It is just normal,” Sterling said. “We are a family. Melvin is my brother. As a family, we help each other face a crisis.”

“What matters is not who spoke to which client first,” Sterling said evenly. “What matters is that the issue was contained, the clients stayed, and the company’s reputation remains intact.”

“The kickbacks were stopped. The pricing was corrected. The Montgomerys are no longer in a position to even be part of this meeting,” Silas spoke next, his voice firm and reassuring. “That chapter is closed. And it will remain closed.”

“Now,” Silas said, shifting the focus, “let’s return to the matter that actually requires our attention—the patent situation. That is where this board’s energy belongs.”

The meeting lasted longer than it should have, but thankfully, everyone was able to find common ground.

The executives and board members left. Inside the conference room, only Silas, Sterling, Serena, and Melvin remained.

“Don’t worry, brother,” Melvin said, turning to Sterling. “After our lawyers confirm who filed the patent first, we should be able to face Synerva HealthTech and put them in their place. I’m just glad my family and I came back from our vacation just in time to help address this crisis.”

Sterling turned to Melvin. “We’re hoping the investigation into the Holts will lead us to answers.”

“But Victor’s gone. What more can you achieve by digging deeper into the kidnapping case?” Melvin asked.

Serena and Sterling looked at each other. Silas met their eyes as well.

“We wanted closure,” Silas answered. “And if there are any accomplices to Serena’s kidnapping, we want to know. We suffered during those years of Serena’s absence—always searching, my mother longing.”

“And of course, since the Holts were somewhat responsible for the Eastwind Air 1016 crash, we will support the criminal case against them,” Sterling said. “They planned it because they believed Serena would be on that flight. Their real target was my daughter.”

Serena nodded. “Unfortunately, it cost other innocent lives.”

Melvin shook his head. “I can’t believe such evil exists.”

“Serena, as your uncle, I’m so glad you didn’t take that flight—that you came here with Xavier instead,” Melvin said. “We owe a lot to Xavier.”

She couldn't agree more.

Xavier was her savior.

Serena had a lot on her mind. Wanting to let it all out, she went straight to see Alice that afternoon. She told her about the situation at the company and what happened in Velmon.

Serena gave Alice an info dump, but the only thing her best friend could react to was:

"You had a one-night stand with your ex?"