Planning Travel
Thursday, continued…
The security guards stood by, unaware that Anna was Madam Hou. They simply exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of who was giving them instructions. However, one of the bodyguards, who recognized her, bowed slightly and responded, “Yes, Madam Hou.”
Without further hesitation, three security guards entered Hou Yi’s office and escorted Supervisor An out, taking her to the security office to await the police. As they left, the bodyguard who had recognized Anna spoke up, “Do not tell anyone who that woman is until CEO Hou gives the word. That information is to remain confidential. If you say anything, it will cost you your jobs.”
Once Supervisor An was removed, Anna closed the door behind her and took a seat at the desk with the documents that needed to be dealt with. When the signatures were secured, she went to the door and handed them to Assistant Wang. “Could you scan and send these, just like you did earlier today? Thank you.”
She re-entered Hou Yi’s office and shut the door behind her. In the meantime, Hou Yi had gotten a cold drink from the small fridge and handed it to Anna as they sat down.
“So, what’s going on?” he asked.
“Well, thank you for dealing with that woman,” Anna replied.
“Once we traced the call from today and reviewed the information you gave me, we found that she had been passing on information to Lu Corporation for the last twelve months. She had to be dealt with, and I’m glad you spotted it so quickly.”
“Not a problem. Getting rid of a spy for Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin feels good, but we need to get rid of them all.”
“True,” Hou Yi agreed, his expression serious. After a brief pause, he added, “Anna, what’s happening in Australia? Be honest with me.”
Anna took a couple of deep breaths and sat down on the couch. She motioned for Hou Yi to join her, and he did.
“As I mentioned in the chat, I can handle part of what Lu Jinhu was boasting about—how he thought he could take everything from me,” she began. “I found out today that, through forgery, he obtained court orders. He thought he was clever, having them sent to an address, but they were returned as undeliverable. A court clerk recognized my name and sent them to my work.”
“My assistant, Jodie, knowing that I’m away for a few more weeks, got curious about the envelope and opened it. She immediately realized that the signature wasn’t mine. She scanned and emailed me a copy of the documents, and I believe I can prove the forgery. I’ve already started the process to lodge an appeal.”
“The lawyer in the office needs me to draft the preliminary affidavit, which he will finalize. But everything needs to be filed with the court by Tuesday, including the affidavit I have to sign. I need to get back to Australia to take care of this. Can you arrange a commercial flight for tomorrow night so that I’ll be back by Sunday morning?”
“Forget the commercial flight,” Hou Yi said, his voice firm. “I’ll arrange for the company plane to take us back. We can’t leave until after tomorrow night, though. I need to at least make an appearance at the formal wedding ceremony for Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin tomorrow.”
Anna raised an eyebrow. “Do you want me to come?”
“And give away our plans? Not worth it,” Hou Yi replied, shaking his head. “I’ll only stay for the shortest time possible. Not going tells everyone in our circle that I’m still very much in control.”
Anna nodded, understanding the strategy. “Okay. I’ll get the paperwork ready in the meantime. Let’s make sure we’re prepared for everything once we get back.”
Hou Yi gave her a small, reassuring smile. “We’ll handle it together. I’ll have the plane ready, and we’ll take care of this once and for all.”
Anna smiled back, her determination clear. “We’ll make sure of it.”
