RISE OF THE UNDERDOG SON-IN-LAW: DRAGON'S POWER UNLEASHED

HAVE YOU BEEN STEALING FROM THE COMPANY?

"What do you mean by?" Dominus looked furious, Santiago said with a cold tone, "what I mean is so simple, I don't want any decision to be taken in a rushed way."

"I'm sure this is quite interesting!" Julian felt inwardly watching the scenario in front of him, usually the conference which is full of arguments and uproar, strangely filled with silence and low whispers.

The man like Dominus who used to raise his head proudly, looked down today, the entire atmosphere was different. It was charged with something more than business, resentment, suspicion, and uncertainty.

"I'll leave this matter to Mr. Julian, now," Santiago said, believing in Julian's judgement and left the room for a while, so that they can decide about who'll be leading the project.

All eyes were on Julian, who had taken the control over the scene after an awkward silence, his presence now undeniable.

“Everyone thinks I’ve been useless, a waste of space," Julian began, his voice piercing through the silence filled in the room, "But I’ve been watching, I’ve seen the truth about how things run around here."

His words are strong enough to catch the attention of every family member.

Dominus seated near the front, stiffened, as he isn't understanding from where Julian got this confidence today.

"For years," Julian said, pausing for effect, "Dominus Harvey has been embezzling from this company, moreover these aren't empty words, since I have proof to prove my statement."

The room became completely silent. Zora Steel’s eyes flicked over to Dominus, who became pale instantly, his earlier arrogance vanishing in the wake of Julian’s accusation.

"You’ve been stealing from Steel Group?" Zora’s voice was low, almost a growl, as she turned her gaze on Dominus.

Dominus looked clearly flustered, but tried to laugh it off. "This is absurd, Julian, you don’t even know what you’re talking about, just shut up!"

But Julian was already stepping forward, his expression unwavering. "Let me break it down for you. Fake overtime payments, millions of dollars funneled into your personal account. False business trips, expenses billed to the company for places you never even went. Kickbacks from vendors, money sent straight to you under the table."

His voice echoed around the room clear enough for everyone to hear.

Julian pulled out a tablet and slid it across the table, showing a series of spreadsheets and bank statements detailing the embezzlement.

"This is the amount you’ve stolen, Dominus," Julian disclosed the truth with a smirk. "And this is just what I’ve found. Imagine what else is buried under the surface."

Dominus stood, his face red with fury. "This is a lie! You’re trying to ruin me, Julian! This isn't real!"

Zora Steel, usually composed, looked betrayed. "Is this true, Dominus?" Her voice was a dangerous whisper. "Have you been stealing from the company?"

Dominus opened his mouth to speak, but he is already speechless. The truth was undeniable, and his silence spoke volumes.

“I think we all know the answer now,” Julian said with a cool tone, not even sparing Dominus another glance. “This isn’t the first time something like this has happened, but I’m here to make sure it’s the last.”

The room buzzed with anger and disbelief. Several family members exchanged harsh words, their tempers flaring as the weight of the revelation sank in. Zora, clearly shaken but determined, slammed her hand on the table.

"This is unacceptable," she spat, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Dominus, I’ll deal with you later, as for the rest of you," she turned to the family members, "let’s calm down and discuss this like adults."

Dominus, being humiliated, slumped back into his chair, his pride shattered while Julian stood tall, sensing a shift in the power dynamics.

But then, Julian turned his gaze to another target, his wife, Rose. “Zora, I have another suggestion.”

Zora shot him a surprised look, as she is already irritated by his intervention. “What now, Julian?”

“I think Rose should take over the project with Tarlose Group,” Julian said, his tone confident. “She’s the only one in this family who has never stolen a dime, and on top of that, she is excellent in managing everything. She’s the only one with the skills to lead this project to success.”

Rose looked up in shock, her face reddened with the sudden attention. “Wait, what?” she stammered, looking at Julian. “You want me to do what?”

The room was silent as everyone turned their gaze to Rose. Even Dominus, who had been smoldering with anger a moment ago, now looked at her with disdain.

Julian turned to face her, a slight smile on his lips. “You’ve always been capable, Rose, you just need a chance to prove it.”

Zora, though hesitant initially, nodded slowly agreeing with Julian, "You’re right, Julian, Rose has potential, but it’s a big step for her. Are you sure about this?"

“I am,” Julian said firmly and looked at Rose, who was still processing the sudden turn of events. “You can do this, Rose, you’ve been managing our home for years. Now, it’s time to manage something bigger.”

Rose blinked, taken aback, as her mother had never allowed her to step up in business matters, always holding her back.

Now, Julian was giving her a chance. But the weight of her family’s judgment still hung heavily on her.

Zora looked at her daughter, then back at Julian. “Fine. But Rose, you’ll need to present a proposal to Santiago Tarlose. We can’t afford to fail.”

Rose stood up slowly, nodding. “I understand, I’ll do my best.”

With a nod, Julian sat back, knowing this was his moment. He had set the stage, but it was now up to Rose to prove herself.

The door to the meeting room opened, and Santiago Tarlose once again entered, his sharp gaze scanned the room.

“So, Mr. Julian, I hear there have been some... revelations?” Santiago smiled, his voice smooth and professional, though there was a glint of interest in his eyes.

Julian nodded. “Yes. But the real question is, do you really trust the Steel family’s leadership?”

Santiago’s lips curled slightly. “Trust is earned, Mr.Julian, and after what you’ve exposed, I’m not sure if anyone from here would earn my trust.”

He turned his attention to Rose. “But you’ve got my interest, you’ll be presenting the proposal for the Tarlose Group project?”

Rose straightened, her nerves simmering under the surface. “Yes, I will, I’ve prepared a detailed plan, and I’m confident it will meet your expectations.”

The room held its breath as Rose moved to the front, presenting her plan with calm determination.

She spoke clearly, detailing the specifics of the partnership, potential challenges, and strategies for success. Her voice was steady, her presentation concise. As she spoke, Julian couldn’t help but admire the transformation taking place within her.

Santiago listened intently, nodding occasionally. "This... this is impressive, Ms. Rose," he said after a moment of silence. "You’ve clearly put a lot of dedication into this, I like what I’m hearing."

The Steel family members exchanged glances, their eyes wide with surprise. Rose had done it, she had taken control of the situation, proving that she was more than just a supportive wife.

Santiago stood up, extending a hand to Julian. "Well done, Mr.Julian, and well done, Ms. Rose. I believe you’re the right person for this job."

As Rose shook Santiago’s hand, she glanced at Julian. For the first time in a long while, she saw a flicker of pride in his eyes, and for the first time, Julian knew he had finally made his mark on the Steel family, "This is just the beginning!"