Their Mistake, Her Rise - Chapter 329: Chapter 329

Sophia looked worried. "Shawn's completely under that woman's spell. Do you think he'll even listen to us?"
Rick snorted. "If he wants to keep his position, he'll have to listen, whether he likes it or not."
Sophia lit up, adding, "Marlowe Group is a foreign company. Even if it does well, most profits go to foreigners. So why not use our family firm's clout to take it down for good?"
Rick eyed Sophia. "You want to tank Marlowe Group? It's got top talents, and what they're developing is beneficial to our country. Letting it collapse would cost us big too."
"Don't worry," Sophia smiled. "Even if Marlowe Group is gone, those talents will still be around. If we have the chops, we can start our own 'Marlowe Group'—a Clusia version. That's the real win for us."
Rick nodded, thinking it made sense. "Got a plan in mind?"
"I've talked to my family. They're on board. Taking down Marlowe Group is just a matter of time," Sophia said.
Rick nodded. "Good, we'll take a two-pronged approach. Let's see if Shawn would still stand by that tainted woman."
"Good," Rick said. "Two-pronged attack. I don't believe Shawn will keep defending a woman with so much dirt on her."
Marrying Shawn was Sophia's only dream. Hearing Rick's solid promise, she beamed and said, "Thank you, Rick."
Just then, a guard reported outside the door, "Mr. White, Mr. Ludwig is here."
"Rick..." Sophia's heart fluttered. She hadn't seen Shawn in ages.
"Let's go see him," Rick said, striding out.
Breathless with anticipation, Sophia trailed after him into the conference room.
There sat Shawn, alone in the chair, spine straight, every inch the soldier.
The other Elders filed in behind Rick, filling the room until every seat was taken. Only Sophia remained standing, just behind Rick's chair.
Shawn's gaze locked onto Rick, calm but steely. "To what do I owe the honor, gentlemen?"
Rick opened with a jab. "Shawn, do you remember who you are?"
"A soldier who serves the nation and its people," Shawn declared with unyielding pride.
Rick gave a curt nod. "Very well. At least you remember that much. Now, let's address your issues.
"Didn't we warn you not to get involved with Zoe? Yet you ignored our advice, and now look at the mess you've made. How do you plan to fix this? How will you answer to everyone who has supported and believed in you?"
Shawn said solemnly, "The investigation isn't complete yet. We can't jump to conclusions."
Another Elder stepped forward. "Shawn, don't you see the problem? We soldiers stand for honor. You're staining the uniform. Are you really going to drag us all into the mud for a woman like that?"
Seeing how worked up everyone was, Rick raised a hand. "Easy, everyone. Shawn is young—he makes mistakes. That's why we elders must guide him. We need to show him right from wrong."
"Exactly!" An Elder nodded. "He must cut ties with Zoe immediately. We should film a statement now and post it online."
Another chimed in, "Shawn, you owe it to the unit to fix this. Break up with Zoe, now. No more contact."
The Elders had always thought Zoe unfit for Shawn, and now they seized the chance to demand a breakup.
Shawn stayed silent the whole time, which, however, only fanned the flames.
"What, you disagree?" an Elder snapped.
Shawn stood up and saluted. "Thanks for your concern. But my marriage is my business. I'll handle it."
But his resolute refusal to break up with Zoe only fueled the Elders' growing displeasure.
Sophia's eyes welled up as she whimpered, "Shawn, do you dislike me that much? Even if you don't want a business marriage, you can't pick some woman who'll ruin your career."
Rick felt that Sophia had suffered great grievances. He slammed the table. "Shawn, give me a straight answer. Are you breaking up with Zoe or not?"
"Not a chance," Shawn stated without hesitation.
"God damn it!" Rick nearly exploded. "You won't break up? Fine, let me tell you—you'll marry that woman over my dead body!"
"Count me in!"
"Me too!"
The Elders rallied behind Rick's ultimatum.
As a soldier, Shawn felt pressure. But he trusted Zoe—she couldn't be embezzling or breaking laws, and someone had to be framing her.
"Shawn, everyone says you're wrong," Sophia pressed, feigning concern as she walked over. "Don't you owe it to us to listen? To the trust we've placed in you?"
"Rick, everyone, please stop blaming him," she cooed. "I think he's just confused by Zoe. Give him time, and he'll see reason."
Rick glared at Shawn. "Hear that? Sophia is one in a million. You're lucky to have her, but you don't appreciate her Instead, you're dead-set on being with that girl who came out of nowhere.
"This isn't just about you anymore. If Zoe's charges are proven true, you'll get dragged down too—suspended and under investigation. You ready to risk that?"
Shawn's voice turned ice-cold. "I defend my country, and I defend my family. If I can't protect my woman, how do I deserve the title of legendary warrior?" With that, he spun on his heel and marched out.
"Stop! Where are you going?" Rick barked.
"I believe she's innocent, and I'm getting her out," Shawn declared, voice unwavering.
It was obvious to Shawn that someone was targeting Zoe, and there was no way he'd just stand by. He'd already gathered his team, ready to storm the Economic Crime Division and break her out.
He'd only come to this meeting first as a courtesy to his superiors. Then he'd go do what he thought was right.
The room went dead silent. 'What? Shawn is planning a raid? That's practically a jailbreak,' they thought, shocked.