In the aftermath, neither Dalia nor the Qin family helped Damian. The Qin Corporation, like many others, relied heavily on bank loans, leaving little liquidity. There was no way they could spare a billion yuan to bail out Damian, and the heads of the Qin family were unwilling to do so. The third branch of the Qin family barely scraped by each year, unable to cover Damian's debts. They had hoped the Lin family, particularly Dalia, would assist. But with Dalia washing her hands of the matter, Damian was left to fend for himself.
The Lin Corporation, after the initial shock, took decisive action. They sued and reported the matter to the police, accusing the investors of slander, defamation, and disturbing the peace. Faced with the Lin Corporation's strong stance and Damian's inability to provide solid evidence linking the incident to the Lin family, the investors quickly lost ground. Left with no other option, some investors sued Damian for illegal fundraising and fraud, leading to his arrest and investigation.
The investigation revealed enough evidence from Damian's bank accounts and investor testimonies to secure a conviction. The third branch of the Qin family saw their properties and assets frozen by the court. A half-month later, Damian was sentenced to death, with a one-year reprieve, for illegal fundraising involving a billion yuan. He was also stripped of political rights for life and fined five million yuan, with all illegal assets confiscated. The news caused a sensation, not just in Oceanic City but nationwide. Although the Lin family distanced themselves from the scandal, their stock prices continued to fall, and the Qin Corporation suffered even more.
During this turbulent time, Dalia treaded carefully around Aaron, fearing his wrath. The atmosphere in the Lin household was tense, with everyone walking on eggshells, except for Zuri, who seemed unaffected and continued her life as usual.
One afternoon, Zuri joined Arianwen in sorting peanuts.
"Miss Zuri, you shouldn't be doing such dirty work. I can handle it," Arianwen said.
"It's fine. I've done much dirtier work before," Zuri replied, skillfully sorting the peanuts.
Arianwen looked at Zuri with a soft expression. "You've had a hard life, Miss Zuri."
"It's nothing," Zuri dismissed, then casually asked, "Arianwen, how did they find out Saira wasn't a Lin?"
"It was during a medical check-up. The blood type on the test results didn't match either Mr. or Mrs. Lin. Mrs. Lin then had a paternity test done, revealing the truth," Arianwen explained.
"Oh," Zuri nodded in understanding. "Did both my parents take the test?"
"Yes. Yours was done there too."
The details had faded over time, but Zuri remembered the significant points without recalling the specific testing center or other details.
"How did they find me so quickly?" Zuri inquired.
Arianwen thought for a moment. "Mrs. Lin was very anxious once she knew her daughter was switched. She immediately sent people to find you. It was like a miracle; they found you within half a month."
Finding her so quickly seemed almost unbelievable. Zuri's eyes narrowed.
"Arianwen, which center did the paternity tests?" she asked.
"Why do you ask?" Arianwen looked at her curiously.
"I'm asking for Azura. She always feels she doesn't belong to the Ye family and wants to do a paternity test."
On Lake Heart Island, Azura sneezed.
She rubbed her nose, muttering, "Who's thinking about me?"
Back at the Lin residence, Arianwen, suspecting nothing, smiled. "I'm not sure, but I can ask Uncle Wang for you."
"Thank you," Zuri replied with a smile. "Arianwen, who was it that found me? I should thank them."
"Your kindness is appreciated, but it's not necessary. They were just doing their job," Arianwen said.
"Still, I'd like to meet them. When I first returned, everything was a blur. Now that things have settled, I'm curious," Zuri insisted.
"I'm not sure, but the third uncle from the Qin family visited frequently during that time," Arianwen recalled.
"Damian's father?" Zuri asked, surprised.
"Yes."
After helping Arianwen store some of the peanuts in the kitchen for planting, Zuri was approached by a maid.
"Miss Zuri, Mr. Lin wants to see you in his study."
Entering the study, Zuri found Christian already there. Aaron gestured for her to sit and handed her a document.
"Take a look," he said.
Zuri skimmed through the pages. "The Harbor District is up for auction? Didn't you try to secure it beforehand?"
Aaron sighed. "We did everything we could. Sent gifts and bribes, but then there was a personnel change. The new person in charge is strict and insists on auctioning it."
The Lin family's previous investments, including villas, were now at risk, leaving them with nothing to show for it. This outcome didn't surprise Zuri. She remembered how a well-known real estate company in Oceanic City had almost secured a similar deal, only to lose everything due to a last-minute shake-up.
Zuri had hoped Aaron would make a foolish mistake, but he hadn't. However, that wasn't her primary concern. She had other plans.
"Father, why did you call me?" Zuri asked, feigning confusion.
"I want you and Christian to participate in the auction. Look over these properties and decide which is most suitable for the Lin Corporation," Aaron instructed.
Christian, eager to outshine Zuri, quickly suggested, "The plot near the seaport is ideal. It's perfect for villas or residential buildings, with a prime waterfront view."
Aaron listened without comment, then turned to Zuri. "What do you think, Zuri?"
After a moment's thought, Zuri pointed to a central location on the map. "I think this plot is the best."
Christian snorted. "You probably think it's the best because it's the largest. Women can be so short-sighted."
Aaron frowned but didn't reprimand Christian. Christian, emboldened, felt even more confident. Previously cautious because he thought he was adopted, Christian now acted with impunity, having confirmed his place as a true member of the Lin family.
"Explain your reasoning," Aaron prompted.
"The central location is always the most valuable," Zuri replied.
Aaron chuckled and shook his head slightly. In his mind, a daughter couldn't compare to a son.
Christian smirked, brimming with mockery.
Aaron pointed to several plots on the map. "Christian is right; the best plot is the one along the riverfront, followed by the plot to the left. The one Zuri suggested is decent elsewhere but not ideal for us."
Christian shot Zuri a triumphant glance, which she ignored.
Aaron detailed the pros and cons of each plot and concluded, "Our goal is to secure the riverfront plot."
Christian assured, "Don't worry, Dad. I'll get it done."
"Good," Aaron nodded, looking at both siblings. "You two need to work together."
Though Christian wanted to exclude Zuri, he knew it wasn't possible. Understanding this, he didn't voice his objections.
After leaving the study, Christian told Zuri, "Just sit back and watch during the auction. I'll handle everything. Just don't get in the way."
Zuri glanced at him briefly before heading to her room. Once there, she received a call from Evan.
"Boss, I've arranged everything as you instructed. However, to enter the auction, we need a deposit of one billion yuan."
"I'll transfer the money. During the auction, follow my lead," Zuri instructed.
"Understood."
The auction was held at the Tian'ai Hotel, in the ballroom on the thirteenth floor. Aaron sent Zhang, his secretary, along with a seasoned appraiser to accompany Christian and Zuri. In reality, the appraiser and Zhang had the final say, with Christian there mainly to gain experience and prepare for a future role in the Lin Corporation's leadership.
Upon arrival, many company executives and leaders greeted Zuri warmly, not Christian.
"Zuri, you're becoming more beautiful."
"You're looking better every day, niece."
Christian, sidelined and ignored, clenched his fists in frustration. Despite being the Lin family's future heir, everyone was fawning over Zuri, the outsider. He seethed, vowing they would regret it one day.
Christian sat down in a huff, while Zhang and the appraiser exchanged glances, pretending not to notice. After exchanging pleasantries, Zuri joined Christian.
Christian let out a cold snort, expressing his displeasure. Zuri, uninterested, scanned the room and spotted Evan and his assistant sitting unobtrusively in the back.
The auction began, with the auctioneer first presenting the least desirable plots. Many mid-sized real estate companies participated, but the major players stayed out of the bidding. The two initial plots quickly sold, with one going to a non-real estate company, drawing little interest from the crowd.
As the auction progressed, the properties being auctioned increased in value. When the third-to-last plot came up, Zuri spoke up, "Secretary Zhang, I think we should make a bid."
It was the plot Zuri had previously suggested.
Christian sneered, "Dad already said we're going for Plot 1. Plot 3 may be your favorite, but it's not suitable for the Lin Corporation. Business decisions aren't based on personal preferences. I'll lend you some books to help you understand."
Ignoring his sarcasm, Zuri addressed Zhang, "The competition for Plot 1 will be fierce, and the price will likely exceed our budget. It's better to secure Plot 3 and avoid leaving empty-handed."
Zhang looked to the appraiser, who nodded in agreement. "Ms. Lin's analysis is correct. The final price for Plot 1 might far exceed our expectations, making it difficult to acquire."
Zhang hesitated, unsure, and glanced at Christian. Before they left, Aaron had emphasized giving Christian a chance to participate in decision-making.
Zuri smirked, clearly challenging Christian. He responded firmly, "We're aiming for the best. There's no need to consider Plot 3."
"If the price exceeds our expectations, we'll have nothing to show for it," Zuri countered. "To be safe, we should bid on Plot 3."
"Being overly cautious isn't the Lin Corporation's style."
"Christian, don't act rashly. What if we can't secure it? Can you guarantee we'll get Plot 1?" Zuri taunted.
"Absolutely," Christian declared confidently.
Zuri seemed amused by his confidence. "Remember your words. Let's see if you can deliver."
Christian dismissed her challenge, determined to win the plot.
Seeing the siblings argue, Zhang stepped in to mediate, calming the situation. The two huffed and turned away from each other, while Zhang and the appraiser exchanged resigned looks.
Plot 3 was eventually sold to a prominent real estate company. Plot 2 followed, fetching 157 million yuan, far exceeding the Lin Corporation's estimated budget.
The auctioneer then introduced Plot 1, the highlight of the auction. "The starting bid is 70 million yuan, with a minimum increment of 1 million yuan."
Bidding began immediately.
"75 million, from number 7."
"80 million, from number 12."
"91 million, from number 24."
"98 million, from number 7."
"100 million, from number 10. Any higher offers?"
Finally, Christian raised his paddle.
"130 million, from number 3."
Evan, seated quietly in the corner, raised his paddle.
"150 million, from number 35. Any higher bids?" the auctioneer called out, scanning the room.
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