With feigned innocence, Holden said, “Apologies for the tardiness. What did I miss?"

Casually flipping through the documents on the table, he paused at the authorization that transferred Zayden's assets to the Fredrick Group, the contract already signed and sealed.

A slow grin spread across Holden's face as he lifted the documents and read aloud the key part. Then, he turned to Zayden and said, "So, my ever-generous cousin traveled all this way to gift his entire business to me? Well, thank you very much. Now, you can finally retire and enjoy your life."

A slow realization dawned on Zayden's face. He understood everything now. Holden had masterfully orchestrated the entire matter. Fury contorted Zayden's features as he roared, "You orchestrated this! You tricked me!"

“I tricked you?" Holden feigned innocence, eyes widening in mock surprise. "Never did I claim to be deceased. Those rumors about my demise weren't exactly whispers I started myself."

He watched Zayden's anger simmer, then offered a chilling chuckle.

"Why the hostility, cousin? One shouldn't get so worked up, you know. It's bad for the heart."

He casually tossed the documents aside. "Since you've showered me with such a generous gift, I thought I'd offer a little token of appreciation in return."

He gestured for Shawn to bring forth a stack of photographs.

Zayden's blood ran cold as he recognized his hired hitmen, their faces contorted in pain under harsh interrogation.

As the gravity of the situation sank in, Zayden, still feigning ignorance, questioned, "What's this?"

“Can't you recognize your hitmen?" Holden chuckled, his amusement evident. He then reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone.

“Perhaps this will jog your memory."

Tapping on his phone, he played a recording.

The recording played crystal clear—a conversation capturing Zayden instructing the hitmen, "Take Ariana to a small island, and find a secluded spot to bury her.”

The color drained from Zayden's face. Another recording followed, this one featuring a gruff voice reporting back, "Mission accomplished, boss. Holden's a goner. He followed us, and we dumped him in the sea."

Zayden's voice, laced with satisfaction, had replied, "Good work."

Upon listening to the recordings, Zayden finally pieced together the situation. Unable to control his rage, he forcefully slammed his hand on the table.

As it unfolded, the call regarding Holden's demise was a meticulously planned trap orchestrated by Holden.

Despite his boiling anger, Zayden refused to concede defeat. Gritting his teeth, he retorted, "Cousin, I understand your intentions to remove me today. However, this entire situation is a grave misunderstanding. I know we are in this era of advanced AI, but fabricating my voice to frame me wasn't favorable."