Chapter 371: It Is Not Over Yet

"It's not over yet," Sarah chuckled. "After all, the assets haven't been reclaimed."

For years, Sloane and the illegitimate children had been spending money from Sarah and Bennett's marital assets. Unable to prove their identities, the illegitimate children's claims were easily dismissed, leaving Sarah in a powerful position. The verdict's return of the assets would financially ruin Sloane and severely impact Bennett's parents.

Sarah and Bennett had previously provided the elderly couple with numerous luxuries, ensuring their comfortable lifestyle. Now, for the sake of their grandchildren, the elderly couple would have to revert to their former lifestyle. This was retribution for their earlier allowance of Sloane's reckless spending of Bennett's money. They would now have to repay every penny, even if it meant tightening their belts. Sarah ensured the return of everything she had given them.

Initially, Sloane's family felt fearless, secure in their control of the company. However, Sloane's brother's takeover revealed a company that had not generated any profit due to Bennett's failure to complete projects and numerous delayed payments. The family's frantic attempts to leverage their connections in Yrinas' business world proved fruitless; they had already been ostracized. Faced with relentless creditors, they realized their incompetence and tried to sell the company, but found no buyers. Desperately, they sought Sarah's help, only to discover she had moved abroad with Nina, pursuing international career opportunities.

This would all unfold later. For now, gossip swirled among Yrinas' prominent families. Sarah and Nina, spending time with relatives, largely avoided public appearances. The house had been unusually quiet for the past two days.

Lionel's birthday approached, and Alexander's first visit to Yrinas after taking over the company necessitated a business inspection. Consequently, everyone involved in the Quirk family's business had to accompany Alexander. Besides Isabella, Christopher, and Rosalie, only Carlos and Janice remained. As the eldest cousin, Carlos naturally guided the tour; Janice provided entertainment. However, Janice had classes that day and couldn't join. This left only four.

After a lengthy, unproductive debate about their next activity, Carlos remembered a message he'd received. He hesitated before suggesting, "Some students from the academy are performing at the concert hall today. Are you interested?"

The others looked at him. Christopher and Rosalie, remembering Isabella's gossip, were intrigued. Christopher, knowledgeable about music, inquired further. Realizing the performance's importance, he exclaimed, "Such a performance is crucial for those students. Shouldn't you be with them?"

Carlos replied, rubbing his chin, "I took time off to accompany you all. Besides, they have other teachers."

(Aside: It's clear Carlos's favorite student messaged him, begging for his presence. He's torn between avoiding giving her false hope and his genuine concern for her performance.)

Christopher and Rosalie smiled knowingly at Carlos, making him shift uncomfortably.

Isabella, suppressing a smile, said, "Since it's your students' performance, let's go. We can't think of anything better to do." Christopher and Rosalie agreed. (Aside: Their interest stemmed from gossip, not romantic teacher-student speculation.)

The group attended the performance. All performers were from the music academy, and the front-row audience comprised prominent music industry figures scouting for talent. High praise from these individuals promised limitless opportunities, possibly even immediate mentorship.

As a renowned baritone, Carlos was entitled to a front-row seat, but lacked a reservation. He led his companions to a private room before heading backstage to encourage his students before their performance.