Chapter 684

"Mom, try not to lose your temper. That woman's triumph is fleeting. She doesn't deserve the title of Mrs. Tanner," Arianna said intensely. Eloise was startled. "Arianna, what are you going to do? Don't touch her. You know how your father is."

Eloise could handle that woman herself, but if she interfered, Joseph would find out. She had been outwardly kind to him for years, but her patience had been in vain. She didn't want to risk losing everything over a small matter. As Arianna said, she should control her anger. Her ultimate victory lay in dominating the Tanner family. The winner of this battle remained uncertain.

"Mom, don't worry. I won't do anything. Fate will decide what happens," Arianna said with a light smile, taking a sip of wine. Then, she seemed to remember something.

"Mom, is Uncle Derrick unwell? You and Aunt Stephanie are close. Have you seen him lately?"

Eloise shook her head. "I've been there twice, but Aunt Stephanie said he needed rest. She sent our regards, but I haven't seen him. Why do you ask?"

"It's nothing. I overheard Dad saying Uncle Derrick doesn't have much time left."

This seemed to surprise Eloise, suggesting Joseph's statement was true. Why hide it unless it held some truth? "What?!" Eloise exclaimed, "No way! If that's true, the Tanner family and company affairs must be arranged immediately. But the living room was silent when I checked!"

"Maybe they aren't ready to make arrangements yet?" Arianna said pointedly. "Mom, is Benedict back? I heard he disappeared."

"Did your father say that?"

Arianna shook her head. "No, a friend told me. He said Benedict is missing, which is why Uncle Derrick fell ill. Apparently, Benedict went south of Middle Valley to find something, then lost contact. Uncle Derrick secretly sent someone to look for him, but there's been no news. It's very likely that…"

Rubbing her neck, she continued, "Maybe that triggered Uncle Derrick's illness. Since you visited recently, did you notice anything different about Aunt Stephanie? Her behavior and words wouldn't show any flaws if that were true, but she'd have to show some emotion. After thinking it over, Eloise frowned. "That does remind me of something. Aunt Stephanie's health hasn't been good; she rarely went out for years, but she's been going out more frequently lately. She's also been visiting the company and meeting with directors. She didn't mention Benedict"

"Maybe Derrick really is dying?" Eloise's hands trembled, splashing red wine from her glass.

"If so, your father will act quickly. Arianna, if Damian gets the Tanner Corporation, we're finished! How will we live?"

Arianna took her mother's hand. "Mom, that little brat won't succeed. The priority isn't dealing with him, but winning people over in the company. Several are already on my side. Only a few in upper management are difficult. But if Uncle Derrick and Benedict are out of the picture, that's good news for me!"

That little brat wouldn't be able to cause much trouble. With his inexperience, who would follow him? He'd soon learn that the higher he climbs, the harder he'll fall!