Chapter 8

Deep down, Derrick blamed himself for being too busy. A father should play an essential role in guiding his son, but Derrick had failed, and he knew he couldn't entirely blame anyone else. Stephanie, however, felt a chill run down her spine. She had treated Eloise like a sister, yet Eloise had maliciously led her son astray.

"Then we should"

"Wait. The drama's almost over," Derrick sighed, quietly gazing out the window at the setting sun.

Arianna was surprised to find her father in the living room when she arrived home—a rare occurrence. With a curious frown, she approached him.

"Dad, why are you here?"

"Where else should I be? I've been trying to reach you. Where were you?"

Joseph demanded angrily, "Don't you know reporters have been hounding your brother? Shouldn't you be working on a solution? Where the hell were you?"

"I was looking for a solution!" Arianna handed her jacket to a housekeeper and said solemnly, "Dad, the reporters aren't just targeting Damian. They're also at the hospital where Naomi Schiffer is. There was nothing I could do there. If we'd gotten her to change her statement earlier, it would have been easier. But now, after Damian's outburst, even if she recants, people will think she's been pressured. That won't help us."

Joseph nodded, acknowledging her point. "What should we do then?"

"We need to prove our perfumes are safe. I've arranged to send the remaining perfumes—newly manufactured, and some from the last batch—to the lab for random testing. We'll have the report by tomorrow afternoon. We can clear the company's name then."

She poured a glass of water and drank it quickly, clearly thirsty. "I handled things today. I had to rush there before they closed, doing it myself to ensure everything went smoothly."

Joseph was relieved. He sighed. "Thank goodness you knew what to do. You're right. If the lab results are clear, the rumors will stop, and we can even countersue Naomi for slander. She deserves it for making statements without proof."

"I agree," Arianna nodded. "Just be patient until the report's out. As for Damian, we should ask him to stay home for two days."

"Okay." Calmer now, Joseph saw how exhausted Arianna was and felt pity. "Ari, you're all we have for the next two days. I know you're capable, and I'm counting on you to help your brother. He's still inexperienced; look out for him."

"I will, Dad!" Arianna poured another glass of water and drank it, a cold smile playing on her lips. That bastard caused all this trouble, and Dad still wants to give him the company! He even asked for my help! On what grounds? Everything the Tanners own will be mine. All of it!